More than 25% of existing chemical pesticides contain one or more chiral centres (stereogenic centres). . Newer pesticides with lower application rates tend to have more complex structures, and thus more often contain chiral centres. In cases when most or all of the pesticidal activity in a new compound is found in one enantiomer (the eutomer), the registration and use of the compound as this single enantiomer is preferred. This reduces the total application rate and avoids the tedious environmental testing required when registering a racemate. However, if a viable enantioselective manufacturing route cannot be found, then the racemate is registered and used.
More than 25% of existing chemical pesticides contain one or more chiral centres (stereogenic centres). . Newer pesticides with lower application rates tend to have more complex structures, and thus more often contain chiral centres. In cases when most or all of the pesticidal activity in a new compound is found in one enantiomer (the eutomer), the registration and use of the compound as this single enantiomer is preferred. This reduces the total application rate and avoids the tedious environmental testing required when registering a racemate. However, if a viable enantioselective manufacturing route cannot be found, then the racemate is registered and used.