Mosquito repellents based on a natural chromene analogue with longer duration of action than N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET).

Abstract

Mosquito repellents play a major role in reducing bites and therefore mitigating transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. There is concern by some about the reported neurotoxic effects of the popular repellent DEET. Also, a product with longer effective activity after application is needed. This paper describes the synthesis and repellent activity of (2,2 dimethyl-2H-chromen-5-yl)methanol, a derivative of chromene amide that is a compound from the plant Amyris texana . This compound is more potent and provides longer duration of protection than DEET against Aedes aegypti (L.), the primary vector that transmits pathogens causing yellow and dengue fevers in humans.

• Authors: Kumudini M Meepagala, Ulrich R Bernier, Charles Burandt, Stephen O Duke
• Journal: Journal of agricultural and food chemistry (J Agric Food Chem) Vol. 61 Issue 39 Pg. 9293-7 (Oct 02 2013) ISSN: 1520-5118 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24006960 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• 2,2 dimethyl-2H-chromen-5-yl)methanol
• Benzopyrans
• Insect Repellents
• DEET

Topics

• Aedes (drug effects)
• Animals
• Anopheles (drug effects)
• Behavior, Animal (drug effects)
• Benzopyrans (chemical synthesis, pharmacology)
• DEET (pharmacology)
• Female
• Humans
• Insect Bites and Stings (prevention & control)
• Insect Repellents (chemical synthesis, pharmacology)
• Kinetics
• Osmolar Concentration