Advancements Toward the Manufacturing Route for the Fungicide Haviza

Despite significant recent advances in agricultural solutions, diseases caused by fungal pathogens lead to estimated crop losses of 10-20% each year. Asian soybean rust, caused by the fungi Phakopsora pachyrhizi (PHAKPA), is a disease which leads to widespread loss of soybean crops. The fungicide Haviza (metarylpicoxamid) has been developed by Corteva Agriscience to control this pathogen. Metarylpicoxamid is a stereochemically complex active ingredient. One of the isomers was found to be most active and was chosen for development. This resulted in the need for a highly selective and efficient synthetic process to deliver a product capable of maximum disease control and minimal application rates. Additionally, sustainability and cost were important drivers for process development. Details about the selection and development of the synthetic routes for Haviza will be discussed.