3D-quantitative structure-activity relationship study of organophosphate compounds

The biological effects of most organophosphate compounds (OP) are arising by inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The 3D-quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) on the acute toxicity to housefly (Musca nobulo L.) of 35 dialkyl phenyl phosphate compounds are studied by using comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity index analysis (CoMSIA) methods, and the reaction mechanism between the OP and the AChE are discussed. In contrast to classical QSAR methods, CoMFA and CoMSIA, especially the combination of both approaches, can give more comprehensive and accurate perspectives on the mechanism of the reaction between OP and AChE. The results show that the length of alkyl, and the electronegative of substituent on phenyl of OP have significant effects on the AChE activity, whereas, the hydrophobicity of OP has little influence. The steric and electronic properties of OP have a dominant influence on the reaction between OP and AChE.