Graphical abstract Highlights • Novel anthranilic diamides derivatives Ia-k were designed and synthesized. • LC 50 value of If against diamondback moth was 0.0046 mg L−1, better than that of the commercial chlorantraniliprole. • Sulfone group in the title compounds played an important role in the insecticidal activity. • Ryanodine receptor (RyR) is the potential biochemical target of these novel title compounds. Abstract Anthranilic diamide insecticide could control lepidopteran pests by selectively binding and activating insect ryanodine receptors (RyRs), and the unique mode of action is different from other conventional insecticides. In order to discover new anthranilic diamide insecticide as ryanodine receptors activators, a series of 11 novel anthranilic diamides derivatives (Ia-k) were synthesized and confirmed by melting point, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and elemental analyses. The preliminary bioactivity revealed that most title compounds showed moderate to remarkable activities against oriental armyworm (Mythimna separata) and diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). Especially, compounds Ia and If , which exhibited 100% larvicidal activity against oriental armyworm at 1.0 mg L−1, and comparable to that of chlorantraniliprole (100% at 1 mg L−1). If displayed 60% insecticidal activity against diamondback moth at 0.01 mg L−1, better than chlorantraniliprole (45% at 0.01 mg L−1). The preliminary structure activity relationships were discussed. In addition, the calcium imaging experiment indicated that the insect ryanodine receptor is the potential target of If. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]