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New Process for Synthesis of Insect Pheromones

Award Information
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Branch: N/A
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 34395
Amount: $50,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 1996
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
64550 Research Road
Bend, OR 97701
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Dr. Richard L. Pederson
 Principal Investigator
 () -
Business Contact
Phone: () -
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

This proposal is direct toward the development of a new, low-cost process for synthesizing insect pheromones. This process is based on the use of a novel, environmentally benign method using transition-metal catalysts, which should result in high yields of high-purity products.

The use of pheromones for insect control has been commerically practiced for 20 years via a technique known as mating disruption. Pheromones have several advantages over conventional insecticides: low toxicity, high target specificity, low usage rates, and relatively rapid regulatory approval. Although they are used at rates of only a few grams per acre, they are expensive chemicals, which has limited their widespread use in agriculture. The goal of this program is to develop a new synthesis method that can be used to produce pheromones for less than one-quarter the cost of conventional synthesis methods.

In the Phase I program, we will demonstrate the feasibility of using this new process to synthesize the codling moth pheromone. This program will include an analysis of economics and field demonstration of pheromone purity. If the Phase I program is successful, a detailed synthesis/separation process will be designed for development and demonstration at scale in Phase II.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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