Pesticidal Efficacy of Innovative Heterocyclic Tosyl Esters: Design, Synthesis, Biochemical Assessment, and DFT Calculation

Abstract

Developing new pesticide led compounds to minimize the escalating resistance of agricultural pests which raised by the extensive use of agrochemicals is highly desirable. A series of novel heterocyclic tosyl esters was designed, synthesized, and characterized via different spectral analyses. The pesticidal potential of the thiazolidinone, thiazole, thiophene, and chromene derivatives against Aphis gossypii (Glover) and Tetranychus urticae (Koch) was assessed. The effect of the most potent derivatives on the enzyme activity of both tested pests was also examined. Thiazolidinone derivative 4 was the most effective against either pests, exhibiting significant pesticidal activity that was comparable to or superior to that of standard pesticides. The DFT study was performed for the most potent compounds. The results indicate that these recently synthesized compounds could be effective alternatives in pest controlling strategies.