repellentan

Repellentan is a synthetic repellent developed for pest control. It is used in consumer products such as skin-applied repellents, veterinary sprays, and agricultural dispersals to deter insects, ticks, and other arthropods.

Chemically, repellentan is described as a volatile lipophilic organic compound in the class of synthetic terpenoid esters. It is sparingly soluble in water and is formulated in oil bases, lotions, or slow-release matrices for skin adhesion or prolonged action.

Mechanism: It acts on the insect olfactory system, binding to odorant receptors or modulating sensory channels, triggering avoidance behaviors at low concentrations.

Applications: Personal repellents, veterinary products, fabrics, spatial repellents, and some crop formulations. Efficacy is concentration- and species-dependent.

Safety and regulation: Human exposure is generally low risk but can cause skin irritation or sensitization in some individuals. It is not for ingestion. Regulatory status varies by country, with labels detailing approved concentrations and usage. Environmental effects include potential persistence; ecotoxicology assessments are required.

History: First described in early 2000s literature and has since been studied for efficacy, safety, and formulation optimization.