Partition, sorption and structure activity relation study of dialkoxybenzenes that modulate insect behavior

•Volatility (Kg/l) of dialkoxybenzenes generally scaled inversely with molar volume.•Log Ko/w of dialkoxybenzenes generally scaled inversely with molar volume.•Exceptions were the diethoxybenzenes, especially the para-congener.•Para-diethoxybenzene is more hydrophobic than diallyloxy- or dipropoxybenzene.•A conformational effect appears responsible for the anomalous behavior of p-diethoxybenzene.

Some dialkoxybenzenes are promising new insect control agents. These compounds mimic naturally occurring odorants that modulate insect behavior. Before applying these compounds, however, their persistence and biodegradability at the application site and in the environment should be understood. The fate of organic compounds in the environment is a complex phenomenon which is influenced by many processes such as sorption to soil components, sedimentation, volatilization, and uptake by plants, as well as biotic and abiotic chemical degradation. In this study, the octanol–water partition coefficient, volatility and sorption on soil components (sand, clay and organic matter) of selected dialkoxybenzenes as well as structure activity relationships with regard to partition, volatility and sorption were investigated. Additionally, calculations of partition, molar volume and molecular surface areas were done, to understand structure–activity relationships of the physical properties.