Novel synthesis of some heterocycles and their molluscicidal activity against the destructive land snail, Theba pisana

Abstract

Abstract Background Terrestrial snails, specifically Theba pisana, represent significant agricultural pests in the Mediterranean region, particularly in Egypt. They are gastropods that cause substantial damage to a variety of vegetation, rendering them important agricultural pests that result in economic losses. In response, we have developed unique and non-toxic molluscicides. The study assessed nine novel heterocycles compared with methomyl as a reference compound, to study their molluscicidal effects on T. pisana. These heterocycles include 2-pyrazolines, 2-oxocyclohex-3-ene, and 3-cyano-2-ethoxypyridine. Results The obtained data revealed that the majority of the produced chemicals were remarkably effective against T. pisana snails, exhibiting different degrees of toxicity seven days post-treatment. Methomyl exhibited the highest toxicity, followed by prop-2-en-1-one and 1-thiocarbamoyl-2-pyrazoline derivatives, with LC50 values of 44.14, 59.54, and 72.00 ppm, respectively. Conclusions These findings will inform the potential of these synthetic compounds as one of the sources for molluscicide development and their integration into pest management strategies. Graphical Abstract