Preparation and insecticidal activities of betulin‐cinnamic acid‐related hybrid compounds and insights into the stress response of Plutella xylostella L.

• DOI: 10.1002/ps.8785
• Publication Date: 2025-03-23T15:30:45Z
• Authors: Xiaobo Huang; Nan Hao; Lili Shu; Zhenyang Wei; Jiawei Shi; Yuee Tian; Genqiang Chen; Xinling Yang; Zhiping Che
• Keywords: Betulin; Cinnamic acid; Lead compound

Abstract BACKGROUND The emergence and increasing intensification of insect pest resistance greatly shortens the service life commercial insecticides. Hence, continuous development novel insecticides is extremely necessary. Discovering new insecticide molecules based on natural products with insecticidal activity has been a popular technique made outstanding contributions in this field. RESULTS A series betulin‐cinnamic acid‐related hybrid compounds was prepared by molecular hybridization through bridge acyloxy groups their chemical structures were unambiguously confirmed. Against A. pisum , 2e 3a‐3e 3g 3i 3j 3m showed complete antifeedant at 2 mg/mL; compound 5b exhibited 2.7 times aphicidal precursor betulin. P. xylostella 2l displayed 3.9 Meanwhile, some interesting structure–activity relationships obtained. Furthermore, could destroy ultrastructure midgut cells significantly inhibit α‐amylase larvae. Molecular docking indicated that lupane skeleton p ‐nitrocinnamoyloxy played key role binding to α‐amylase. CONCLUSION Compounds be further optimized structurally as secondary lead for discovery molecules. © 2025 Society Chemical Industry.