Benzoic acid methyl ester, also called as methyl benzoate (MB), is a naturally - occurring volatile organic compound (VOC) existing as a floral fragrance in many plants, exhibited potent toxicity against several insect pests. The arthropod repellent, DEET, is also a benzoic acid ester. They share the same chemical skeleton; differing by the diethylamide ester and a methyl group found on the benzene ring in DEET. However, DEET does not kill insects; instead, it deters or repels them. How DEET causes the repellent effect in target organisms is still a mystery. Our laboratory behavior bioassays show that MB and some analogs with different ester groups kill insects in different life stages through contact and inhalation exposure. Both ester moiety and aromatic substitution of MB analogs can greatly affect toxicity. Due to the structural similarity to DEET, exploring the structure - activity relationship (SAR) of the MB analogs will provide useful information for the discovery of the mode and mechanistic actions of DEET as an insect repellent. Further, the SAR will allow scientists to modify the chemical structure of the MB molecule, leading to the development of more efficient, safe, and environmentally - friendly green pesticides.
