Simple Synthesis of Mite Pheromone β-Acaridial and Its Analogs in the Secretion of Caloglyphus polyphyllae (Acari: Acaridae)

A simple synthesis of β-acaridial [(E)-1], the active principle of the sex, alarm and aggregation pheromone among astigmatid mites, was achieved in 5 steps from 1,2,4-butanetriol 2 in a 19% overall yield. Its analog, β-acariolal 8, was also prepared in a 63% yield by oxidation of the intermediate, β-acaridiol [(E)-7], with pyridinium dichromate (PDC). This synthetic route also gave β-(Z)-acaridiol [(Z)-7] by using a Z-selective base in the Wittig reaction. (Z)-7 was oxidized to give a new monoterpene, β-(Z)-acaridial [(Z)-1], which was detected as a trace component in the secretion of Caloglyphus polyphyllae, together with 8.     

Induction of allergic contact dermatitis by astigmatid mite-derived monoterpene, alpha-acaridial

α-Acaridial [2(E)-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)butenedial] is a novel monoterpene secreted from the house dust mites. Because of its molecular nature of a highly reactive, small lipidic compound, we addressed whether α-acaridial might function as a haptenic allergen that induced allergic contact dermatitis. Mice sensitized with α-acaridial were challenged by the same antigen on the ear skin. After 2 days, significant ear swelling with a prominent infiltration of CD4⁺ T lymphocytes was observed. In vitro, α-acaridial exhibited an outstanding ability to quickly interact with and chemically modify a reference protein. Virtually all cysteine residues and a sizable fraction of lysine residues were found to be selectively modified, suggesting that α-acaridial could potentially interact with any proteins. Previously, numerous mite-derived proteinaceous allergens have been associated with contact dermatitis. Our study now emphasizes that small lipidic compounds released from mites comprise a new class of mite allergens, and therefore, is of significant medical implications.     

Ionylideneacetic Acids and Abscisic Acid Biosynthesis by Cercospora rosicola

Several compounds having the basic α-ionylideneacetic acid structure were tested in Cercospora rosicola resuspensions. At 100 μm, all the compounds inhibited abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis. Time studies with unlabelled and deuterated (2Z,4E)- and (2E,4E)-α-ionylideneacetic acids showed rapid conversions into both (2Z,4E)- and (2E,4E)-4′-keto-α-ionylideneacetic acids as major products. Incorporation of the label into ABA was specific for the 2Z,4E-isomer. Minor products, identified by GC-MS, were (2Z,4E)- and (2E,4E)-4′-hydroxy-α-ionylideneacetic acids and (2Z,4E)-1′-hydroxy-α-ionylideneacetic acid. The conversion to (2Z,4E)-l′-hydroxy-α-ionylideneacetic acid has not been previously reported and was specific for the 2Z,4E-isomer. A time study for the conversion of methyl esters of [²H₃]-(2Z,4E)- and [²H₃]-(2E,4E)-4′-keto-α-ionylideneacetates showed a slow introduction of the l′-hydroxyl group and specificity for 2Z,4E-isomer. Conversion of the ethyl esters of (2Z,4E)- and (2E,4E)-l′-hydroxy-α-ionylideneacetates into the ethyl esters of both ABA and (2E,4E)-ABA demonstrated that ABA can be formed by oxidation of the 4′-position after the insertion of the 1′-hydroxy group. The ethyl 1′-hydroxy acids were also isomerized to the corresponding ethyl (2Z,4E)- and ethyl (2E,4E)-3′-hydroxy-β-ionylideneacetates. Ethyl (2Z,4E)-1′-hydroxy acid also gave small amounts of ethyl l′,4′-trans-diol of ABA. These results suggest that ABA may be formed through a (2Z,4E)-1′-hydroxy-α-ionylidene-type intermediate in addition to the previously proposed route through (2Z,4E)-4′-keto-α-ionylideneacetic acid.     

Synthesis of (3E, 5Z)-3,5-Dodecadienylacetate,the Sex Pheromone of Phtheochroa cranaodes (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

(3E, 5Z)-3,5-Dodecadienyl acetate, the female sex pheromone of Phtheochroa cranaodes, was regio and stereo-selectively synthesized from 1-octyne and (E)-4-bromo-3-buten-1-ol by using Pd(PPh₃)₄, CuI and piperidine to afford the enyne (5). Further elaboration afforded the target pheromone. The synthetic pheromone was identified with the natural product by its MS and IR, data GLC retention time and biological activity.     

