AbstractDinotefuran (MTI‐446: (RS)‐1‐methyl‐2‐nitro‐3‐(tetrahydro‐3‐furylmethyl)guanidine) is a new neonicotinoid commercialized by Mitsui Chemicals. Research led to this novel neonicotinoid by the removal of the chloropyridine or chlorothiazole ring that had been considered as indispensable for neonicotinoides. The research advanced as follows; (1) selection of acetylcholine for the lead compound, (2) recognition of the insecticidal advantages of 3‐methoxypropyl compounds, (3) synthesis of (±)‐tetrahydro‐3‐furylmethyl compounds by cyclization of the 3‐methoxypropyl moiety. It resulted in dinotefuran which has a (±)‐tetrahydro‐3‐furylmethyl moiety instead of a halogenated aromatic heterocyclic ring, and belongs to the third‐generation neonicotinoids (sub‐class: furanicotinyl compounds). Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry