Fluorinated sterols, hormones and pheromones: Enzyme‐targeted disruptants in insects

Substitution of fluorine for hydrogen in essential sterols, juvenile hormones, and pheromones can lead to materials that interfere with insect growth, development, or communication, in novel and potentially useful ways. Examples have been drawn from work in these areas to illustrate ( a ) fluorocitrate generation via dealkylation of 29‐fluorophytosterols; ( b ) fluoroacetate release by β‐oxidation of fatty alcohols and acids; ( c ) inhibition of juvenile hormone esterase by trifluoromethyl ketones; ( d ) inhibition of antennal esterases that hydrolyse acetate pheromones; and ( e ) sensory disruption by acyl fluorides that mimic aldehyde pheromones.