Syntheses of Alarm Pheromone Analogues of the Mold Mite,Tyrophagus putrescentiae,and Their Biological Activities

Against the mold mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, 3,7-dimethyl-(Z)-2-octenyl formate (II) is the most active compound as an alarm pheromone besides the natural pheromone, neryl formate (I), and this activity is equal to I (1-10 ppm). In order to elucidate the structural requisites for inducing alarm pheromone activity, a total of 16 analogues of I were prepared by modifying the structure of II. For preparation of 3-methyl- and 3-ethyl-(Z)-2-alkenyl formates, the Wittig reaction of ethoxy- or methoxy-carbonylmethylene triphenyl phosphorane with 2-alkanone or 3-alkanone was used. The reaction with 2-alkanone gave a mixture of (Z)-2-alkenoate (ca. 40%) and (E)-2-alkenoate (ca. 60%) in an average 60% yield. The reaction with 3-alkanone gave a mixture of (Z)-2-alkenoate (56%) and (E)-2-alkenonate (44%).

Alarm pheromone activities were demonstrated on 14 compounds of (Z)-2-alkenyl formates. The presence of the (Z)-allylic primary alcohol formate moiety in a molecule was clarified as the key to induce pheromone activity, and no necessity for an acyclic monoterpene carbon skeleton was demonstrated.     

Bioconversion of β-myrcene to perillene by Pleurotus ostreatus

Submerged cultures of Pleurotus ostreatus, when supplemented with β-myrcene, produced perillene, a rare furanoid monoterpene with a unique flowery citrus-like flavour. The major volatile products of the conversion were identified from which a substantiated conversion pathway has been derived. The isomeric epoxides 1,2- and 3,10-epoxymyrcene were found among the first enzymatic oxidation products. An unusual opening of both oxirane rings to the E/Z isomers of α-acaridiol was thought to be key to the fungal formation of perillene. Further oxidation of α-(Z)-acaridiol via the corresponding hydroxyaldehydes and lactols resulted in perillene formation. A new natural compound, 3-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-ol (α,α-acarilactol), was among the transformation products.     

The Influences of Jasmonic Acid Methyl Ester on Microtubules in Potato Cells and Formation of Potato Tubers

Amides in a CH₂Cl₂ extract from the fruits of Piper retrofractum were detected by HPLC/APCI-MS. Seven new unsaturated amides, together with six known ones, were isolated, and their structures were determined to be N-isobutyl-2E,4E,12Z-octadecatrienamide (1), N-isobutyl-2E,4E,14Z-eicosatrienamide (2), 1-(octadeca-2E,4E,12Z-trienoyl)piperidine (3), 1-(eicosa-2E,4E,14Z-trienoyl)piperidine (4), 1-(octadeca-2E,4E-dienoyl)piperidine (5), 1-(eicosa-2E,4E-dienoyl)piperidine (6), and 1-(eicosa-2E,14Z-dienoyl)piperidine (7) on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence.     

Farnesyl and α-Ionylideneethyl Tertiary and Quaternary Amines: Their Influence on Abscisic Acid Biosynthesis by Cercospora rosicola

Farnesyl and α-ionylideneethyl compounds with tertiary and quaternary amine functional groups were synthesized and their effects on abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis of Cercospora rosicola observed. The trimethylammonium compounds were lethal at 10 μm and inhibitory at 10 μm, but lesser amounts of α-ionylideneethyltrimethylammonium iodide enhanced ABA biosynthesis. N,N-Dimethylfarnesylamine had little effect on ABA biosynthesis. N,N-Dimethyl (2Z,4E)- and (2E,4E)-α-ionylideneethylamines inhibited ABA biosynthesis at 100 μm but had no or little effect at lower concentrations. Farnesol and farnesylpyrophosphate (FPP) enhanced ABA biosynthesis. FPP appears to be both a precursor and an inducer and farnesol is an inducer of ABA biosynthesis. N,N-Dimethyl (2Z,4E)- and (2E,4E)-α-ionylideneethylamines were converted to N,N-dimethyl (2Z,4E)- and (2E,4E)-4′-keto-α-ionylideneethylamines, respectively. These conversions are analogous to those reported for α-ionone and α-ionylideneacetic acids and show that basic as well as acidic and neutral compounds with α-ionone type rings can undergo oxidation at the 4′-position. α-Ionylideneacetic acids inhibited growth of C. rosicola and the dimethylamines enhanced growth. Complete feedback inhibition was obtained with 400 μm of ABA.     

