Protection of insect pheromones from degradation by ultraviolet radiation

Abstract

A substituted benzene compound of the following formula was found to protect an insect pheromone against ultraviolet (UV) radiation degradation ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is H or alkoxy group of 1 to 2 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is H or phenyl group, R.sub.3 is H, CN, or methylcarboxy group, R.sub.4 is alkyl group of 1 to 2 carbon atoms of straight chain or 2 to 6 carbon atoms with .beta.-substitution of alkyl or alkoxy group of 1 to 2 carbon atoms or .alpha.- and .beta.-OH substitutions. The UV absorbing compounds of the preceding formula significantly extended the biological activity and quality of the pheromone while at the same time remaining nontoxic to the insect and nondestructive of the environment.

Description