Synthesis and biological activity of novel N′-tert-butyl-N′-substituted benzoyl-N-(substituted phenyl)aminocarbonylhydrazines and their derivatives

Benzyl chloroformate was synthesised by the reaction of benzyl alcohol and triphosgene in good yield for the first time. N-tert-Butyl-N-substituted benzoylhydrazines were prepared in a new and convenient procedure with good yields. A series of novel N′-tert-butyl-N′-substituted benzoyl-N-(substituted phenyl)aminocarbonylhydrazines and their derivatives were synthesised and evaluated for molting hormone mimicking activity. The results of bioassays showed that the title compounds exhibit good larvicidal activities and toxicity assays indicated that the title compounds can induce a premature, abnormal and lethal larval molt. We have found that the title compounds possess potential anticancer activities.