Metal complexes of Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) have been synthesized using N-acetylacetonyl-3-aminocoumarin as chelating agent. The ligand behaves as a monobasic tridentate ONO donor towards Ni(II) and as monobasic bidentate ON donor towards other cations. All the complexes have been proposed to have octahedral geometry on the basis of analytical, thermal conductivity, spectral and magnetic data. The complexes have been screened against Spodoptera litura; F (Lepidoptera: noctuiidae) for antifeeding and insect growth-regulating activities The results show appreciable antifeeding and insect growth-regulating activities associated with metal complexation at higher and lower doses respectively.

Keywords : Metal complexes; N-Acetylacetonyl-3-aminocoumarin; Antifeeding activity; Insect growth-regulating activity.

© 2010 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.