A novel class of insecticidal alkylsulfones are potent inhibitors of vesicular acetylcholine transport

The discovery of novel chemical classes with novel modes of action for insect control form the backbone of innovation with the goal to deliver much‐needed solutions into the hands of growers. Over the last decade, alkyl sulfones have emerged as one of the most versatile new classes and are under intensive investigation in many R&D programs in the industry, with Sumitomo Chemicals recently introducing oxazosulfyl as a first active ingredient to the market. In this review, we discuss some of our strategies to invent novel classes based upon ligand‐based design, and also show how incorporation of physical chemical properties into our design enabled us to predictably control chewing and sucking pests. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Alkyl sulfones: discovery of novel structural types with differentiated opportunities for insect control

Edmunds,

Muehlebach,

Jung

et al. 2024

Recent innovations in crop protection research

Maienfisch,

Koerber

2024

As the world's population continues to grow and demand for food increases, the agricultural industry faces the challenge of producing higher yields while ensuring the safety and quality of harvests, operators, and consumers. The emergence of resistance, pest shifts, and stricter regulatory requirements also urgently calls for further advances in crop protection and the discovery of new innovative products for sustainable crop protection. This study reviews recent highlights in innovation as presented at the 15th IUPAC International Congress of Crop Protection Chemistry held in New Delhi, in 2023. The following new products are discussed: the insecticides Indazapyroxamet, Dimpropyridaz and Fenmezoditiaz, the fungicides Mefentrifluconazole and Pyridachlomethyl, the nematicide Cyclobutrifluram, the herbicides Rimisoxafen, Dimesulfazet, and Epyrifenacil as well as the abiotic stress management product Anisiflupurin. In addition, the latest innovative research areas and discovery highlights in all areas of crop protection will be presented, including insecticidal alkyl sulfones and 1,3,4‐trisubstituted pyrazoles, fungicidal picolinamides, herbicidal ketoenols, and trifluoromethylpyrazoles, as well as the latest advances in crop enhancement and green pest control research. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Alkylsulfones: novel chemical scaffolds targeting the vesicular acetylcholine transporter usher in a new generation of insecticides

Holland,

Crossthwaite

2024

Insecticides targeting the nervous system have been the most widely used to control arthropod pests due to their fast onset of action leading to efficient crop protection. With their continued use, resistance has and will become an inevitable challenge that demands continued efforts in identifying and developing new insecticidal chemistries acting on novel targets. In a recent publication, the results of a comprehensive study investigating the mode of action of novel chemical scaffolds based on the 2‐(3‐ethylsulfonyl‐2‐pyridyl)‐heterocycles, alkylsulfones, was presented, concluding that their primary target is the vesicular acetylcholine transporter. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.