New Chemical Compounds for Protecting Crops from Fungal Diseases

A patent describing a specific family of chemical compounds designed to kill or inhibit the growth of fungi that damage agricultural crops.

What it covers

This patent defines a class of complex organic molecules called N-hetaryl(thio)carbonyl-2-(benzocycloalken-1-yl)cyclamines. These molecules are engineered to act as fungicides, meaning they disrupt the biological processes of fungi that cause plant diseases. The structure consists of a central ring system (piperidine or pyrrolidine) attached to a benzocycloalkene group and a specific heterocyclyl group. By applying these compounds to crops, farmers can prevent or treat infections caused by phytopathogenic fungi, which are organisms that feed on plant tissue.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover naturally occurring fungicides or biological control agents like beneficial bacteria.
• —Does not cover chemical structures that fall outside the specific molecular formula (I) defined in the claims.
• —Does not cover methods for manufacturing the chemical that deviate from the specific synthetic pathways implied by the intermediate compounds.
• —Does not cover the application of these chemicals to non-plant targets or non-fungal pathogens.

The clever bit

The innovation lies in the specific arrangement of the heterocyclyl group attached to the cyclamine core, which creates a precise molecular shape capable of binding to and inhibiting essential fungal enzymes while maintaining stability in field conditions.

Why it matters

Fungal diseases are a primary cause of crop loss globally, threatening food security and farm profitability. Companies like Bayer invest in these proprietary chemical structures to develop more effective, targeted treatments that require lower application rates or offer better resistance management compared to older, generic fungicides.

Real-world examples

• 1.Experimental agricultural fungicide formulations
• 2.Crop protection products for cereal and vegetable farming