Identification of a pheromone blend attractive to Manduca sexta (L.) males in a wind tunnel

Analyses of solvent rinses of the external surfaces of pheromone glands excised from calling female tobacco hornworm moths, Manduca sexta (L.), revealed the presence of the following compounds: (Z)-9-hexadecenal, (Z)-11-hexadecenal, (E)-11-hexadecenal, hexadecanal, (E,Z)-10,12-hexadecadienal, (E,E)-10,12-hexadecadienal, (E,E,Z)-10,12,14-hexadecatrienal, (E,E,E,)-10,12,14-hexadecatrienal, (Z)-11-octadecenal, (Z)-13-octadecenal, octadecanal, and (Z,Z)-11,13-octadecadienal. The two trienals were identified by mass and PMR spectral analyses and by ozonolyses, and their structures were confirmed by synthesis. In a wind tunnel male tobacco hornworm moths exhibit the same behaviors in response to a synthetic blend of all of the components, the gland rinse, or a calling female. Both (E,Z)-10,12-hexadecadienal and (E,E,Z)-10,12,14-hexadecatrienal are required to stimulate males to complete the characteristic behavioral sequence: anemotaxis, approaching and touching the pheromone source, and bending their abdomens in apparent copulatory attempts. The other components of the blend may play more subtle roles.     

Utilization of Bacterial Xanthine Oxidase for Inorganic Phosphorus Determination

Two host-specific phytotoxic metabolites, AK-toxin I and II, were isolated from a culture broth of Alternaria alternata Japanese pear pathotype, the fungus causing black spot disease of susceptible Japanese pear cultivars. From chemical, spectral and X-ray crystallographic data, AK-toxin I was characterized as 8-(2′S, 3′S)-2′-acetylamino-3′-methyl-3′-phenyl-propionyloxy]-(8R,9S)-9,10-epoxy-9-methyl-deca-(2E,4Z,6E)-trienoic acid. The structure of AK-toxin II was also assigned to be 3′-demethyl derivative of AK-toxin I by comparing the spectral data with those of AK-toxin I.     

Cynasibirolide A,One New Humulanolide Sesquiterpene from Cynanchum acutum subsp. sibiricum

Cynasibirolide A ( 1 ), one new humulanolide sesquiterpene, together with four known analogs, asteriscanolide ( 2 ), (1S,8S)-8-hydroxyhumula-2Z,6E,9E-trien-1,12-olide ( 3 ), (1S,7R)-8-oxohumula-2Z,9E-dien-1,12-olide ( 4 ), and (+)-6,7,9,10-tetrahydroasteriscunolide ( 5 ) were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Cynanchum acutum subsp. sibiricum. Their structures and configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 2D-NMR techniques, and the structure of 1 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All compounds were evaluated for their anti-complementary activity in vitro, and compound 3 exhibited anti-complement effect with CH₅₀ value of 0.45 mM.     

Enantiotopically Selective Oxidation of 1,5-Diols with Gluconobacters Preparation of (S)-Mevalonolactone

(±)-(2Z,4E)-α-Ionylideneacetic acid (2) was enantioselectively oxidized to (?)-(l′S)-(2Z,4E)-4′-hydroxy-α-ionylideneacetic acid (3), (+)-(1′R)-(2Z,4E)-4′-oxo-α-ionylideneacetic acid (4) and (+)-abscisic acid (ABA) (1) by Cercospora cruenta IFO 6164, which can produce (+)-ABA and (+)-4′-oxo-α-acid 4. This metabolism was confirmed by the incorporation of radioactivity from (±)-(2-¹⁴C)-(2Z,4E)-α-acid 2 into three metabolites. (?)-4′-Hydroxy-α-acid 3 was a diastereoisomeric mixture consisting of major 1′,4′-trance-4′-hydroxy-α-acid 3a and minor 1′,4′-cis-4′-hydroxy-α-acid 3b. These structures, 3a and 3b, were confirmed by ¹³C-NMR and ¹H-NMR analysis. Also, the enantioselectivity of the microbial oxidation was reexamined by using optically pure α-acid (+)-2 and (?)-2, as the substrates.     

