The discovery of dinotefuran: a novel neonicotinoid.

Dinotefuran (MTI-446: (RS)-1-methyl-2-nitro-3-(tetrahydro-3-furylmethyl)guanidine) is a new neonicotinoid commercialized by Mitsui Chemicals. Research led to this novel neonicotinoid by the removal of the chloropyridine or chlorothiazole ring that had been considered as indispensable for neonicotinoides. The research advanced as follows; (1) selection of acetylcholine for the lead compound, (2) recognition of the insecticidal advantages of 3-methoxypropyl compounds, (3) synthesis of (+/-)-tetrahydro-3-furylmethyl compounds by cyclization of the 3-methoxypropyl moiety.