Spinosad
[CAS# 131929-60-7]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical pesticide >> Insecticide >> Organochlorine insecticide
• Name: Spinosad
• Synonyms: Spinosyn A; 2-{(6-Deoxy-2,3,4-tri-O-methyl-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl)oxy}-13-{{5-(dimethylamino)tetr ahydro-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-yl}oxy}-9-ethyl-2,3,3a,5a,5b,6,9,10,11,12,13,14,16a,16b-t etradecahydro-14-methyl-1H-as-Indaceno{3,2-d}oxacyclododecin-7,15-dione
• Molecular Formula: C₄₁H₆₅NO₁₀
• Molecular Weight: 731.96
• CAS Registry Number: 131929-60-7
• EC Number: 620-162-1
• SMILES: CC[C@H]1CCC[C@@H]([C@H](C(=O)C2=C[C@H]3[C@@H]4C[C@@H](C[C@H]4C=C[C@H]3[C@@H]2CC(=O)O1)O[C@H]5[C@@H]([C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H](O5)C)OC)OC)OC)C)O[C@H]6CC[C@@H]([C@H](O6)C)N(C)C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS09 Warning
• Risk Statements: H400-H410
• Safety Statements: P273-P391-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400

Discovery and Applications

Spinosad is a natural insecticide derived from the fermentation of the bacterium Saccharopolyspora spinosa. It was first discovered in the late 1980s by researchers at Dow AgroSciences, who were exploring new bioactive compounds with insecticidal properties. The compound is primarily composed of two active ingredients, spinosyn A and spinosyn D, which are produced during the fermentation process. These compounds exhibit a unique mode of action that disrupts the nervous system of insects, making spinosad effective against a wide range of agricultural pests.

The discovery of spinosad marked a significant advancement in the field of pest control, as it offered an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional synthetic insecticides. Unlike many chemical insecticides, spinosad is derived from natural sources and has a lower toxicity to non-target organisms, including beneficial insects and mammals. This characteristic has made it an appealing choice for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies in both agricultural and horticultural applications.

Spinosad's efficacy as an insecticide is attributed to its ability to bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the nervous systems of insects. This binding results in the overstimulation of these receptors, leading to paralysis and death of the pest. Spinosad is effective against a variety of insects, including caterpillars, thrips, and leaf miners, and is commonly used in the cultivation of crops such as vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants.

In addition to its use in agriculture, spinosad has found applications in the treatment of household pests. Formulations containing spinosad are used to control pests such as ants, cockroaches, and fleas, providing effective solutions for pest management in residential settings. The compound's low toxicity profile allows for its use in sensitive environments, including organic farming, where it is approved for use under organic certification standards.

Research continues to explore the potential of spinosad in new applications and formulations. Studies are being conducted to evaluate its effectiveness in controlling emerging pest populations and its compatibility with other pest management practices. The ongoing development of spinosad-based products aims to enhance its efficacy and extend its use across various sectors, further solidifying its position as a valuable tool in sustainable agriculture and pest management.

References

2023. Spinosyn A and Its Derivative Inhibit Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth. Journal of Natural Products, 86(9), 2134-2142.
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00276

2024. Spinosyn A exerts anti-tumorigenic effects on breast cancer cells. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 171, 116156.
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116156

2021. Naturally-occurring spinosyn A as argininosuccinate synthase activator. Nature Communications, 12(1), 2263.
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22235-8