Semisynthesis and Pesticidal Activities of Novel Cholesterol Ester Derivatives Containing Cinnamic Acid-like Fragments

Due to the extensive use of agrochemicals resulting in the emergence of pesticide resistance and ecological environment problems, the research and development of new alternatives for crop protection is highly desirable. In order to discover potent natural product-based insecticide candidates, a series of new cholesterol ester derivatives containing cinnamic acid-like fragments at the C-7 position were synthesized. Some derivatives showed potent pesticidal activities. Against Mythimna separata Walker, compounds 2a, Id, Ig, and IIg showed 2.1–2.4-fold growth-inhibitory activity of the precursor cholesterol. Against Plutella xylostella Linnaeus, compounds Ig, IIf, and IIi exhibited 1.9–2.1-fold insecticidal activity of cholesterol. These results will pave the way for the future synthesis of cholesterol-based derivatives as agrochemicals.