Synthetic Methodology

Pesticide produced from Saccharopolyspora spinosa that can effectively combat pests in many fruits and vegetables plantations. Traditional chemical pesticides negatively impact the environment and human health and allow pests to become resistant. Spinosad is readily biodegradable, has low mammalian and avian toxicity, and does not pose risks of groundwater contamination. Saccharopolyspora spinosa metabolizes spinosyn A and D (commonly known as Spinosad), which kills insects by attacking their neural systems.

Dow/Corteva™ developed a biopesticide for pests in tree fruits, tree nuts, small fruits, and vegetables called Spinetoram. Corteva™ used the principles of green chemistry to develop a synthetic pathway for the synthesis of spinetoram. Spinetoram is a combination of 3'-O-ethyl-5,6-dihydro spinosyn J and 3'O-ethyl spinosyn L and can be produced in a low-impact synthetic route from spinosyns J and L. These two compounds are naturally occurring fermentation products with minimal environmental damage. Most catalysts, solvents, and catalysts in the synthesis process are recycled.