Influence of lipophilicity in O-acyl and O-alkyl derivatives of juglone and lawsone: a structure-activity relationship study in the search for natural herbicide models

BACKGROUNDNaphthoquinones are known for their broad range of biological activities. Given the increasing demands of consumers in relation to food quality and growing concerns about the impact of synthetic herbicides, it is necessary to search for new agrochemicals. Natural products and allelopathy provide new alternatives for the development of pesticides with lower toxicity and greater environmental compatibility. RESULTSA structure-activity relationship to evaluate the effect of bioavailability was performed. A total of 44 O-acyl and O-alkyl derivatives of juglone and lawsone with different linear chain lengths were prepared. These compounds were tested on etiolated wheat coleoptiles, standard target species (STS) and four weeds, Echinochloa crus-galli L., Lolium rigidum Gaud., Lolium perenne L. and Avena fatua L. The results showed a strong influence of lipophilicity and, in most cases, the data fitted a logP-dependent quadratic mathematical model. CONCLUSIONThe effects produced were mostly stunting and necrosis caused by growth inhibition. The potential structure and activity behaviour is described. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry