NOVEL HERBICIDES

The present invention relates to novel, herbicidal isoxazoline compounds, to processes for their preparation, to compositions comprising those compounds, and to their use in controlling plants or in inhibiting plant growth.

Isoxazoline compounds which display a herbicidal action are described, for example, in WO 01/012613, WO 02/062770, WO 03/000686, WO 04/010165, JP 2005/035924, JP 2005/213168 and WO 06/024820. The preparation of these compounds is also described in WO 04/013106. Novel isoxazoline compounds which display herbicidal and growth-inhibiting properties have now been found.

The present invention accordingly relates to compounds of formula I

cR ⁵ R ^s ] - _γ (,) wherein R ¹ and R ² are each independently of the other hydrogen, Ci-Ci _O alkyl, Ci-Ciohaloalkyl,

C ₃ -C ₈ cyc loalkyl or C ₃ -C ₈ cycloalkyl-Ci-C ₃ alkyl, or

R ¹ and R ² together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded form a C ₃ -C ₇ ring,

R ³ is halogen, azide, cyano, -SCN, C ₂ -Ci _O alkynyl, C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkenyl, formyl, Ci-Qoalkoxy,

Ci-Ci _O alkylsulfanyl, Ci-C ₁₀ haloalkoxy, Ci-Ciohaloalkylsulfanyl, R ⁴ is hydrogen, Ci-C^alkyl, Ci-Ciohaloalkyl, CrCscycloalkyl-Cj-doalkyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy-

CpCioalkyl or C ₃ -C ₈ cycloalkyl, halogen, azide, cyano, -SCN, C ₂ -C ₁₀ alkynyl, C ₂ -

C ₁₀ alkenyl, formyl, Ci-C ₁₀ alkoxy, d-C^alkylsulfanyl, Ci-Ciohaloalkoxy, Ci-Ci ₀ halo- alkylsulfanyl, or R ² with R ⁴ and together with the carbon atoms to which they are bonded form a

R ⁵ and R ⁶ are each independently of the other hydrogen, cyano, Ci-C ₆ alkyl,

Ci-C ₆ alkoxycarbonyl, halogen or Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl; m is 0, 1 or 2; n is i, 2 or 3;

Y is phenyl, naphthyl or tetrahydronaphthyl, which is optionally substituted by one to five substituents independently selected from d-C _ό alkyl, C ₃ -C _ό cycloalkyl, Ci-C _ό halo-

alkyl, Ci-C ₆ hydroxyalkyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy-C]-C ₆ alkyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkynyl, C ₂ -C ₆ haloalkenyl, Ci-C ₆ alkylcarbonyl, Ci-C _ό haloalkylcarbonyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, nitro, cyano, formyl, carboxyl, halogen, azido, thiocyanato, tri(d- C ₆ alkyl)silyl, mercapto, phenylthio, phenylsulfmyl, -SF ₅ , Ci-C ₆ alkylthio, C _t -C ₆ haloalkyl- thio, Ci-C ₆ haloalkylsulfinyl, C]-C ₆ haloalkylsulfonyl, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfinyl, Ci-C ₆ alkyl- sulfonyl, benzylsulfonyl or benzylsulfonyl substituted by one to five R ⁹ , phenylsulfonyl or phenylsulfonyl substituted by one to five R ⁹ , hydroxyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy, C ₃ -C ₆ cyclo- alkyloxy wherein one of the CH ₂ groups is optionally replaced by an oxygen atom, Ci-C ₆ haloalkoxy, C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ -C ₆ alkynyloxy, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfonyloxy, Ci-Cβhalo- alkylsulfonyloxy, phenoxy or phenoxy substituted by one to five R ⁹ , benzyloxy or benzyloxy substituted by one to five R ⁹ , -CONH-SO ₂ -C i-C ₆ alkyl, -CONH-SO ₂ - Ci-Cehaloalkyl, -NH-SO ₂ -C i-C ₆ alkyl, -NH-SO ₂ -C ,-C _δ haloalkyl, -NHCO-C ,-C ₆ alkyl, -NHCO-C ₁ -Cehaloalkyl, -NHCO ₂ -C, -C ₆ alkyl, -NHCO ₂ -C ,-C ₆ haloalkyl, -OCO- Ci-C ₆ alkyl, -OCO-Ci -Cehaloalkyl, -OCO-phenyl or -OCO-phenyl substituted by one to five R ⁹ , -OCONH-Ci-Cealkyl, -OCONH-C ,-Cehaloalkyl, -OCONH-phenyl or -OCONH- phenyl substituted by one to five R , or by one of the following groups Z, with Z =

R ¹⁰ is hydrogen, formyl, cyano, nitro, CrQalkylsulfonyl, Ci-Ci _O alkyl, Ci-Ciohaloalkyl, Ci-Cioalkylcarbonyl, Ci-Ciohaloalkylcarbonyl, Ci-C ₁₀ alkoxycarbonyl, and R ¹¹ and R ¹² are independently of each other Ci-Cioalkyl, Q-Ciohaloalkyl, Ci-Ciocyclo- alkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ cycloalkylalkyl, CrCi ₀ alkoxyalkyl, or by -CONR ⁷ R ⁸ wherein R ⁷ and R ⁸ are each independently of the other hydrogen, Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl substituted by C]-C ₆ haloalkyl, nitro, cyano or by halogen, or R ⁷ and R ⁸ form a C ₃ -C ₈ alkylene group which optionally contains one oxygen or sulfur atom or one to two amino or Ci-C ₆ alkylamino groups, or

Y is a 5- to 10-membered aromatic or non-aromatic heterocycle containing one to three nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atoms, which is optionally benzo-fused, and which is optionally substituted by one to four substituents independently selected from Q-Cealkyl, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl-Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, Ci-C ₆ hydroxyalkyl, Ci - Cβalkoxy-Ci-Cβalkyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkynyl, C ₂ -C ₆ haloalkenyl, Ci-

C ₆ alkylcarbonyl, Ci-C _ό haloalkylcarbonyl, Ci-C _ό alkoxycarbonyl, nitro, cyano, formyl,

carboxyl, halogen, azido, thiocyanato, tri(Ci-C ₆ alkyl)silyl, mercapto, -SF ₅ , Ci-Qalkylthio, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfinyl, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfonyl, Ci-Cehaloalkylthio, Ci-C ₆ haloalkylsulfinyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkylsulfonyl, benzylsulfonyl or benzylsulfonyl substituted by one to five R ⁹ , phenylsulfonyl or phenylsulfonyl substituted by one to five R ⁹ , hydroxyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy-Ci-C ₆ alkoxy, C3-C ₆ cycloalkyloxy wherein one of the CH ₂ groups is optionally replaced by an oxygen atom, Ci-C ₆ haloalkoxy, CrCβalkenyloxy, C ₂ -C ₆ alkynyloxy, CrCealkylsulfonyloxy, Ci-C ₆ haloalkylsulfonyloxy, phenoxy or phenoxy substituted by one to five R ⁹ , benzyloxy or benzyloxy substituted by one to five R ⁹ , -CONH-SO ₂ -d-C ₆ alkyl, -CONH-SO ₂ -C ,-Cβhaloalkyl, -NH-SO ₂ - d-Cβalkyl, -NH-SO ₂ -C i-Cβhaloalkyl, -NHCO-d-Cealkyl, -NHCO-C _r C ₆ haloalkyl,

-NHCO ₂ -Ci-C ₆ alkyl, -NHCO ₂ -C ,-C ₆ haloalkyl, -OCO-Ci -C ₆ alkyl, -OCO-C _r C ₆ haloalkyl, -OCO-phenyl or -OCO-phenyl substituted by one to five R ⁹ , -OCONH-C i-C ₆ alkyl, -OCONH-C i-CehaloalkyU -OCONH-phenyl or -OCONH-phenyl substituted by one to

five R ⁹ , or by one of the following groups Z, with Z = ^R , R ¹⁰ is hydrogen, formyl, cyano, nitro, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfonyl, Q-Cioalkyl, Ci-Ciohaloalkyl, Ci-Cioalkylcarbonyl, Ci-C ₁₀ haloalkylcarbonyl, Ci-Qoalkoxycarbonyl, and R ¹¹ and R ¹² are independently of each other Ci-Cioalkyl, Ci-Ciohaloalkyl, Ci-Ciocyclo- alkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ cycloalkylalkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ alkoxyalkyl, or by -CONR ⁷ R ⁸ wherein R ⁷ and R ⁸ are each independently of the other hydrogen, Ci-Cβalkyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, C ₃ -C6cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl substituted by Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, nitro, cyano or by halogen, or R ⁷ and R ⁸ form a C ₃ -Cgalkylene group which optionally contains one oxygen or sulfur atom or one to two amino or C]-C ₆ alkylamino groups;

R ⁹ are independently from each other Ci-Cbhaloalkyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxycarbonyl, nitro, cyano, formyl, carboxyl or halogen; and to N-oxides, salts and optical isomers of compounds of formula I.

Preferably R ¹ and R ² are independently Q-Cioalkyl or Ci-Ci ₀ haloalkyl, more preferably Ci-C ₆ alkyl or Ci-Cehaloalkyl, most preferably methyl.

Preferably R ³ is halogen, azide or cyano, more preferably fluoro, chloro or bromo, even more preferably fluoro or chloro, most preferably fluoro.

Preferably R ⁴ is hydrogen or halogen, more preferably hydrogen, fluoro or chloro, even more preferably hydrogen or fluoro, most preferably hydrogen.

Preferably R ⁵ is hydrogen, Ci-C ₆ alkyl or halogen, more preferably hydrogen, methyl or halogen, even more preferably hydrogen, methyl, fluoro or chloro, most preferably hydrogen or fluoro.

Preferably R ⁶ is hydrogen, methoxycarbonyl, Ci-C ₆ alkyl or halogen, more preferably hydrogen, methyl, fluoro or chloro.

Preferably m is 1 or 2.

Preferably n is 1. A group of preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is phenyl, naphthyl or tetrahydronaphthyl, which is optionally substituted by one to five substituents independently selected from Ci-C ₆ alkyl, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl, C,-C ₆ halo- alkyl, C,-C ₆ hydroxyalkyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy-C]-C ₆ alkyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkynyl, QrCβhaloalkenyl, Ci-C _b alkylcarbonyl, Ci-Cehaloalkylcarbonyl, d-C _ό alkoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, nitro, cyano, formyl, carboxyl, halogen, azido, thiocyanato, tri(C,- C ₆ alkyl)silyl, mercapto, phenylthio, phenylsulfinyl, -SF ₅ , Ci-C ₆ alkylthio, Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl- thio, Ci-C ₆ haloalkylsulfinyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkylsulfonyl, C _r C ₆ alkylsulfinyl, C,-C ₆ alkyl- sulfonyl, benzylsulfonyl or benzylsulfonyl substituted by one to five R ⁹ , phenylsulfonyl or phenylsulfonyl substituted by one to five R ⁹ , hydroxyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy, C ₃ -C ₆ cyclo- alkyloxy wherein one of the CH ₂ groups is optionally replaced by an oxygen atom, d-C _ό haloalkoxy, C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ -C ₆ alkynyloxy, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfonyloxy, C,-C ₆ halo- alkylsulfonyloxy, phenoxy or phenoxy substituted by one to five R ⁹ , benzyloxy or benzyloxy substituted by one to five R ⁹ , -CONH-SO ₂ -C i-C ₆ alkyl, -CONH-SO ₂ - Ci-Cehaloalkyl, -NH-SO ₂ -C i-C ₆ alkyl, -NH-SO ₂ -C, -C ₆ haloalkyl, -NHCO-C i-C ₆ alkyl, -NHCO-C i-C ₆ haloalkyl, -NHCO ₂ -C ,-C ₆ alkyl, -NHCO ₂ -C i-C ₆ haloalkyl, -OCO-

Ci-C ₆ alkyl, -OCO-C, -C _ό haloalkyl, -OCO-phenyl or -OCO-phenyl substituted by one to five R ⁹ , -OCONH-C, -C ₆ alkyl, -OCONH-C ₁ -C ₆ haloalkyl, -OCONH-phenyl or -OCONH- phenyl substituted by one to five R ⁹ , or by one of the following groups Z, with Z =

R ¹⁰ is hydrogen, formyl, cyano, nitro, C,-C ₆ alkylsulfonyl, C,-C,oalkyl, C,-Ci ₀ haloalkyl, Ci-Cioalkylcarbonyl, Ci-Ciohaloalkylcarbonyl, C,-C| ₀ alkoxycarbonyl, and

R ¹¹ and R ¹² are independently of each other C|-Ci _O alkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ haloalkyl, Ci-Ciocyclo- alkyl, Ci-Ciocycloalkylalkyl, Ci-Cioalkoxyalkyl, or by -CONR ⁷ R ⁸ wherein R ⁷ and R ⁸ are each independently of the other hydrogen, Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl substituted by Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, nitro, cyano or by halogen, or R ⁷ and R ⁸ form a C ₃ -Csalkylene group which optionally contains one oxygen or sulfur atom or one to two amino or d-Cβalkylamino groups.

A group of preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is phenyl which is optionally substituted by one to five substituents independently selected from Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-Cehaloalkyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxycarbonyl, halogen, cyano, nitro, Ci- C ₆ haloalkylsulfanyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkylsulfinyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy, Ci-C ₆ haloalkoxy, C ₂ -

C ₆ alkynyloxy, Ci-Cβalkylsulfonyloxy or phenyl, more preferably wherein Y is phenyl which is optionally substituted by one to five substituents independently selected from methyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, fluoro, chloro, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethylthio, trifluoromethylsulfinyl, methoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifiuoro- methoxy, propargyloxy, methylsulfonyloxy or phenyl, most preferably wherein Y is phenyl which is optionally substituted by one to five substituents independently selected from fluoro or trifluoromethoxy. A group of particularly preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is phenyl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from fluoro, chloro, cyano, difluoromethoxy, ethoxycarbonyl, methoxy, methoxycarbonyl, methyl, methylsulfonyloxy, nitro, phenyl, propargyloxy, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethylthio or trifluoromethylsulfinyl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 2,6-difiuorophenyl. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 2-fluoro-6-chlorophenyl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 2-trifluoromethoxyphenyl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is 2-difluoromethoxyphenyl.

