Alkyl and aryl neoalkanamides: highly effective insect repellents.

Alkyl and aryl neoalkanamides with a total carbon number between 11 and 14, or within a molecular weight range between 185 and 227, were highly effective repellents of male German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.). Comparison with known repellents showed that members of this unique family of secondary amides are among the most effective and long-lasting repellents of cockroaches examined to date. In assays with females and nymphs of the German cockroach, male American cockroaches, Periplaneta americana (L.), and carpenter ant workers, Camponotus pennsylvanicus (De Geer) methyl neodecanamide, propyl neodecanamide, and methyl neotridecanamide were found highly repellent. Because of their broad spectrum of activity, longevity, and safety, these compounds, along with several other members of this family, have important applications as repellents of nuisance pests and of arthropods of public health importance.