Isolation and spectral characterization of thermally generated multi-Z-isomers of lycopene and the theoretically preferred pathway to di-Z-isomers

Lycopene has a large number of geometric isomers caused by E/Z isomerization at arbitrary sites within the 11 conjugated double bonds, offering varying characteristics related to features such as antioxidant capacity and bioavailability. However, the geometric structures of only a few lycopene Z-isomers have been thoroughly identified from natural sources. In this study, seven multi-Z-isomers of lycopene, (9Z,13′Z)-, (5Z,13Z,9′Z)-, (9Z,9′Z)-, (5Z,13′Z)-, (5Z,9′Z)-, (5Z,9Z,5′Z)-, and (5Z,9Z)-lycopene, were obtained from tomato samples by thermal isomerization, and then isolated by elaborate chromatography, and fully assigned using proton nuclear magnetic resonance. Moreover, the theoretically preferred pathway from (all-E)-lycopene to di-Z-isomers was examined with a computational approach using a Gaussian program. Fine-tuning of the HPLC separation conditions led to the discovery of novel multi-Z-isomers, and whose formation was supported by advanced theoretical calculations.     

Distribution of l-Leucine-pyruvate Transaminase in Bacteria

Dodecadien-1-ols, tetradecadien-1-ols and hexadecadien-1-ols with a conjugated (E,E)- or (E)-diene system between the ωl,ω3- and ω5, ω7-positions, their acetates, and aldeh?de derivatives (lepidopterous sex pheromones and candidates) were analyzed by electron impact mass spectrometry, which was operated at 70 eV ionization voltage. Three functional derivatives with a same diene system presented a similar spectral pattern, except for the molecular ions (M⁺), [M ? H₂O]⁺ of the alcohols and [M ? CH₃CO₂H]⁺ of the acetates. Each isomer showed a characteristic fragment ion series of C_nH_2n?2⁺ ~C_nH_2n?5⁺ (C₄~C₉), which reflected the double-bond position in the molecule, indicating a method for determining the position of a natural diene pheromone by comparing its mass spectrum with those of the synthetic dienes. By this method, the natural pheromone of Hellula undalis was confirmed to be a ω3, ω5-diene. Furthermore, the fitness indexes proposed by Kuwahara et al. were calculated for some pheromone components, using the mass spectra of synthetic dienes, in order to examine the possibility and limitation for applications of those mass spectra to natural pheromone studies.     

Influence of the solvent in low temperature glycosylations with O-(2,3,5,6-tetra-O-benzyl-β-d-galactofuranosyl) trichloroacetimidate for 1,2-cis α-d-galactofuranosylation

Glycosylation studies for the construction of 1,2-cis α-linkages with O-(2,3,5,6-tetra-O-benzyl-β-d-galactofuranosyl) trichloroacetimidate (1) and several acceptors, including d-mannosyl and l-rhamnosyl derivatives were performed. The reactions were conducted at low temperatures using CH₂Cl₂, Et₂O, and acetonitrile as solvents. A non-participating solvent such as CH₂Cl₂ at −78 °C, favored the α-d-configuration. In contrast, acetonitrile strongly favored the β-d-configuration, whereas no selectivities were observed with Et₂O. The use of thiophene as an additive did not enhance the α-d-selectivity as in the pyranose counterpart. Although selectivities strongly depended on the acceptor, trichloroacetimidate 1 constitutes a valuable donor for the synthesis of α-d-Galf-(1→2)-l-Rha and α-d-Galf-(1→6)-d-Man. As these motifs are present in pathogenic microorganisms, these procedures described here are useful for the straightforward synthesis of natural oligosaccharides.     