A group of preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is a 5- to 10-membered aromatic or non-aromatic heterocycle containing one to three nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atoms, which is optionally benzo-fused, and which is optionally substituted by one to four substituents independently selected from Ci-C ₆ alkyl,

C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl-Ci-C ₆ alkyl, C,-C ₆ haloalkyl, Ci-C _b hydroxyalkyl, Q- C ₆ alkoxy-Ci-C ₀ alkyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkynyl, C ₂ -C ₆ haloalkenyl, C,- C ₆ alkylcarbonyl, Ci-C _ό haloalkylcarbonyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxycarbonyl, nitro, cyano, formyl, carboxyl, halogen, azido, thiocyanato, tri(Ci-C ₆ alkyl)silyl, mercapto, -SF ₅ , Ci-C ₆ alkylthio, C _r C ₆ alkylsulfinyl, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfonyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkylthio,

Ci-C ₆ haloalkylsulfinyl, C-Cβhaloalkylsulfonyl, benzylsulfonyl or benzylsulfonyl substituted by one to five R ⁹ , phenylsulfonyl or phenylsulfonyl substituted by one to five R ⁹ , hydroxyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy-Ci-C ₆ alkoxy, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyloxy wherein one of the CH ₂ groups is optionally replaced by an oxygen atom, Ci-C ₆ haloalkoxy, C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ -C ₆ alkynyloxy, C i -C ₆ alkylsulfonyloxy, C i -Cόhaloalkylsulfonyloxy, phenoxy or phenoxy substituted by one to five R ⁹ , benzyloxy or benzyloxy substituted by one to five R ⁹ , -CONH-SOrCi-Cealkyl, -CONH-SO ₂ -C ₁ -C ₆ haloalkyl, -NH-SO ₂ - C,-C ₆ alkyl, -NH-SO ₂ -C i-C^haloalkyl, -NHCO-C, -C ₆ alkyl, -NHCO-C ,-C ₆ haloalkyl, -NHCO ₂ -C, -Qalkyl, -NHCO ₂ -C ,-C ₆ haloalkyl, -OCO-C ,-C ₆ alkyl, -OCO-C ,-C ₆ haloalkyl, -OCO-phenyl or -OCO-phenyl substituted by one to five R ⁹ , -OCONH-C , -C ₆ alkyl, -OCONH-C-Cehaloalkyl, -OCONH-phenyl or -OCONH-phenyl substituted by one to

five R , or by one of the following groups Z, with Z = ,

R ¹⁰ is hydrogen, formyl, cyano, nitro, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfonyl, Ci-Cioalkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ haloalkyl, C-Cioalkylcarbonyl, C-Cohaloalkylcarbonyl, Ci-Cioalkoxycarbonyl, and R ¹¹ and R ¹² are independently of each other Ci-Ci _O alkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ haloalkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ cyclo- alkyl, C,-C, ₀ cycloalkylalkyl, Ci-C, ₀ alkoxyalkyl, or by -CONR ⁷ R ⁸ wherein R ⁷ and R ⁸ are each independently of the other hydrogen, C,-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl substituted by Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, nitro, cyano or by halogen, or R ⁷ and R ⁸ form a C ₃ -C ₈ alkylene group which optionally contains one oxygen or sulfur atom or one to two amino or Ci-C ₆ alkylamino groups.

A group of preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is an optionally substituted pyridinyl or pyrimidinyl; a group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is an optionally substituted pyridin- 3-yl or pyrimidin-5-yl. A group of preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is pyridinyl which is optionally substituted by one to four substituents independently

selected from Ci-C ₆ alkyl, C|-C ₆ haloalkyl, halogen, cyano, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy or C|-C ₆ halo- alkoxy, more preferably wherein Y is pyridyl which is optionally substituted by one to four substituents independently selected from methyl, trifluoromethyl, fluoro, chloro, cyano, methoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy or 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, even more preferably wherein Y is pyridyl which is optionally substituted by one to four substituents independently selected from methyl, trifluoromethyl, chloro or methoxy, most preferably wherein Y is pyridyl which is optionally substituted by one to four substituents independently selected from methyl, trifluoromethyl or chloro. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is pyridin-3-yl. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 2-methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 2-chloro-pyridin-3-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is 2-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl.

A group of preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is pyrimidinyl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from CrC ₆ alkyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, halogen, cyano, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy or Ci-C ₆ halo- alkoxy, more preferably wherein Y is pyrimidinyl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from methyl, trifluoromethyl, fluoro, chloro, cyano, methoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy or 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, most preferably wherein Y is pyrimidinyl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from trifluoromethyl or methoxy. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is pyrimidin-5- yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 4-methoxy-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-5-yl.

A group of preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is an optionally substituted pyrazolyl, triazolyl, thiadiazolyl or triazolyl-N-oxide; a group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is an optionally substituted pyrazol-3-yl, pyrazol-4-yl, pyrazol-5-yl, l,2,3-triazol-4-yl, l,2,3-triazol-5-yl, l,2,4-triazol-3-yl, l,2,4-triazol-5-yl, l,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl or l,2,3-triazol-4-yl-l-N-oxide. A group of particularly preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is

an optionally substituted pyrazol-3-yl, pyrazol-4-yl, pyrazol-5-yl, l,2,3-triazol-4-yl or l,2,3-triazol-5-yl.

A group of preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is pyrazolyl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-Cόhaloalkyl, C ₂ -C6alkenyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkynyl, halogen, cyano, Ci-Cβalkoxy, Cι-C ₆ haloalkoxy or Ci-Cealkoxy-Ci-Cόalkoxy, more preferably wherein Y is pyrazolyl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, wσ-propyl, monofiuoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifiuoromethyl, allyl, propen-2-yl, propargyl, fluoro, chloro, cyano, methoxy, ethoxy, monofluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy, 2,2,2- trifluoroethoxy, 2-fluoro-l-methyl-ethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoro-l-methyl-ethoxy or 2- methoxy-ethoxy, even more preferably wherein Y is pyrazolyl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, iso- propyl, difluoromethyl, trifiuoromethyl, allyl, propen-2-yl, propargyl, fluoro, chloro, cyano, methoxy, difluoromethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 2-fluoro-l-methyl-ethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoro-l-methyl-ethoxy or 2-methoxy-ethoxy, most preferably wherein Y is pyrazolyl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, trifiuoromethyl, allyl, propargyl, fluoro, chloro, cyano, methoxy, difluoromethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoro-l-methyl-ethoxy or 2- ■ methoxy-ethoxy. A group of particularly preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is pyrazolyl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from chloro, 2,2-difluoroethoxy, difluoromethoxy, ethoxy, methoxy, methyl, ethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, trifiuoromethyl, difluoromethyl or monofiuoromethyl. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is pyrazol-3-yl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, halogen, cyano, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy or Ci-C ₆ haloalkoxy, more preferably wherein Y is pyrazol-3-yl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, monofiuoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifiuoromethyl, fluoro, chloro, cyano, methoxy, ethoxy, monofluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy or 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, most preferably wherein Y is pyrazol-3-yl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from methyl, trifiuoromethyl or cyano. A group of particularly preferred compounds of formula I comprises

those wherein Y is pyrazol-3-yl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from chloro, 2,2-difluoroethoxy, difluoromethoxy, ethoxy, methoxy, methyl, ethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl or monofluoromethyl. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l-methyM-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-S-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 5-cyano-l-methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-3-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is pyrazol-4-yl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-C _ό haloalkyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkynyl, halogen, cyano, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy, d-C ₆ haloalkoxy or Ci-C ₆ alkoxy-Ci-C ₆ alkoxy, more preferably wherein Y is pyrazol-4-yl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, wopropyl, monofluoromethyl, difluoro- methyl, trifluoromethyl, allyl, propen-2-yl, propargyl, fluoro, chloro, cyano, methoxy, ethoxy, monofluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 2-fluoro-l-methyl-ethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoro-l-methyl-ethoxy or 2- methoxy-ethoxy, even more preferably wherein Y is pyrazol-4-yl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, iso- propyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, allyl, propen-2-yl, propargyl, fluoro, difluoromethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 2-fluoro-l-methyl-ethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoro-l-methyl- ethoxy or 2-methoxy-ethoxy, most preferably wherein Y is pyrazol-4-yl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, allyl, propargyl, fluoro, difluoromethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoro-l-methyl-ethoxy or 2-methoxy-ethoxy. A group of particularly preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is pyrazol-4-yl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from chloro, 2,2-difluoroethoxy, difluoromethoxy, ethoxy, methoxy, methyl, ethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl or monofluoromethyl. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 3-difluoromethoxy-l-methyl-5-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is S-difluoromethoxy-l-methyl-S-trifluoromethyl-pyrazoM-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 1 -methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol- 4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-4-yl. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoro-l-methyl-ethox y)-pyrazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-5-(2-fluoro-l-methyl-ethoxy)-pyra zol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is l-methyl-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-5-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol -4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l-ethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l-propargyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-4-yl. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l-allyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 5-fluoro-l-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is 5-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-l-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-4-yl .

