Fused Pyrroles in Cholestane and Norcholestane Side Chains: Acaricidal and Plant Growth-Promoting Effects

Abstract

Herein, we describe the synthesis and characterization of fused pyrroles in cholestane and norcholestane side chains derived from kryptogenin and diosgenin, respectively. Both conventional and microwave heating techniques were used to synthesize the steroidal pyrroles from primary amines, with the microwave method producing the highest yields. In particular, the norcholestane pyrroles were tested as acaricides against the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) under laboratory conditions and as plant growth promoters on habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq) under greenhouse conditions.

Keywords

• fused pyrroles
• microwave synthesis
• norcholestanes
• acaricide activity
• growth-promoting activity