β-turn tendency in N-methylated peptides with dehydrophenylalanine residue: DFT study

The tendency to adopt β‐turn conformation by model dipeptides with α,β‐dehydrophenylalanine (ΔPhe) residue in the gas phase and in solution is investigated by theoretical methods. We pay special attention to a dependence of conformational properties on the side‐chain configuration of dehydro residue and the influence of N‐methylation on β‐turn stability. An extensive computational study of the conformational preferences of Z and E isomers of dipeptides Ac‐Gly‐(E/Z)‐ΔPhe‐NHMe ( 1a / 1b ) and Ac‐Gly‐(E/Z)‐ΔPhe‐NMe₂ ( 2a / 2b ) by B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) and MP2/6‐311++G(d,p) methods is reported. It is shown that, in agreement with experimental data, Ac‐Gly‐(Z)‐ΔPhe‐NHMe has a great tendency to adopt β‐turn conformation. In the gas phase the type II β‐turn is preferred, whereas in the polar environment, the type I. On the other hand, dehydro residue in Ac‐Gly‐(E)‐ΔPhe‐NHMe has a preference to adopt extended conformations in all environments. N‐methylation of C‐terminal amide group, which prevents the formation of 1←4 intramolecular hydrogen bond, change dramatically the conformational properties of studied dehydropeptides. Especially, the tendency to adopt β‐turn conformations is much weaker for the N‐methylated Z isomer (Ac‐Gly‐(Z)‐ΔPhe‐NMe₂), both in vacuo and in the polar environment. On the contrary, N‐methylated E isomer (Ac‐Gly‐(E)‐ΔPhe‐NMe₂) can easier adopt β‐turn conformation, but the backbone torsion angles (?₁, ψ₁, ?₂, ψ₂) are off the limits for common β‐turn types. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97:518–528, 2012.     

Synthesis of “Reversed” Methylenecyclopropane Analogues of Antiviral Phosphonates

Synthesis of “reversed” methylenecyclopropane analogues of nucleoside phosphonates 6a,7a, 6b, and 7b is described. 1-Bromo-1-bromomethylcyclopropane 8 was converted to the bromocyclopropyl phosphonate 9 by Michaelis-Arbuzov reaction with triisopropyl phosphite. Base-catalyzed β-elimination and deacetylation gave the key Z- and E-hydroxymethylcyclopropyl phosphonates 10 and 11 separated by chromatography. The Mitsunobu type of alkylation of 10 or 11 with adenine or 2-amino-6-chloropurine afforded phosphonates 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b. Acid hydrolysis furnished the adenine and guanine analogues 6a, 7a, 6b, and 7b. The E and Z configuration was assigned on the basis of NOE experiments with phosphonates 6b and 7b. All Z- and E-isomers were also distinguished by different chemical shifts of CH₂O or CH₂N (H₄ or H_4′). Significant differences of the chemical shifts of the cyclopropane C_3(3’) carbons and coupling constants ³J_P,C2(2’) or ³J_P,C3(3’) selective for the Z- or E-isomers were also noted. Phosphonates 6a, 7a, 6b, and 7b are devoid of significant antiviral activity.     

A general method for preparation of N‐Boc‐protected or N‐Fmoc‐protected α,β‐didehydropeptide building blocks and their use in the solid‐phase peptide synthesis

N‐(tert‐butyloxycarbonyl) or N‐(9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) dipeptides with C‐terminal (Z)‐α,β‐didehydrophenylalanine (?^ZPhe), (Z)‐α,β‐didehydrotyrosine (?^ZTyr), (Z)‐α,β‐didehydrotryptophan (?^ZTrp), (Z)‐α,β‐didehydromethionine (?^ZMet), (Z)‐α,β‐didehydroleucine (?^ZLeu), and (Z/E)‐α,β‐didehydroisoleucine (?^Z/EIle) were synthesised from their saturated analogues via oxidation of intermediate 2,5‐disubstituted‐oxazol‐5‐(4H)‐ones (also known as azlactones) with pyridinium tribromide followed by opening of the produced unsaturated oxazol‐5‐(4H)‐one derivatives in organic‐aqueous solution with a catalytic amount of trifluoroacetic acid or by a basic hydrolysis. In all cases, a very strong preference for Z isomers of α,β‐didehydro‐α‐amino acid residues was observed except of the ΔIle, which was obtained as the equimolar mixture of Z and E isomers. Reasons for the (Z)‐stereoselectivity and the increased stability of the aromatic α,β‐didehydro‐α‐amino acid residue oxazol‐5‐(4H)‐ones over the corresponding aliphatic ones are also discussed. It is the first use of such a procedure to synthesise peptides with the C‐terminal unsaturated residues and a peptide with 2 consecutive ΔPhe residues. This approach is very effective especially in the synthesis of peptides with aliphatic α,β‐didehydro‐α‐amino acid residues that are difficult to obtain by other methods. It allowed the first synthesis of the ?Met residue. It is also more cost‐effective and less laborious than other synthesis protocols. The dipeptide building blocks obtained were used in the solid‐phase synthesis of model peptides on a polystyrene‐based solid support. Peptides containing aromatic α,β‐didehydro‐α‐amino acid residues were obtained with PyBOP or TBTU as a coupling agent with good yields and purities. In the case of aliphatic α,β‐didehydro‐α‐amino acid residues, a good efficiency was achieved only with DPPA as a coupling agent.     

