INSECTICIDAL PROPERTIES OF BENZOFURAN-2-CARBOXYLIC ACID-DERIVATIVES

A series of amides and esters of substituted benzo[b]furan-2-carboxyli c acids have been synthesised, and their activity against adult sweet potato weevils, Cylas formicarius elegantulus (Summer) studied. The to pical insecticidal potency of these compounds was compared in acetone solution and in a mixture of piperonyl butoxide (PB) and acetone (0.05 +/- 99.95 by volume). The compounds were much more active when admini stered in the acetone/PB mixture, and exhibited 48-h LD50 values rangi ng from 1.7 to 26.6 mu g per insect. The most active compound, yrazol- 1-ylcarbonyl)-6-methoxy-3-methylbenzofuran, was equiactive with techni cal grade dimethoate (in acetone/PB) on a weight basis. (C) 1998 SCI.