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l,3-dimethyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-pyrazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l-methyl-5-(propen-2-yl)-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-4-yl. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l-difluoromethyl-5-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l-difluoromethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is l-/5o-propyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is pyrazol-5-yl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, halogen, cyano, nitro, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy or Ci-C ₆ haloalkoxy, more preferably wherein Y is pyrazol-5-yl which is optionally

substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, monofluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, fluoro, chloro, cyano, methoxy, ethoxy, monofluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy or 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, most preferably wherein Y is pyrazol-5-yl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from methyl, trifluoromethyl, chloro, methoxy or difluoromethoxy. A group of particularly preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is pyrazol-5-yl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from chloro, 2,2- difluoroethoxy, difluoromethoxy, ethoxy, methoxy, methyl, ethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl or monofluoromethyl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-5-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 4-chloro-l-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-5-yl. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l-methyl-3-difluoromethoxy-pyrazol-5-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 3-methoxy-l-methyl-pyrazol-5-yl.

A group of preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is triazolyl which is optionally substituted by one to two substituents independently selected from Ci-Cβalkyl, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl-Ci-C ₆ -alkyl, Ci-Qhaloalkyl, C ₁ - C ₆ alkoxy-Ci-C ₆ alkyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyl, halogen, cyano, Ci-Cealkoxy or Ci-C ₆ haloalkoxy, more preferably wherein Y is triazolyl which is optionally substituted by one to two substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, zso-propyl, tert-butyl, cyclopentyl, cyclobutylmethyl, monofluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2- methoxy-ethyl, allyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, cyano, methoxy, ethoxy, monofluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy or 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, even more preferably wherein Y is triazolyl which is optionally substituted by one to two substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, wo-propyl, tert-butyl, cyclopentyl, cyclobutylmethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2-methoxy-ethyl, allyl, bromo, methoxy or difluoromethoxy, most preferably wherein Y is triazolyl which is optionally substituted by one to two substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, iso- propyl, cyclopentyl, cyclobutylmethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2-methoxy-ethyl, allyl or bromo. A group of particularly preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is

triazolyl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from chloro, 2,2-difluoroethoxy, difluoromethoxy, ethoxy, methoxy, methyl, ethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl or monofluoromethyl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is l,2,3-triazol-4-yl which is optionally substituted by one to two substituents independently selected from Ci-C ₆ alkyl, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl-Ci-C ₆ -alkyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, C]-C ₆ alkoxy-C|-C ₆ alkyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyl, halogen, cyano, C|-C ₆ alkoxy or C]-C ₆ haloalkoxy, more preferably wherein Y is l,2,3-triazol-4-yl which is optionally substituted by one to two substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, iso- propyl, tert-butyl, cyclopentyl, cyclobutylmethyl, monofluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2-methoxy-ethyl, allyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, cyano, methoxy, ethoxy, monofiuoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy or 2,2,2- trifluoroethoxy, even more preferably wherein Y is l,2,3-triazol-4-yl which is optionally substituted by one to two substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, iso- propyl, tert-butyl, cyclopentyl, cyclobutylmethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2-methoxy-ethyl, allyl, bromo, methoxy or difluoromethoxy, most preferably wherein Y is l,2,3-triazol-4-yl which is optionally substituted by one to two substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, iso-τpτopyl, cyclopentyl, cyclobutylmethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2-methoxy- ethyl or allyl. A group of particularly preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is 1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl which is optionally- substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from chloro, 2,2-difluoroethoxy, difluoromethoxy, ethoxy, methoxy, methyl, ethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl or monofluoromethyl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is 2,5-dimethyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 2-allyl-5-trifluoromethyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 2-cyclopentyl-5-trifluoromethyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 2-cyclobutylmethyl-5-trifluoromethyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 2-(2-methoxy-ethyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 2-methyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 2-wo-propyl-5-trifluoromethyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 2-ethyl-5-trifluoromethyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 5-ethyl~2-methyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is 2-ethyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 2-/so-propyl-5-methyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 2-methyl-5-trifluoromethyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 5-methoxy-2-methyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 5-bromo-2-methyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is 2-ethyl-5-methyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 5-difluoromethoxy-2-methyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l-ter/-butyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l,5-dimethyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l,2,3-triazol-5-yl which is optionally substituted by one to two substituents independently selected from Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyl, halogen, cyano, Ci-C _b alkoxy or Ci-C ₆ haloalkoxy, more preferably wherein Y is l,2,3-triazol-5-yl which is optionally substituted by one to two substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, wo-propyl, monofluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, allyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, cyano, methoxy, ethoxy, monofluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoro- methoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy or 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, even more preferably wherein Y is

l,2,3-triazol-5-yl which is optionally substituted by one to two substituents independently selected from methyl, zsø-propyl, allyl or bromo, most preferably wherein

Y is l,2,3-triazol-5-yl which is optionally substituted by one to two substituents independently selected from methyl or bromo. A group of particularly preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is l,2,3-triazol-5-yl which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from chloro, 2,2-difluoroethoxy, difluoromethoxy, ethoxy, methoxy, methyl, ethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoro- ethoxy, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl or monofluoromethyl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is 4-bromo-l-methyl-l,2,3-triazol-5-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 4-methyl-l-zsα-propyl-l,2,3-triazol-5-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l-allyl-4-methyl-l,2,3-triazol-5-yl. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l,2,4-triazol-3-yl which is optionally substituted by one to two substituents independently selected from d-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-C _b haloalkyl, halogen, cyano, C _! -C ₆ alkoxy or Ci-C ₆ haloalkoxy, more preferably wherein Y is l,2,4-triazol-3-yl which is optionally substituted by one to two substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, monofluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, fluoro, chloro, cyano, methoxy, ethoxy, monofluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy or 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, most preferably wherein Y is l,2,4-triazol-3-yl which is optionally substituted by one to two methyl groups.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is l-methyl-l,2,4-triazol-3-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 4,5-dimethyl-l,2,4-triazol-3-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 1 ,2,4-triazol-5-yl which is optionally substituted by one to two substituents independently selected from C i -C ₆ alkyl, C i -C ₆ haloalkyl, halogen, cyano, C i -Qalkoxy or Ci-C ₆ haloalkoxy, more preferably wherein Y is l,2,4-triazol-5-yl which is optionally substituted by one to two substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, monofluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, fluoro, chloro, cyano, methoxy, ethoxy, monofluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy or

2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, most preferably wherein Y is 1 ,2,4-triazol-5-yl which is optionally substituted by one to two methyl groups.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is l,3-dimethyl-l,2,4-triazol-5-yl. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 1 -methyl- 1 ,2,4-triazol-5-yl.

