INSECTICIDAL 1H-CYCLOPENTATETRAHYDRO[B]BENZOFURANS FROM AGLAIA-ODORATA

Bioassay-directed separation of a methanolic extract of the leaves of Aglaia odorata led to the isolation of a known cyclopentatetrahydrobenzofuran, rocaglamide, along with its congeners, desmethylrocaglamide, methyl rocaglate and rocaglaol. The structures of the three new compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidence and by comparisons of their H-1 NMR data with those of rocaglamide. Rocaglamide and methyl rocaglate exhibited potent insecticidal activity both through growth inhibition and contact toxicity to the variegated cutworm, Peridroma saucia.