Synthesis of novel derivatives of camptothecin as potential insecticides

In an attempt to find the biorational pesticides, a series of novel camptothecin derivatives were synthesized via a simple modification of the carbodiimide method using the combination of scandium triflate (Sc(OTf)(3)) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), and their structures were identified by IR, ESR, HRMS and (1)H NMR. Their antifeedant effect and insecticidal activity against third-instar larva of Mythimna separate were examined. The results of preliminary bioassays showed that these compounds exhibited less potent antifeedant activity than camptothecin. Also, all of these derivatives of camptothecin showed delayed insecticidal activity, which differs from traditional neurotoxic insecticides. The results suggested that 20-hydroxyl group in the camptothecin derivatives is essential to keep the insecticidal activity and nature of the substitutes has a major impact on insecticidal activity of these compounds. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.