Synthesis of substituted benzyl 2-methyl-2-phenylpropyl ethers and their moth-proofing activity on wool against larvae of Anthrenus fasciatus

• Published in: Pesticide science 1999-08, Vol.55 (8), p.850-856
• Main Authors: Acharya, C.W, Joshi, V
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: activity; Anthrenus; Anthrenus fasciatus; benzyl propyl ether; Biological and medical sciences; Dermestidae; efficacy; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; insect control; insecticides; Medically important nuisances and vectors, pests of stored products and materials: population survey and control; moth-proofing; Pests of materials and structures; synthesis; wool
• ISSN: 0031-613X; 1096-9063
• DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1096-9063(199908)55:8<850::AID-PS20>3.0.CO;2-L

Synthesis of new moth-proofing agents is necessary to overcome the damage caused by clothes moths and carpet beetles to hosiery and upholstery. In the present paper substituted benzyl 2-methyl-2-phenylpropyl ethers were synthesised and evaluated for moth-proofing activity. Two compounds were found to provide protection against larvae of Anthrenus fasciatus at levels of 1.0 and 10 g kg(-1) respectively. The introduction of a methyl group in the para position of the benzene ring attached to C(2) of the 2-methylpropyl chain (ring A) increased moth-proofing activity. The introduction of a phenoxy ring at the meta position of the benzyl nucleus (ring B) also increased activity, while the presence of a nitro group on the benzyl nucleus (ring B) decreased activity.