Synthesis and acaricidal activity of 4‐pyrimidinyloxy‐ and 4‐pyrimidinylaminoethylphenyl dioxolanes and oxime ethers

Novel types of mitochondrial respiration inhibitors at complex I, with emphasis on acaricidal activity, have been designed and prepared. The synthetic approach to these 4-pyrimidinylphenyl ethyl ethers and amines with a specific ketal or oxime function in the phenyl side chain is outlined. Bioassays demonstrate their high potential against important spider mites, like Tetranychus urticae and Panonychus ulmi. Structure–activity relationship studies and several biological parameters are discussed. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry