Synthesis of Alkoxybenzenes and Alkoxyvinylbenzenes and Their Chemosterilizing and Toxic Activity on Planococcus citri(Horn., Pseudococcidae)

Abstract

Dialkoxy-, trialkoxy-, dialkoxyvinyl-, and trialkoxyvinylbenzenes were investigated for chemosterilant and toxic acitivity on Planococcus citri. The alkoxyvinylbenzenes were toxic; they reduced the egg production of the test insect. Dialkoxyvinylbenzenes decreased the number of eggs laid by females, but the chemosterilizing activity of the trialkoxy derivatives was not strong.

Larvae treated with 0.1% 1,5-diisopropoxy-4-vinylbenzene (6), 17% survived. The surviving females were strongly retarded in their growth (which was 56% of normal) and their egg production was reduced by 70%. Some of the small adults (43% of the surviving females) failed to form an ovisac and did not lay eggs at all.