Efficacy of 4-methyl-7-hydroxy coumarin derivatives against vectors Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus.

4-Methyl-7-hydroxy coumarin is considered as a lead molecule as a biopesticide. Its mono bromo and tribromo derivatives were synthesized. Two more derivatives were synthesized by acylation. Compound 1 (3,6,8-tribromo-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-chromen-2-one) was found to be the most potent against IVth instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti the LC50 being 1.49 and 2.23 ppm respectively. It showed 100% larval mortality at 25 ppm against A. aegypti and at 10 ppm against C. quinquefasciatus. Compounds 1 and 2 (3,6,8-tribromo-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-chromen-2'-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl acetate) showed remarkable ovicidal activity. Significant reduction of 80-85% hatching of eggs of both mosquito species was observed at the highest dose of 100 ppm. The hatched larvae showed 100% mortality in the successive instars. Compounds 3 and 4 (3-bromo-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-chromen-2-one and 3-bromo-4-methyl-2'-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl acetate) showed moderate activity against both mosquito species.