Technical Overview of Flutolanil (CAS 66332-96-5): Applications in Phytopathology and Systemic Fungicidal Efficacy

Introduction to Flutolanil

Flutolanil (CAS No. 66332-96-5) is a highly selective systemic fungicide extensively used in agricultural science, phytopathology research, and crop protection programs. Chemically identified as α,α,α-trifluoro-3'-isopropoxy-o-toluanilide, Flutolanil belongs to the acylanilide class of fungicides and functions as a powerful Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor (SDHI).

Due to its excellent activity against Rhizoctonia species and other Basidiomycete fungi, Flutolanil has become one of the most widely studied fungicides for soil-borne disease management in rice, potato, turfgrass, and horticultural applications.

Researchers and procurement specialists frequently search for this product using the following names:

  • Flutolanil
  • Flutolanil Technical
  • Flutolanil Fungicide
  • Moncut
  • Monceren
  • N-[3-(1-methylethoxy)phenyl]-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide
  • SDHI fungicide
  • CAS 66332-96-5
  • Flutolanil pesticide intermediate
  • Agricultural fungicide Flutolanil

Chemical Information and Technical Specifications

PropertySpecification
Product NameFlutolanil
CAS Number66332-96-5
Molecular FormulaC17H16F3NO2
Molecular Weight323.31 g/mol
Chemical ClassAcylanilide Fungicide
AppearanceWhite to Off-White Crystalline Powder
Purity (HPLC)≥95%
ApplicationAgricultural Fungicide / Research Chemical

Finetech Industry Limited  supplies high-quality Flutolanil for agricultural research, analytical testing, and industrial formulation development.


Mechanism of Action of Flutolanil

Flutolanil functions as a Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor (SDHI fungicide) by targeting mitochondrial Complex II within fungal cells. The compound interrupts the electron transport chain and inhibits succinate dehydrogenase activity, thereby blocking ATP synthesis and energy production.

The core biochemical process affected by Flutolanil can be represented as:

Succinate+𝑄Fumarate+𝑄𝐻2

By disrupting fungal respiration, Flutolanil effectively suppresses mycelial growth and prevents disease progression.

Research published in Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology demonstrated that Flutolanil exhibits species-selective inhibition of fungal mitochondrial respiration while maintaining comparatively low phytotoxicity and mammalian toxicity (Motoba et al., 1988).


Major Agricultural Applications of Flutolanil

1. Control of Rhizoctonia solani

Flutolanil is globally recognized as one of the most effective fungicides for controlling Rhizoctonia solani, a destructive soil-borne fungal pathogen affecting multiple crops.

In rice cultivation, Flutolanil is extensively used against:

  • Rice sheath blight
  • Root rot diseases
  • Seedling damping-off

Its systemic translocation properties enable long-lasting protection throughout plant tissues.


2. Turfgrass and Ornamental Disease Management

In turf management and golf course maintenance, Flutolanil is widely applied for the treatment of:

  • Brown Patch
  • Fairy Ring
  • Large Patch Disease

Its low phytotoxicity profile makes it suitable for high-value turfgrass systems and ornamental landscapes.

According to turf pathology studies, Flutolanil effectively inhibits sclerotia germination and provides durable disease suppression in managed turf environments (Couch, 1995).


3. Potato Disease Protection

Flutolanil is also commonly used in potato agriculture to manage:

  • Black Scurf
  • Stem Canker
  • Tuber-borne fungal infections

Seed tuber treatment with Flutolanil contributes to improved emergence uniformity and higher commercial yield quality.


Importance in Phytopathology and Fungicide Resistance Research

Due to its well-characterized SDHI mechanism, Flutolanil is widely used in:

  • Fungicide resistance studies
  • Mitochondrial respiration research
  • Plant pathology screening
  • Agrochemical formulation development
  • Comparative SDHI fungicide evaluation

Researchers frequently utilize Flutolanil as a reference compound for studying fungal metabolic pathways and resistance-associated mutations in succinate dehydrogenase genes.


Environmental and Toxicological Profile

Flutolanil is commonly incorporated into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems because of its relatively favorable environmental and toxicological profile.

Studies indicate that the compound demonstrates:

  • Low toxicity to birds
  • Low toxicity to honeybees
  • Low toxicity to earthworms
  • Moderate environmental persistence with microbial soil degradation pathways

Its aerobic biodegradation characteristics reduce the likelihood of excessive long-term accumulation in agricultural soils.


Why Choose Finetech Industry Limited for Flutolanil Supply

As a professional supplier of research chemicals and agrochemical intermediates,Finetech Industry Limited provides Flutolanil manufactured under strict quality management procedures.

Our Flutolanil products are suitable for:

  • Agricultural R&D laboratories
  • Fungicide formulation manufacturers
  • University research institutions
  • Analytical testing laboratories
  • Crop protection studies

Comprehensive analytical support documentation is available, including:

  • HPLC 
  • NMR 
  • COA
  • MSDS

Conclusion

Flutolanil (CAS 66332-96-5) remains an important systemic SDHI fungicide in modern agricultural chemistry. Its selective inhibition of fungal mitochondrial respiration, outstanding activity against Rhizoctonia pathogens, and broad applicability in crop protection continue to support its value in both commercial agriculture and scientific research.

With reliable efficacy, favorable toxicological characteristics, and extensive research applications, Flutolanil continues to be a key fungicide for phytopathology and agrochemical innovation worldwide.


References

  1. Motoba, K., et al. “Species-specific inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase by the fungicide flutolanil.” Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 1988.
  2. Couch, H. B. Diseases of Turfgrasses. Krieger Publishing Company, 1995.
  3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Pesticide Fact Sheet: Flutolanil.
  4. Tomlin, C. The Pesticide Manual, British Crop Protection Council (BCPC).