# Cytogenotoxic Effects and Physicochemical and Molecular Profiles of Eugenol‐Derived Triazoles With Phytotoxic Potential

## TL;DR

This study tests eight eugenol-based compounds for their plant and cell toxicity, finding that two show strong herbicide potential similar to glyphosate.

## Contribution

The paper introduces eugenol-derived triazoles as novel herbicide candidates with alternative modes of action.

## Key findings

- Compounds 2b and 2e showed phytotoxicity comparable to glyphosate.
- 2b and 2e caused significant chromosomal and nuclear alterations in plants.
- Hydrophilic properties of 2b and 2e may enhance their herbicidal effectiveness.

## Abstract

Eight eugenol‐derived 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives (2a–2h) were evaluated for their phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic activities. Bioassays were performed using Lactuca sativa to assess macroscopic parameters, including germination percentage, germination speed index, and root growth (RG), as well as microscopic parameters, such as the mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal alteration (CA) and nuclear alteration (NA). Compounds 2b and 2e, bearing ortho‐bromine and meta‐chlorine substituents, respectively, exhibited the highest phytotoxic activity, with effects comparable to glyphosate. In contrast, 2c, 2d, 2f, 2g, and 2h, which contain other halogens and different aromatic patterns, stimulated RG. Cytogenetic analysis revealed that 2b and 2e significantly reduced the MI and increased NA and CA, indicating cytotoxic and genotoxic potential. Theoretical calculations of physicochemical properties showed that 2b, 2e, and 2g are hydrophilic. In contrast, the others are lipophilic, a feature that may influence their interaction with plant tissues and help explain the observed differences. Compared with glyphosate, the compounds 2b and 2e exhibited a variety of intermolecular interactions due to their hydrophilic behavior, resulting in lower docking energy and surpassing the quality and quantity of interactions observed with glyphosate itself. These findings highlight 2b and 2e as promising candidates for the development of herbicides with alternative modes of action.

The study evaluates the phyto and cytogenotoxic activity of eight eugenol‐derived triazole compounds in Lactuca sativa. Compounds 2b and 2e exhibit high phytotoxicity, comparable to glyphosate, as well as cytotoxic and genotoxic effects associated with their greater hydrophilicity, highlighting them as promising candidates for the development of herbicides with new modes of action.