Fluorolipids as targeted termiticides and biochemical probes

Alkyl diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols containing strategically located omega -fluoroalkyl or omega -fluoroacyl groups have been prepared and tested as delayed-action termiticides by using the Eastern subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes . Slow hydrolysis of omega -fluoroalkoxy moieties provides increased delay in toxicity at doses equivalent to those achieved with omega -fluoroacyl groups. Termites are killed by 20-200 ng of fluorolipid per individual for most compounds tested, with toxicity delays of 24-72 h and complete kill in 48-180 h. Thus, a mature colony of 60 000 termites could be eliminated with 1-10 mg of a properly administered fluorolipid. In addition to their potential economic importance, fluorolipids provide new insight into acyglycerol metabolism and transport in a primitive eusocial insect.