Benzoylurea

Benzoylureas are chemical derivatives of N-benzoyl-N′-phenylurea (benzoylurea). They are best known for their use as insecticides.[1] They act as insect growth regulators by inhibiting synthesis of chitin in the insect's body.

Chemical structure of diflubenzuron, a commonly used benzoylurea insecticide

One of the more commonly used benzoylurea pesticides is diflubenzuron. Others include chlorfluazuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, and triflumuron. Lufenuron is the active compound in flea control medication for pet dogs and cats.

3-(Iodoacetamido)-benzoylurea (3-IAABU) is one of several benzoylurea compounds which have been investigated as potential anticancer agents. [2]

Environmental toxicity

When applied in a dispersed way, for example through fumigation or spraying, these chemicals have an effect against a wide range of insect species, some of which may be beneficial to human activities, including crop-pollinators such as bees. In addition, as with many insecticides, application may result in the killing of natural predators or controls along with the pest, risking the possibility of a 'rebound effect' or pest resurgence, where the original target for the treatment returns with equal or even greater voracity.

Flufenoxuron was banned in the European Union in 2011[3] due to its high potential for bioaccumulation in the food chain and high risk to aquatic organisms. Flufenoxuron is marketed as having 'high persistence' in the environment and the product data-sheet states that it does not biodegrade easily.[4]

References
  1. Junquera, Pablo; Hosking, Barry; Gameiro, Marta; Macdonald, Alicia (2019). "Benzoylphenyl ureas as veterinary antiparasitics. An overview and outlook with emphasis on efficacy, usage and resistance". Parasite. 26: 26. doi:10.1051/parasite/2019026. ISSN 1776-1042. PMC 6492539. PMID 31041897.
  2. Jiang, J. D.; Davis, A. S.; Middleton, K.; Ling, Y. H.; Perez-Soler, R.; Holland, J. F.; Bekesi, J. G. (1998-12-01). "3-(Iodoacetamido)-benzoylurea: a novel cancericidal tubulin ligand that inhibits microtubule polymerization, phosphorylates bcl-2, and induces apoptosis in tumor cells". Cancer Research. 58 (23): 5389–5395. PMID 9850070.
  3. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 942/2011 of 22 September 2011 concerning the non-approval of the active substance flufenoxuron
  4. BASF Cascade Product Details

Further reading
  • Lewis, W.H. and M.P.F. Elvin-Lewis. (2003). Medical Botany. Hoboken: Wiley. pg. 590
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