β-Methoxyacrylate derivatives represent a new class of pesticides, which have attracted increasing attention owing to their unique structure, broad biological activity, and unique mechanisms of action. They inhibit mitochondrial respiration via preventing electron transfer at the Qo site of the cytochrome bc1 complex and thus are identified as cyt bc1 inhibitors. A variety of β-methoxyacrylate derivatives have been reported by many research groups for discovery of novel pesticides with improved expected activities. This review focuses on development of β-methoxyacrylate derivatives with great significance as pesticides such as fungicides, acaricides, insecticides, herbicides, and antiviral agents. In addition, the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of β-methoxyacrylate derivatives are summarized. Moreover, the cause of resistance to β-methoxyacrylate fungicides and some solutions are also introduced. Finally, the development trend of β-methoxyacrylate derivatives as pesticides is explored. We hope the review will give a guide to develop novel β-methoxyacrylate pesticides in the future.
Keywords: SARs; cyt bc1 inhibitors; pesticides; β-methoxyacrylates.