title: Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Novel Auxin Mimic Herbicides.
abstract: Due to the key roles of auxins as master regulators of plant growth, there is considerable interest in the development of compounds with auxin-like properties for growth management and weed control applications. Herein, we describe the design and multistep synthesis of ten compounds bearing combinations of functional groups commonly associated with auxin-type properties. Following synthesis, these compounds were tested against multiple weed species as well as sweet corn. In general, while these structures were not quite as active as commercial auxin mimic herbicides, multiple compounds exhibited broadleaf weed activity with concurrent selectivity in sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharum). In addition, differential results were observed upon subtle changes to structure, providing insights into the structural properties required for activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, The University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States.
authors.forename: Chi-Linh
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Do-Thanh
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant Sciences, The University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States.
authors.forename: Jose J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Vargas
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant Sciences, The University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States.
authors.forename: Joseph W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant Sciences, The University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States.|Global Herbicide Development Division, BASF Corporation , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States.
authors.forename: Gregory R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Armel
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, The University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States.
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Best
mesh_terms: D015195:Drug Design; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006540:Herbicides / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007210:Indoleacetic Acids / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D057685:Plant Weeds / Q000187:drug effects; D003313:Zea mays / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D006540:Herbicides; D007210:Indoleacetic Acids
keywords: auxins; plant growth; regulators; synthesis; weed science