Insecticidal Activity of Cyanohydrin and Monoterpenoid Compounds

Abstract

<p>The insecticidal activities of several cyanohydrins, cyanohydrin esters and monoterpenoid esters (including three monoterpenoid esters of a cyanohydrin) were evaluated. Topical toxicity to <em>Musca domestica</em> L. adults was examined, and testing of many compounds at 100 mg/fly resulted in 100% mortality. Topical LD50 values of four compounds for <em>M. domestica</em> were calculated. Testing of many of the reported compounds to brine shrimp (<em>Artemia franciscana</em> Kellog) resulted in 100% mortality at 10 ppm, and two compounds caused 100% mortality at 1 ppm. Aquatic LC50 values were calculated for five compounds for larvae of the yellow fever mosquito (<em>Aedes aegypti</em> (L.)). Monoterpenoid esters were among the most toxic compounds tested in topical and aquatic bioassays.</p>