Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Insecticidal Activity of Steroidal N-Piperidone

A series of steroidal piperidone derivatives were synthesized, and their agricultural activities were evaluated against Myzus persicae, Aphis citricola, Brevicoryne brassicae Linn., and Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). Most of the tested compounds exhibited potent insecticidal activity against these four pests. Compound I-9 displayed the highest activity against M. persicae, A. citricola, and Brevicoryne brassicae, with LC50 values of 11.3, 10.4, and 8.68 μg/mL, respectively. The mode of action test indicated that these derivatives had superior contact and systemic insecticidal activity against M. persicae. In addition, we initially explored whether the foregut and midgut might be the action sites of the target derivatives against M. persicae. Furthermore, a field trial showed that the control of compound I-9 was similar to that of acetamiprid against M. persicae, at a dose of 50 μg/mL; the control rates were 97.8 and 99.2% after 14 and 21 days, respectively. The structure-activity relationship of these analogues provided some important insights for the discovery and development of new insecticides to solve the current pesticide resistance crisis.