The diacylhydrazines, also known as bisacylhydrazines (BAHs) or dibenzoylhydrazines are appropriately substituted derivatives of dibenzoyl hydrazine.

The insecticidal activity of RH-5849 was discovered serendipitously in 1984 at Rohm and Haas, who later commercialised tebufenozide methoxyfenozide, and halofenozide.

[2] Many plants produce chemicals (phytoecdysteroids) which use this mode of action to kill insects.

Crystal structures of BAHs bound to the ecdysone receptor were obtained.

Both tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide were registered by the EPA under its Reduced Risk Pesticide Program.