First synthesis of unusual natural product could revive forgotten eco-friendly insecticide class

The first ever total synthesis of perseanol – a bridged polycyclic, highly oxidised natural product and potential insecticide – was achieved in only 16 steps. Its unusual structure is related to another natural pesticide that was produced on a multi-tonne scale 70 years ago but has since fallen out of favour. Now, the first biological tests on the synthesised material might finally reveal how perseanol can kill insect pests and revive this class of more eco-friendly insecticides.