Relationships Between Structure and Insecticidal Activity of Some Organotin Compounds

The toxicities of 42 organotin compounds applied topically to house, flies (Musca domestica L.) were examined. The LD50 values were determined on a molar basis in order to compensate for the large variations in molecular weight due to the diversity of organic radicals. Maximum toxicity was obtained with the trisubstituted organotin compounds. Unsymmetrical trivinyltins were of the same magnitude of toxicity as their saturated and symmetrical counterparts. The anionic species in the trisubstituted organotins call be variable and probably contribute little to the toxicities manifested by these compounds. The nature of the aliphatic substituents also is not critical to toxicity. Di- and tetrasubstituted organotins are of similar toxicity whereas the monosubstituted organotins are least toxic. In the disubstituted organotins the nature of the anion appears to affect the toxicity of the compounds.