Rotenone
Rotenone is one of the oldest naturally occurring ketonic compounds, derived from the roots of Lonchocarpus species . Rotenone is the trivial name of the main chemical component of certain plants of the Derris, Lonchocarpus, Tephrosia and Mundulea species. It has a molecular formula of C23H22O6 and a molecular weight 394.
Rotenone works by inhibiting cellular respiration, specifically targeting the mitochondrial electron transport chain (Complex I), which disrupts energy production in cells. This makes it effective for pest control in agriculture and fisheries (e.g., to eliminate invasive fish species).
Rotenone is an excellent organic pesticide used in home gardens for insect control, for lice and ticks on pets, and fish eradications as part of water body management.
Synthesis of Rotenone
From Tubaic Acid (Sasaki and Yamashita (1979)
Synthesis of Rotenone from Derritol
