Biobased lactams as novel arthropod repellents.

Enanatiomerically pure 4aS,7S,7aR and 4aS,7S,7aS-nepetalactams and their analogs have been prepared in just two steps from 4aS,7S,7aR and 4aS,7S,7aS-nepetalactones, major components of catnip oil. Lactams or cyclic amides from iridoid monoterpenes are generated and being evaluated as a new class of compounds as arthropod deterrents against disease vectors.

[Repellent activity against Aedes aegypti (L.) of formulas based on natural vegetable extracts or synthetic active agents]. / Attività repellente nei confronti di Aedes aegypti (L.) di formulati a base di estratti vegetali naturali o principi attivi di sintesi.

A comparison of 5 commercial mosquito repellents was made on adult male and female volunteers in laboratory trials. The products tested in forms of cream or lotion included 4 natural oil formulations (containing citronella, clover, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, peppermint, sandalwood, thyme, etc.) and 1 synthetic chemical repellent containing 10% KBR 3023). Natural oil products showed essentially poor or no repellency against Ae, aegypti: the protection times were less than or equal to 1 hour. Only the synthetic repellent based on KBR 3023 provided satisfactory defence to human volunteers.

Diethylamide of thujic acid: a potent repellent of Aedes aegypti.

A series of novel, representatively substituted amides of thujic acid were prepared and screened for insect repellent and attractant potential. In repel-lency tests the N,N-diethylamide was the most potent compound, surpassing the activity of the standard repellents dimethyl phthalate and fencholic acid. In contrast, the N-monoethylamide displayed attractant activity.