A group of preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is 1,2,3- thiadiazolyl which is optionally substituted by a substituent selected from Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Ci- Qhaloalkyl, halogen, cyano, Ci-Cealkoxy or Ci-C ₆ haloalkoxy, more preferably wherein Y is 1 ,2,3-thiadiazolyl which is optionally substituted by a substituent selected from methyl, ethyl, monofluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, fluoro, chloro, cyano, methoxy, ethoxy, monofluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2-difluoro- ethoxy or 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, most preferably wherein Y is 1,2,3-thiadiazolyl which is optionally substituted by a methyl group. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is l,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 4-methyl-l,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl.

A group of preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is 1,2,3- triazolyl-N-oxide which is optionally substituted by one or two substituents selected from Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, halogen, cyano, C]-C ₆ alkoxy or d-C _ό haloalkoxy, more preferably wherein Y is 1,2,3-triazolyl-N-oxide which is optionally substituted by one or two substituents selected from methyl, ethyl, monofluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, fluoro, chloro, cyano, methoxy, ethoxy, monofluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy or 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, most preferably wherein Y is 1,2,3-triazolyl-N-oxide which is optionally substituted by one or two methyl groups. A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein Y is l,2,3-triazol-4-yl-l-N-oxide.

A group of especially preferred compounds of formula I comprises those wherein

Y is 2,5-dimethyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl-l-N-oxide. Furthermore, the present invention accordingly relates to compounds of formula I wherein

R ¹ and R ² are each independently of the other hydrogen, Ci-C| _O alkyl, Ci-Ciohaloalkyl, CrCgcycloalkyl or C ₃ -C ₈ cycloalkyl-Ci-C ₃ alkyl, or R ¹ and R ² together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded form a C ₃ -C ₇ ring,

R ³ is halogen, azide, cyano, -SCN, C ₂ -Cioalkynyl, C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkenyl, formyl, C|-Ci ₀ alkoxy, Ci-Ci _O alkylsulfanyl, Ci-Ciohaloalkoxy, Ci-Ciohaloalkylsulfanyl,

R ⁴ is hydrogen, Ci-Cioalkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ haloalkyl, C ₃ -Cscycloalkyl-Ci-Ci ₀ alkyl, Ci-C _b alkoxy- Ci-Ci _O alkyl or C ₃ -Cscycloalkyl, halogen, azide, cyano, -SCN, C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkynyl, C ₂ - Cioalkenyl, formyl, C,-Ci ₀ alkoxy, Ci-Ci _O alkylsulfanyl, Ci-Ci ₀ haloalkoxy, Ci- Ciohaloalkylsulfanyl, or

R ² with R ⁴ and together with the carbon atoms to which they are bonded form a C ₃ -C ₈ ring; R ⁵ and R ⁶ are each independently of the other hydrogen, cyano, Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxycarbonyl, halogen or C]-C ₆ haloalkyl; m is 0, 1 or 2; n is 1, 2 or 3; Y is phenyl, naphthyl or tetrahydronaphthyl, which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from C,-C{,alkyl, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl, Ci-C ₆ halo- alkyl, Ci-C _b hydroxyalkyl, Ci -QaIkOXy-C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkynyl, C ₂ -C ₆ haloalkenyl, Ci-C ₆ alkylcarbonyl, Ci-Cβhaloalkylcarbonyl, Ci-Cealkoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, nitro, cyano, formyl, carboxyl, halogen, azido, thiocyanato, tri(C,- C ₆ alkyl)silyl, mercapto, phenylthio, phenylsulfmyl, -SF ₅ , Ci-C ₆ alkylthio, C,-C ₆ haloalkyl- thio, Ci-C ₆ haloalkylsulfmyl, Ci-Cehaloalkylsulfonyl, d-C ₆ alkylsulfinyl, C _r C ₆ alkyl- sulfonyl, benzylsulfonyl or benzyl sulfonyl substituted by one to three R ⁹ , phenylsulfonyl or phenylsulfonyl substituted by one to three R ⁹ , hydroxyl, d-C ₆ alkoxy, C ₃ -C ₆ cyclo- alkyloxy wherein one of the CH ₂ groups is optionally replaced by an oxygen atom, d-C ₆ haloalkoxy, C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ -C ₆ alkynyloxy, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfonyloxy, Ci-C ₆ halo- alkylsulfonyloxy, phenoxy or phenoxy substituted by one to three R ⁹ , benzyloxy or benzyloxy substituted by one to three R ⁹ , -CONH-SO ₂ -C _r C ₆ alkyl, -CONH-SO ₂ - d-Cόhaloalkyl, -NH-SO ₂ -C i-C ₆ alkyl, -NH-SO ₂ -C, -C ₆ haloalkyl, -NHCO-C i-C ₆ alkyl, -NHCO-C i-C ₆ haloalkyl, -NHCO ₂ -C i-C _b alkyl, -NHCO ₂ -C _r C ₆ haloalkyl, -OCO- Ci-C ₆ alkyl, -OCO-Ci-Cβhaloalkyl, -OCO-phenyl or -OCO-phenyl substituted by one to three R ⁹ , -OCONH-C, -C ₆ alkyl, -OCONH-C ,-C ₆ haloalkyl, -OCONH-phenyl or

-OCONH-phenyl substituted by one to three R ⁹ , or by one of the following groups Z,

R ¹⁰ is hydrogen, formyl, Ci-Cioalkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ haloalkyl, Ci-Cjoalkylcarbonyl, Ci-

Ciohaloalkylcarbonyl, Ci-Ci ₀ alkoxycarbonyl, and R ¹ ' and R ¹² are independently of each other C]-Ci _o alkyl, Ci-Ci ohaloalkyl, C i -

Ciocycloalkyl, Ci-Ciocycloalkylalkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ alkoxyalkyl, or by -CONR ⁷ R ⁸ wherein R ⁷ and R ⁸ are each independently of the other hydrogen, Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, CrC _b Cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl substituted by Ci-Q _> haloalkyl, nitro, cyano or by halogen, or R ⁷ and R ⁸ form a C ₃ -C ₈ alkylene group which optionally contains one oxygen or sulfur atom or one to two amino or Ci-C ₆ alkylamino groups, or

Y is a 5- to 10-membered aromatic or non-aromatic heterocycle containing one to three nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atoms, which is optionally benzo-fused, and which is optionally substituted by one to three substituents independently selected from Ci-C ₆ alkyl, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl, C]-C ₆ haloalkyl, C _r C ₆ hydroxyalkyl, C ₁ -QaIkOXy-Ci- Cealkyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkynyl, C ₂ -C ₆ haloalkenyl, C i -C ₆ alkylcarbonyl, C i -C ₆ halo- alkylcarbonyl, Ci-C ₆ aUcoxycarbonyl, nitro, cyano, formyl, carboxyl, halogen, azido, thiocyanato, tri(Ci-C ₆ alkyl)silyl, mercapto, -SF ₅ , Ci-C ₆ alkylthio, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfmyl, Ci- C ₆ alkylsulfonyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkylthio, Ci-C ₆ haloalkylsulfinyl, Ci-C _δ haloalkylsulfonyl, benzylsulfonyl or benzylsulfonyl substituted by one to three R ⁹ , phenylsulfonyl or phenylsulfonyl substituted by one to three R ⁹ , hydroxyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy,

