Synthesis of piperitone-derived halogenated lactones and their effect on aphid probing, feeding, and settling behavior

Five racemic and five enantiomeric pairs of new halolactones with the p-menthane system were obtained in two or three step synthesis from racemic and optically active cis- and trans-piperitols. The key steps of the syntheses were the Claisen-Johnson rearrangement of piperitols to γ,δ-unsaturated esters and haloloctonization of γ,δ-unsaturated esters or acids. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic and crystallographic data. Antifeedant activity of all iodo-, bromo- and chlorolactones and racemic piperitone against Myzus persicae was examinated. The effect of these compounds on probing, feeding, and settling behavior of M. persicae in vivo was studied.