Thiamethoxam is the first commercial neonicotinoid insecticide from the thi
anicotinyl subclass. It was discovered in the course of our, optimisation p
rogram on neonicotinoids started in 1985. Novel variations of the nitroimin
o-heterocycle of imidacloprid led to 4-nitroimino-1,3,5-oxadiazinanes exhib
iting high insecticidal activity. Among these, thiamethoxam. (CGA 293433) w
as identified as the best compound and selected for worldwide development.
The compound can be synthesised in only a few steps and high yield from eas
ily accessible starting materials. Thiamethoxam. acts, by binding to nicoti
nic acetylcholine receptors., It exhibits exceptional systemic characterist
ics and provides excellent control of a broad range of commercially importa
nt pests, such as aphids, jassids,. whiteflies, thrips, rice hoppers, Color
ado potato beetle, flea beetles and wireworms, as well as some lepidopteran
species. In addition, a strong preventative effect on some virus transmiss
ions has been demonstrated. Thiamethoxam is developed both for foliar/soil
applications and as a seed treatment for use in most agricultural crops all
over the world. Low use rates, flexible application methods, excellent eff
icacy, long-lasting residual activity and favourable safety profile make th
is new insecticide well-suited for modern integrated pest management progra
mmes in many cropping systems. (C) 2001 Society of Chemical Industry.