Fluvalinate[1] is a synthetic pyrethroid chemical compound contained as an active agent in the products Apistan,[2] Klartan, and Minadox, that is an acaricide (specifically, a miticide), commonly used to control Varroa mites in honey bee colonies,[citation needed] infestations that constitute a significant disease of such insects.
Fluvalinate is a stable, nonvolatile,[3] viscous, heavy oil (technical) soluble in organic solvents.[4]
Although the compound may be found in drones, a study has found honey samples virtually absent of fluvalinate, on account of its affinity to beeswax.[5][better source needed]
Stereoisomerism
Fluvalinate is synthesized from racemic valine [(RS)-valine], the synthesis is not diastereoselective. Thus, fluvalinate is a mixture of four stereoisomers, each about 25%.[6]
Fluvalinate stereoisomers
(R,R)-configuration
(S,S)-configuration
(S,R)-configuration
(R,S)-configuration
Tau-fluvalinate (τ-fluvalinate) is the trivial name for (2R)-fluvalinate. The C atom in the valinate structure is in (R)-absolute configuration, while the second chiral atom is a mixture of (R)- and (S)-configurations:[4]
Bessin R (2016). "Varroa Mites Infesting Honey Bee Colonies [Insect & Pest Info, Home & Health Pests, ENTFACT-608, April 2016 revision]". North Lexington, KY: University of Kentucky, Department of Entomology. Retrieved 28 August 2016. Apistan is a product available that will kill the mites and cause the mites to drop from the bees. … Apistan strips, which contain the miticide fluvalinate, are available from most large beekeeping suppliers and can be used both for detection and treatment of varroa infestations.