Chirality in Insecticide Design and Efficacy
Karla Irazú Ventura-Hernández, Enrique Delgado‐Alvarado, Tushar Janardan Pawar, José Luís Olivares-Romero
Abstract
Chirality plays a crucial role in the design and efficacy of insecticides, significantly influencing their biological activity, selectivity, and environmental impact. Recent advancements in chiral insecticides have focused on enhancing their effectiveness, reducing toxicity to nontarget organisms, and improving environmental sustainability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on chiral insecticides, including neonicotinoids, isoxazolines, and sulfiliminyls. We discuss the stereochemistry, synthetic development, mode of action, and environmental fate of these compounds. The review highlights the importance of chirality in optimizing insecticidal properties and underscores the need for continued research into novel chiral compounds and advanced synthesis technologies. By understanding the role of chirality, we can develop more effective and environmentally friendly insecticides for sustainable pest management.