Unprecedented novel 2‐aryl‐1‐phenethyl‐4,5‐diphenyl‐ <scp> 1 <i>H</i> </scp> ‐imidazole compounds: Design, synthesis, toxicological activity, and biochemical studies

Abstract BACKGROUND The exponential rise in resistance to conventional chemical pesticides is a major motivator for the creation of novel insecticidal activity. To get over this barrier, it is essential to look for novel insecticidal chemical types with unique modes of action. Several new imidazole compounds with a carboxylic acid were created, manufactured, and examined for their insecticidal and acaricidal effects in an effort to find new agrochemicals with noteworthy pesticidal qualities. RESULTS p ‐toluenesulfonic acid was utilized as a catalytic compound in a one‐pot, four‐component reaction involving diphenylethane‐1,2‐dione, phenylethylamine, aromatic carbaldehydes, and NH 4 Ac to effectively synthesize polysubstituted imidazole derivatives 5–11 under microwave irradiation (200 W, 100 °C) for 5–7 min. The structure of all the designed materials was recognized via elemental and spectral ( 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR) analyses. The insecticidal efficiency of the imidazoles obtained was evaluated against Aphis gossypii . All tested compounds exhibited insecticidal activity with varied LC 50 values. The derivative 8 showed the highest insecticidal activity, closest to that of imidacloprid, followed by 5 , across both nymph and adult stages. Additionally, a biochemical study was conducted to scrutinize the effects of the three most active imidazoles, 5 , 6 and 8 , on the total protein, total lipid, amylase, Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), acid and alkaline phosphatase of the insect. CONCLUSION The data of the contemporaneous study indicate that the tested imidazoles have strong potential for presence in integrated pest management programs targeting A. gossypii . © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.