Carl Deamicis

Neural network-based QSAR and insecticide discovery: spinetoram

Improvements in the efficacy and spectrum of the spinosyns, novel fermentation derived insecticide, has long been a goal within Dow AgroSciences. As large and complex fermentation products identifying specific modifications to the spinosyns likely to result in improved activity was a difficult process, since most modifications decreased the activity. A variety of approaches were investigated to identify new synthetic directions for the spinosyn chemistry including several explorations of the quantitative structure activity relationships (QSAR) of spinosyns, which initially were unsuccessful. However, application of artificial neural networks (ANN) to the spinosyn QSAR problem identified new directions for improved activity in the chemistry, which subsequent synthesis and testing confirmed. The ANN-based analogs coupled with other information on substitution effects resulting from spinosyn structure activity relationships lead to the discovery of spinetoram (XDE-175). Launched in late 2007, spinetoram provides both improved efficacy and an expanded spectrum while maintaining the exceptional environmental and toxicological profile already established for the spinosyn chemistry.

Comparison of preparative reversed phase liquid chromatography and countercurrent chromatography for the kilogram scale purification of crude spinetoram insecticide

Reversed phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) and high performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC) were compared for the pilot scale purification of two semi-synthetic spinosyns, spinetoram-J and spinetoram-L, the major components of the commercial insecticide spinetoram. Two, independently performed, 1 kg, purification campaigns were compared. Each method resulted in the isolation of both components at a purity of >97% and yields for spinetoram-J and spinetoram-L of >93% and ≥ 63% of theoretical, respectively. The HPCCC process produced a 2-fold higher throughput and consumed approximately 70% less solvent than preparative scale RP-HPLC, the volume of product containing fractions from HPCCC amounted to 7% of that produced by HPLC and so required much less post-run processing.

Synthesis of new compounds related to the commercial fungicide tricyclazole.

BACKGROUND Tricyclazole is a commercial fungicide used to control rice blast. As part of re-registration activities, samples of metabolites and process impurities are required. In addition, isotopically labeled tricyclazole samples are also required. RESULTS Four new compounds related to tricyclazole are reported. An isotopically labeled sample of tricyclazole was prepared that contained two (15)N atoms and one (13)C atom. Radiolabeled tricyclazole with (14)C at the triazole C3 position was also synthesized. A new process impurity in technical tricyclazole was identified and synthesized. A new metabolite of tricyclazole was identified, independently synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. CONCLUSION A previously unreported metabolite of tricyclazole has been identified and structurally characterized. In addition, a new process impurity has been identified by independent synthesis. Identification of these new compounds has facilitated the continued registration of this important fungicide.