Résumé
In order to determine the importance of the depsi bond present in natural destruxins, we have investigated the replacement of this ester bond by an amide bond, leading to a new family of analogues. Synthesis of six specific members of this new class of compounds is reported. Since none of these cyclopeptides showed any biological activity, we undoubtedly proved that the depside group is a requisite for insecticide effect.
In order to determine the importance of the depsi bond present in natural destruxins, we have synthesized six cyclopeptides where the ester bond has been replaced by an amide bond. This modification abolishes the insecticide effect.