z-logo
Premium
Synthesis of new tetronamides displaying inhibitory activity against bloom‐forming cyanobacteria
Author(s) -
Acosta Jaime AM,
Karak Milandip,
Barbosa Luiz CA,
Boukouvalas John,
Straforini Andrea,
Forlani Giuseppe
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.5580
Subject(s) - cyanobacteria , aldol reaction , biphenyl , chemistry , photosynthesis , adduct , biological activity , stereochemistry , biochemistry , biology , organic chemistry , in vitro , bacteria , catalysis , genetics
BACKGROUND The increasing frequency and intensity of cyanobacterial blooms pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems. These blooms produce potent toxins that can contaminate drinking water and endanger the life of wild and domestic animals as well as humans. Consequently, the development of effective methods for their control is a matter of high priority. We have previously shown that some γ‐benzylidenebutenolides, related to the rubrolide family of natural products, are capable of inhibiting the photosynthetic electron transport chain (Hill reaction), a target of commercial herbicides. Here we report the synthesis and biological properties of a new class of rubrolide‐inspired molecules featuring a tetronamide motif. RESULTS A total of 47  N ‐aryl tetronamides, including 38 aldol adducts, were prepared bearing phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl, aliphatic and heteroaromatic groups. Some of the aldol adducts were dehydrated to the corresponding γ‐benzylidenetetronamides, although satisfactory yields were obtained in only three cases (52–97%). None of the synthesized compounds were capable of blocking the Hill reaction. This notwithstanding, several aldol adducts equipped with a biphenyl substituent displayed excellent inhibitory activity against Synechococcus elongatus and other cyanobacterial strains (IC 50  = 1–5 μM). Further, these tetronamides were found to be essentially inactive against eukaryotic microorganisms. CONCLUSION Several newly synthesized biphenyl‐containing tetronamides were shown to display potent and selective inhibitory activity against cyanobacteria. These compounds appear to exert their biological effects without interfering with the Hill reaction. As such, they represent novel leads in the search of environmentally benign agents for controlling cyanobacterial blooms. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

This content is not available in your region!

Continue researching here.

Having issues? You can contact us here