Phthalic Acid Diamide: Flubendiamide

Flubendiamide represents the chemical class of benzene-1,2-dicarboxamides which has been developed to effectively control a broad spectrum of lepidopteran insect pests. The synthesis of flubendiamide and selected aspects of structure–activity relationships in this chemical class are described. The characteristic symptoms of contraction paralysis observed in treated larvae point to a novel mode of action interfering with muscular function. Specifically, flubendiamide targets ryanodine-sensitive calcium release channels (ryanodine receptors, RyR) in the endoplasmic reticulum. Importantly, activation of calcium release by flubendiamide is specific to insects. Mammalian ryanodine receptors are not affected which most likely explains the favorable toxicological profile of flubendiamide.