C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyloxy wherein one of the CH ₂ groups is optionally replaced by an oxygen atom, Ci-C ₆ haloalkoxy, C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyloxy, C ₂ -C ₆ alkynyloxy, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfonyloxy, Ci-C _ό haloalkylsulfonyloxy, phenoxy or phenoxy substituted by one to three R ⁹ , benzyloxy or benzyloxy substituted by one to three R ⁹ , -CONH-SO ₂ -Ci-C ₆ alkyl, - CONH-SOa-Ci-Cehaloalkyl, -NH-SO ₂ -Ci-C ₆ alkyl, -NH-SO ₂ -Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, -NHCO- Ci-Cβalkyl, -NHCO-Ci -C ₆ haloalkyl, -NHCO ₂ -C i-C ₆ alkyl, -NHCO ₂ -C, -C ₆ haloalkyl, -OCO-Ci-C ₆ alkyl, -OCO-C i-C ₆ haloalkyl, -OCO-phenyl or -OCO-phenyl substituted by one to three R ⁹ , -OCONH-C i-C ₆ alkyl, -OCONH-C ,-C ₆ haloalkyl, -OCONH-phenyl or

-OCONη-phenyl substituted by one to three R ⁹ , or by one of the following groups Z,

R ¹⁰ is hydrogen, formyl, Ci-Ci _O alkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ haloalkyl, Ci-Cioalkylcarbonyl, Ci- Ciohaloalkylcarbonyl, Ci-Cjoalkoxycarbonyl, and R ¹ ' and R ¹² are independently of each other CpCioalkyl, Ci-Ciohaloalkyl, Ci-

Ciocycloalkyl, Ci-Ciocycloalkylalkyl, Ci-Cioalkoxyalkyl, or by -CONR ⁷ R ⁸ wherein R ⁷ and R ⁸ are each independently of the other hydrogen, Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl substituted by C]-C ₆ haloalkyl, nitro, cyano or by halogen, or R ⁷ and R ⁸ together form a C ₃ -C ₈ alkylene group which optionally contains one oxygen or sulfur atom or one to two amino or Ci-C ₆ alkylamino groups;

R ⁹ are independently from each other Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxycarbonyl, nitro, cyano, formyl, carboxyl or halogen; and to N-oxides, salts and optical isomers of compounds of formula I.

The compounds of the invention may contain one or more asymmetric carbon atoms, for example, in the -CR ⁵ R ⁶ - group or in the -CR ³ R ⁴ -group and may exist as enantiomers (or as pairs of diastereoisomers) or as mixtures of such. Further, when m is 1, the compounds of the invention are sulfoxides, which can exists in two enantiomeric forms, the adjacent carbon can also exists in two enantiomeric forms and the -CR ³ R ⁴ - group can also exist in two enantiomeric forms. Compounds of general formula I can therefore exist as racemates, diastereoisomers, or single enantiomers, and the invention includes all possible isomers or isomer mixtures in all proportions. It is to be expected that for any given compound, one isomer may be more herbicidal than another.

Alkyl groups, haloalkyl groups, hydroxyalkyl groups, alkoxy groups and alkylene groups can be straight or branched chain. Preferred alkyl groups, haloalkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups each independently contain 1 to 4 carbons. Examples of alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, /z-and wO-propyl and n-, sec-, iso- and hexyl, nonyl and decyl. Examples of haloalkyl groups are difluoromethyl and 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl. Examples of hydroxyalkyl groups are 1 ,2-dihydroxyethyl and 3-hydroxypropyl. Examples of alkoxy groups are methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, hexyloxy, nonyloxy

and decyloxy. Examples of alkylene groups are methylene, ethylene, n-and zsø-propylene and n-, sec-, iso- and /ert-butylene.

Examples of cycloalkyl groups are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl. The cycloalkyl groups can be in bi- or tri-cyclic form.

Alkenyl and alkynyl groups and haloalkenyl groups and haloalkynyl groups can be straight or branched chain. Examples of alkenyl and alkynyl groups are allyl, but-2- enyl, 3-methylbut-2-enyl, ethynyl, propargyl and but-2-ynyl. Examples of haloalkenyl and haloalkynyl groups are trifluoroallyl and l-chloroprop-l-yn-3-yl. Halogen means fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo, preferably fluoro, chloro or bromo, more preferably fluoro or chloro.

Referring to Y, examples of heterocycles are furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, 1,2,3-triazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, tetrazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, 1 ,2,3-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,5-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,3-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,5-thiadiazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, 1,2,3-triazinyl, 1 ,2,4-triazinyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrazinyl, 1,2,3,5-tetrazinyl, 1,2,4,5-tetrazinyl, benzofuryl, isobenzoraryl, benzothiophenyl, isobenzothiophenyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benztriazolyl, benzoxazolyl, 1,2-benzisoxazolyl, 2,1-benzisoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, 1,2- benzisothiazolyl, 2,1-benzisothiazolyl, 1,2,3-benzoxadiazolyl, 2,1,3-benzoxadiazolyl, 1,2,3-benzothiadiazolyl, 2,1,3-benzothiadiazolyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, naphthyridinyl, benzotriazinyl, purinyl, pteridinyl, indolizinyl, benzo-l,3-dioxolyl, 4H-benzo-l,3-dioxinyl, and 4H-benzo-l,4- dioxinyl groups, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 1,3-dioxolanyl, 1,3-dioxanyl, 1,4- dioxanyl, and morpholinyl groups, dihydro-1 ,3-dioxolyl, dihydroisoxazolyl, benziso- furyl, benzothienyl, benzisothienyl and indolyl group and, where appropriate, N-oxides and salts thereof.

The invention relates likewise to the salts which the compounds of formula I are able to form with amines, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal bases and quarternary ammonium bases.

Among the alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydroxides as salt formers, special mention should be made of the hydroxides of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, but especially the hydroxides of sodium and potassium. The

compounds of formula I according to the invention also include hydrates which may be formed during the salt formation.

Examples of amines suitable for ammonium salt formation include ammonia as well as primary, secondary and tertiary Ci-Ci ₈ alkylamines, Ci-C ₄ hydroxyalkylamines and C ₂ -C ₄ alkoxyalkylamines, for example methylamine, ethylamine, /z-propylamine, isopropylamine, the four butylamine isomers, H-amylamine, isoamylamine, hexylamine, heptylamine, octylamine, nonylamine, decylamine, pentadecylamine, hexadecylamine, heptadecylamine, octadecylamine, methylethylamine, methylisopropylamine, methylhexylamine, methylnonylamine, methylpentadecylamine, methyloctadecylamine, ethylbutylamine, ethylheptylamine, ethyloctylamine, hexylheptylamine, hexyloctylamine, dimethylamine, diethylamine, di-»-propylamine, diisopropylamine, di- w-butylamine, di-/z-amylamine, diisoamylamine, dihexylamine, diheptylamine, dioctylamine, ethanolamine, /z-propanolamine, isopropanolamine, N,N-diethanolamine, N-ethylpropanolamine, N-butylethanolamine, allylamine, H-butenyl-2-amine, «-pentenyl- 2-amine, 2,3-dimethylbutenyl-2-amine, dibutenyl-2-amine, /z-hexenyl-2-amine, propylenediamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, tri-zz-propylamine, triisopropylamine, tri-n-butylamine, triisobutylamine, tri-sec-butylamine, tri-«-amylamine, methoxyethylamine and ethoxyethylamine; heterocyclic amines such as, for example, pyridine, quinoline, isoquinoline, morpholine, piperidine, pyrrolidine, indoline, quinuclidine and azepine; primary arylarnines such as, for example, anilines, methoxyanilines, ethoxyanilines, o-, m- and p-toluidines, phenylenediamines, benzidines, naphthylamines and o-, m- and p-chloroanilines; but especially triethylamine, isopropylamine and diisopropylamine.

