Farinomalein is a natural maleimide with formula C<sub>10</sub>H<sub>13</sub>NO<sub>4</sub> - was first isolated from the entomopathogenic fungus Isaria farinosa (Paecilomyces farinosus) - source H599 (Japan).
Farinomalein has shown potent and selective inhibition (0.15-5 üg/disk) against eight isolates of plant pathogenic Phytophthora sojae. These results suggest that farinomalein might be useful as a candidate pesticide for the treatment of Phytophthora stem rot in soybean.
A simple two-stage synthesis from the ó-hydroxybutenolide compound, 5-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-5(H)-furanone, has been reported. Firstly, the furanone is oxidized to 3-isopropylfuran-2,5-dione by DessâÂÂMartin periodinane, followed by acetic acid reflux with beta-alanine. The white powdered product has a melting point of 75-77 ðC.