Design and engineering of whole-cell biocatalyst for efficient synthesis of (R)-citronellal

Bioproduction of optical pure (R)-citronellal from (E/Z)-citral at high substrate loading remains challenging. Low catalytic efficiency of (R)-stereoselective ene reductases towards crude citral mixture is one of the major bottlenecks. Herein, a structure-based engineering strategy was adopted to enhance the catalytic efficiency and stereoselectivity of an ene reductase (OYE2p) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae YJM1341 towards (E/Z)-citral. On basis of homologous modelling, molecular docking analysis and alanine scanning at the binding pocket of OYE2p, a mutant Y84A was obtained with simultaneous increase in catalytic efficiency and stereoselectivity. Furthermore, site-saturation mutagenesis of Y84 yielded seven mutants with improved activity and stereoselectivity in the (E/Z)-citral reduction. Among them, the variant Y84V exhibited an 18.3% and 71.3% rise in catalytic efficiency (k_cat/K_m) for (Z)-citral and (E)-citral respectively. Meanwhile, the stereoselectivity of Y84V was improved from 89.2% to 98.0% in the reduction in (E/Z)-citral. The docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulation of OYE2p and its variants revealed that the substitution Y84V enabled (E)-citral and (Z)-citral to bind with a smaller distance to the key hydrogen donors at a modified (R)-selective binding mode. The variant Y84V was then co-expressed with glucose dehydrogenase from Bacillus megaterium in E. coli D4, in which competing prim-alcohol dehydrogenase genes were deleted to prevent the undesired reduction in the aldehyde moiety of citral and citronellal. Employing this biocatalyst, 106 g l⁻¹ (E/Z)-citral was completely converted into (R)-citronellal with 95.4% ee value and a high space-time yield of 121.6 g l⁻¹ day⁻¹. The work highlights the synthetic potential of Y84V, which enabled the highest productivity of (R)-citronellal from (E/Z)-citral in high enantiopurity so far.     

Synthesis and Biological Activities of Novel (Z)-/(E)-Anisaldehyde-Based Oxime Ester Compounds

In search of novel natural product-based bioactive molecules, twenty (ten pairs) novel (Z)-/(E)-anisaldehyde-based oxime ester compounds were designed and synthesized by using anisaldehyde as starting material. Structural characterization of the target compounds was carried out by NMR, FT-IR, ESI-MS, and elemental analysis. Their herbicidal and antifungal activities were preliminarily tested. As a result, at 50 μg/mL, compound (E)- 5b exhibited excellent to good inhibition rates of 92.3 %, 79.2 %, and 73.9 %, against Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum, and Bipolaris maydis, respectively, better than or comparable to that of the positive control chlorothalonil. In addition, at 100 μg/mL, compounds (E)- 5b , (E)- 5f , (Z)- 5f and (E)- 5d exhibited excellent to good inhibition rates of 85.8 %, 82.9 %, 78.6 % and 64.2 %, respectively, against the root-growth of rape (B. campestris), much better than that of the positive control flumioxazin. The bioassay result also showed that the synthesized compounds had obvious differences in antifungal and herbicidal activities between (Z)- and (E)-isomers. Preliminary structure–activity relationship was also discussed by theoretical calculation.