Synthesis and biological activity of a novel insecticide, benzpyrimoxan

Benzpyrimoxan, (5-(1,3-dioxan-2-yl)-4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)benzyloxy]pyrimidine), is a novel insecticide with a unique chemical structure that contains benzyloxy and cyclic acetal groups on the pyrimidine moiety. The compound showed molting inhibition and provided excellent residual efficacy against nymphs of rice plant hoppers, including populations that had developed resistance to the existing chemical groups of insecticides. In addition, benzpyrimoxan had low impacts on the natural enemies and honey bees, suitable for integrated pest management strategy. In this review the history of discovery to reach benzpyrimoxan, the discovery of insecticidal pyridine or pyrimidine derivatives as lead compounds, and the details of substituent optimizations are discussed.