Triflumezopyrim: Discovery and Optimization of a Mesoionic Insecticide for Rice

Triflumezopyrim is an extremely effective hopper insecticide with low impact on non-target organisms including pollinators. This unique class of mesoionic chemistry targets the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor , inducing a physiological action which is distinct from that of neonicotinoids. The discovery, synthesis, optimization and mode of action will be discussed.