PURPOSE: To provide a novel diphenyl ether deriv. which has high herbicidal activity and is used for a herbicidal compsn. and in a herbicidal method for controlling the growth of undesirable plants.
CONSTITUTION: This compd. is represented by formula I [wherein R1 is H, halogen, (halo)alkyl, NO2, or CN; A is C(R4)2 or C=X; B is C(R4)2, X, or NR5; X is O or S; R4 is H, halogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, acyl, heterocycle, or the like; and R5 is H, carboxyl, OH, alkyl, alkoxy, aralkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or the like]. An example is 5-(2'- chloro-4'-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phthalide. The compd. is prepd. by reacting a phthalide of formula II with a compd. of formula III [wherein either one of Z and Q is halogen or NO2 and the other is OM (wherein M is H or an alkali metal)].
MAIKERU TOOMASU KURAAKU
IAN JIEIMUZU GIRUMOAA
