Synthesis of new plant growth regulator: N-(Fatty acid) O-aryloxyacetyl ethanolamine

N-(Fatty acyl) O-aryloxyacetyl ethanolamines, prepared from N-acylethanolamine (NAE) and aryloxyacetic acid, were tested for plant growth regulating activity. Compared with N-stearoylethanolamine, most compounds exhibit improved plant growth stimulating activity. In particular, those with chlorine on aryl ring show better activity than 2,4-dichlorophenyloxyacetic acid in stimulating hypocotyls elongation of rape which indicates that chlorine on aryl ring appears significant. Moreover, these derivatives display improved solubility.

Graphical abstractThe synthesis of the new plant growth regulator 1 is reported.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide