ABSTRACT
Chalcones commonly referred to as 1,3-diphenyl-2-propen-1-ones, are organic compounds belonging to the class of ketones, characterized by a structure containing a three-carbon α, β-unsaturated carbonyl group (-C=C-C=O) linked to two aromatic rings. They are known over the years for their diverse biological activities and potential pharmaceutical applications as well as their Nematicides and Insect Deterrents Activity. Chalcones exist in either the cis or trans configuration, with the trans isomer being thermodynamically more stable compared to the cis counterpart.
Various methods can be employed in the synthesis of chalcone, for this research work the Clasien Schmidt condensation reaction method was employed and it involved the reaction between an aldehyde ( para-chlorobenzaldehyde) and ketone ( para-methoxy-acetophenone) to produce Sample E and reaction between para-chlorobenzaldehyde and para-nitro-acetophenone to produce Sample F both synthesis occurred in the presence of a base and an acid and the reaction temperature kept below 10°C. Melting point determination of both product obtained was done as well as determination of pesticidal effect of the chalcones at different concentrations (2% w/v and 5% w/v).
The result obtained from the pesticidal activity of the syntheized chalcones showed pesticidal activity for both chalcones at the different concentrations and at different time intervals. The pesticidal activity of Sample F was higher than that of Sample E at same concentration. This study used dichloromethane as control.
There are various health implication and environmental damage from the use of harmful pesticides like the organochlorines and the likes to get rid of pests. Chalcones shows a promising result as an pesticide and should be screened futher to determine their level of toxicity so as they can be employed as pesticides.