Preferred quarternary ammonium bases suitable for salt formation correspond, for example, to the formula [N(R ₃ R _b R ₀ R _d )]OH wherein R ₃ , R _b , R _c and R _d are each independently of the others Ci-C ₄ alkyl. Other suitable tetraalkylammonium bases with other anions can be obtained, for example, by anion exchange reactions.

The term "herbicide" as used herein means a compound that controls or modifies the growth of plants. The term "herbicidally effective amount" means the quantity of such a compound or combination of such compounds that is capable of producing a controlling or modifying effect on the growth of plants. Controlling or modifying effects include all deviation from natural development, for example: killing, retardation, leaf burn, albinism, dwarfing and the like. The term "plants" refers to all physical parts of a plant, including seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, foliage, and fruits.

The term "locus" is intended to include soil, seeds, and seedlings, as well as established vegetation.

Table 1:

Compounds of formula 1.1.

Table 2:

Table 2 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.1 , where R ¹² is trifluoromethoxy, R ¹⁶ is hydrogen, and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ and R ⁶ have the values listed in Table 1. Thus compound 1 of Table 2 is the same as compound 1 of Table 1 except that in compound 1 of Table 2 R ¹² is trifluoromethoxy instead of fluoro and R ¹⁶ is hydrogen instead of fluoro. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 2 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 1, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 2 R ¹² is trifluoromethoxy instead of fluoro and R ¹⁶ is hydrogen instead of fluoro. Table 3:

Table 3 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula I.I, where R ¹² is difluoromethoxy, R ¹⁶ is hydrogen, and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ and R ⁶ have the values listed in Table 1. Thus compound 1 of Table 3 is the same as compound 1 of Table 1 except that in compound 1 of Table 3 R ¹² is difluoromethoxy instead of fluoro and R ¹⁶ is hydrogen instead of fluoro. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 3 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 1, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 3 R ¹² is difluoromethoxy instead of fluoro and R ¹⁶ is hydrogen instead of fluoro. Table 4: Table 4 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula I.I, where R ¹² is chloro and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ¹⁶ have the values listed in Table 1. Thus compound 1 of Table 4 is the same as compound 1 of Table 1 except that in compound 1 of Table 4 R ¹² is chloro instead of fluoro. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 4 are the same as compounds 2

to 126 of Table 1, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 4 R ¹² is chloro instead of fluoro.

Table 5:

Table 5 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2,

where R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ and R ⁶ have the values listed in Table 1, R ¹⁷ is Me, R ¹⁸ is -CF ₃ and

R ¹⁹ is -OCHF ₂ . Thus compound 1 of Table 5 is the same as compound 1 of Table 1 except that in compound 1 of Table 5 Y is l-methyl-5-difluoromethoxy-3- trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-4-yl instead of 2,6-difluoroρhenyl. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 5 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 1, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 5 Y is l-methyl-5-difiuoromethoxy-3-trifluoromethyl- pyrazol-4-yl instead of 2,6-difluorophenyl. Table 6: Table 6 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁹ is -OCH ₂ CF ₃ and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ have the values listed in Table 5. Thus compound 1 of Table 6 is the same as compound 1 of Table 5 except that in compound 1 of Table 6 R ¹⁹ is -OCH ₂ CF ₃ instead Of-OCHF ₂ . Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 6 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 5, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 6 R ¹⁹ is -OCH ₂ CF ₃ instead Of-OCHF ₂ . Table 7:

Table 7 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁹ is -OCH ₂ CHF ₂ and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ have the values listed in Table 5. Thus compound 1 of Table 7 is the same as compound 1 of Table 5 except that in compound 1 of Table 7 R ¹⁹ is -OCH ₂ CHF ₂ instead of -OCHF ₂ . Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 7 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 5, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 7 R ¹⁹ is -OCH ₂ CHF ₂ instead Of-OCHF ₂ . Table 8:

Table 8 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁸ is -CHF ₂ and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁹ have the values listed in Table 5. Thus compound 1 of Table 8 is the same as compound 1 of Table 5 except that in compound 1 of Table S R ¹⁸

is -CHF ₂ instead of-CF ₃ . Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 8 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 5, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 8 R ¹⁸ is -CHF ₂ instead of -CF ₃ . Table 9: Table 9 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁸ is -CHF ₂ , R ¹⁹ is -OCH ₂ CF ₃ and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ¹⁷ have the values listed in Table 5. Thus compound 1 of Table 9 is the same as compound 1 of Table 5 except that in compound 1 of Table 9 R ¹⁸ is -CHF ₂ instead of -CF ₃ and R ¹⁹ is -OCH ₂ CF ₃ instead of -OCHF ₂ . Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 9 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 5, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 9 R is -CHF ₂ instead of -CF ₃ and R ¹⁹ is -OCH ₂ CF ₃ instead Of-OCHF ₂ . Table 10:

Table 10 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁸ is -CHF ₂ , R ¹⁹ is -OCH ₂ CHF ₂ and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ¹⁷ have the values listed in Table 5. Thus compound 1 of Table 10 is the same as compound 1 of Table 5 except that in compound 1 of Table 10 R ¹⁸ is -CHF ₂ instead of -CF ₃ and R ¹⁹ is -OCH ₂ CHF ₂ instead Of-OCHF ₂ . Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 10 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 5, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 10 R ¹⁸ is -CHF ₂ instead of -CF ₃ and R ¹⁹ is -OCH ₂ CHF ₂ instead of -OCHF ₂ . Table 11 :

Table 11 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁸ is -OCHF ₂ , R ¹⁹ is -CF ₃ and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ¹⁷ have the values listed in Table 5. Thus compound 1 of Table 11 is the same as compound 1 of Table 5 except that in compound 1 of Table 11 R ¹⁸ is -OCHF ₂ instead of -CF ₃ and R ¹⁹ is -CF ₃ instead Of-OCHF ₂ . Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 11 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 5, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 11 R ¹⁸ is -OCHF ₂ instead of -CF ₃ and R ¹⁹ is -CF ₃ instead Of-OCHF ₂ . Table 12: Table 12 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁸ is -OCH ₂ CF ₃ , R ¹⁹ is -CF ₃ and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ¹⁷ have the values listed in Table 5. Thus compound 1 of Table 12 is the same as compound 1 of Table 5 except that in compound 1 of Table 12 R ¹⁸ is -OCH ₂ CF ₃ instead of -CF ₃ and R ¹⁹ is -CF ₃ instead of-OCHF ₂ . Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 12 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table

5, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 12 R ¹⁸ is -OCH ₂ CF ₃ instead of-

CF ₃ and R ¹⁹ is -CF ₃ instead Of-OCHF ₂ .

Table 13:

Table 13 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R is - OCH ₂ CHF ₂ , R ¹⁹ is -CF ₃ and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ¹⁷ have the values listed in Table 5. Thus compound 1 of Table 13 is the same as compound 1 of Table 5 except that in compound 1 of Table 13 R ¹⁸ is -OCH ₂ CHF ₂ instead of -CF ₃ and R ¹⁹ is -CF ₃ instead of- OCHF ₂ . Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 13 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 5, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 13 R ^{1 s} is -OCH ₂ CHF ₂ instead of -CF ₃ and R ¹⁹ is -CF ₃ instead Of-OCHF ₂ . Table 14:

Table 14 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R is -OCHF ₂ , R ¹⁹ is -CHF ₂ and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ¹⁷ have the values listed in Table 5. Thus compound 1 of Table 14 is the same as compound 1 of Table 5 except that in compound 1 of Table 14 R ¹⁸ is -OCHF ₂ instead of -CF ₃ and R ¹⁹ is -CHF ₂ instead Of-OCHF ₂ .

Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 14 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 5, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 14 R is -OCHF ₂ instead of -CF ₃ and R ¹⁹ is -CHF ₂ instead Of-OCHF ₂ . Table 15: Table 15 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁸ is -OCH ₂ CF ₃ ,- R ¹⁹ is -CHF ₂ and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ¹⁷ have the values listed in Table 5. Thus compound 1 of Table 15 is the same as compound 1 of Table 5 except that in compound 1 of Table 15 R ¹⁸ is -OCH ₂ CF ₃ instead of -CF ₃ and R ¹⁹ is -CHF ₂ instead Of-OCHF ₂ . Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 15 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 5, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 15 R ¹⁸ is -OCH ₂ CF ₃ instead of- CF ₃ and R ¹⁹ is -CHF ₂ instead of -OCHF ₂ . Table 16:

Table 16 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ^{1 S} is - OCH ₂ CHF ₂ , R ¹⁹ is -CHF ₂ and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ¹⁷ have the values listed in Table 5. Thus compound 1 of Table 16 is the same as compound 1 of Table 5 except that in compound 1 of Table 16 R ¹⁸ is -OCH ₂ CHF ₂ instead of -CF ₃ and R ¹⁹ is -CHF ₂ instead of -OCHF ₂ . Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 16 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 5, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 16 R ¹⁸ is - OCH ₂ CHF ₂ instead of -CF ₃ and R ^1Q is -CHF ₂ instead Of-OCHF ₂ .

Table 17:

Table 17 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹ is ethyl and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ^b , R ¹⁸ and R ¹⁹ have the values listed in Table 5. Thus compound 1 of Table 17 is the same as compound 1 of Table 5 except that in compound 1 of Table 17 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 17 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 5, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 17 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Table 18: Table 18 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁷ is ethyl and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ¹⁸ and R ¹⁹ have the values listed in Table 6. Thus compound 1 of Table 18 is the same as compound 1 of Table 6 except that in compound 1 of Table 18 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 18 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 6, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 18 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Table 19:

Table 19 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁷ is ethyl and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ¹⁸ and R ¹⁹ have the values listed in Table 7. Thus compound 1 of Table 19 is the same as compound 1 of Table 7 except that in compound 1 of Table 19 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 19 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 7, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 19 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Table 20:

Table 20 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁷ is ethyl and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ¹⁸ and R ¹⁹ have the values listed in Table 11. Thus compound 1 of Table 20 is the same as compound 1 of Table 11 except that in compound 1 of Table 20 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 20 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 11, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 20 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Table 21 : Table 21 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁷ is ethyl and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ¹⁸ and R ¹⁹ have the values listed in Table 12. Thus compound 1 of Table 21 is the same as compound 1 of Table 12 except that in compound 1 of Table 21 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 21 are the same as

compounds 2 to 126 of Table 12, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 21

R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl.

Table 22:

Table 22 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁷ is ethyl and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ¹⁸ and R ¹⁹ have the values listed in Table 13. Thus compound 1 of Table 22 is the same as compound 1 of Table 13 except that in compound 1 of Table 22 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 22 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 13, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 22 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Table 23:

Table 23 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁹ is hydrogen and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ have the values listed in Table 5. Thus compound 1 of Table 23 is the same as compound 1 of Table 5 except that in compound 1 of Table 23 R ¹⁹ is hydrogen instead Of-OCHF ₂ . Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 23 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 5, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 23 R ¹⁹ is hydrogen instead Of-OCHF ₂ . Table 24:

Table 24 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁷ is ethyl and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ^1S and R ¹⁹ have the values listed in Table 23. Thus compound 1 of Table 24 is the same as compound 1 of Table 23 except that in compound 1 of Table 24 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 24 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 23, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 24 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Table 25: Table 25 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁸ is -CHF ₂ and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁹ have the values listed in Table 23. Thus compound 1 of Table 25 is the same as compound 1 of Table 23 except that in compound 1 of Table 25 R ¹⁸ is -CHF ₂ instead of -CF ₃ . Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 25 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 23, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 25 R ¹⁸ is -CHF ₂ instead of -CF ₃ . Table 26:

Table 26 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁷ is ethyl and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ¹⁸ and R ¹⁹ have the values listed in Table 25. Thus compound 1 of Table 26 is the same as compound 1 of Table 25 except that in compound 1 of Table 26

R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 26 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 25, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 26 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Table 27: Table 27 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁹ is hydrogen and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ have the values listed in Table 12. Thus compound 1 of Table 27 is the same as compound 1 of Table 12 except that in compound 1 of Table 27 R ¹⁹ is hydrogen instead of-CF ₃ . Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 27 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 12, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 27 R ¹⁹ is hydrogen instead of -CF ₃ . Table 28;

Table 28 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁷ is ethyl and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ¹⁸ and R ¹⁹ have the values listed in Table 27. Thus compound 1 of Table 28 is the same as compound 1 of Table 27 except that in compound 1 of Table 28 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 28 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 27, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 28 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Table 29: Table 29 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁹ is hydrogen and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ¹⁷ and R ¹⁸ have the values listed in Table 1 1. Thus compound 1 of Table 29 is the same as compound 1 of Table 11 except that in compound 1 of Table 29 R ¹⁹ is hydrogen instead of -CF ₃ . Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 29 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 11, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 27 R ¹⁹ is hydrogen instead of -CF ₃ . Table 30:

Table 30 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.2, where R ¹⁷ is ethyl and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ¹⁸ and R ¹⁹ have the values listed in Table 29. Thus compound 1 of Table 30 is the same as compound 1 of Table 29 except that in compound 1 of Table 30 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 30 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 29, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 26 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Table 31 : Table 31 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.7,

where R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ and R ⁶ have the values listed in Table 5, R ²⁴ is methyl and R ²⁵ is -CF ₃ . Thus compound 1 of Table 31 is the same as compound 1 of Table 5 except that in compound 1 of Table 31 Y is 2-methyl-5-trifluoromethyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl instead of 1- methyl-5-difluoromethoxy-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-4-yl. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 31 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 5, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 31 Y is 2-methyl-5-trifluoromethyl-l,2,3-triazol-4-yl instead of 1 -methyl-5-difluoromethoxy-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-4-yl. Table 32: Table 32 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.7, where R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , and R ²⁴ have the values listed in Table 31 and R ²⁵ is methyl. Thus compound 1 of Table 32 is the same as compound 1 of Table 31 except that in compound 1 of Table 32 R ²⁵ is methyl instead of -CF ₃ . Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 32 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 31, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 32 R ²⁵ is methyl instead of -CF ₃ . Table 33:

Table 33 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.7, where R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ , and R ²⁴ have the values listed in Table 31 and R ²⁵ is ethyl. Thus compound 1 of Table 33 is the same as compound 1 of Table 31 except that in compound 1 of Table 33 R ²⁵ is ethyl instead of -CF ₃ . Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 33 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 31, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 33

R ²⁵ is ethyl instead of -CF ₃ .

Table 34:

Table 34 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.7, where R ²⁴ is ethyl and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ²⁵ have the values listed in Table 31. Thus compound 1 of Table 34 is the same as compound 1 of Table 31 except that in compound 1 of Table 34 R ²⁴ is ethyl instead of methyl. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 34 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 21, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 34 R ²⁴ is ethyl instead of methyl.

Table 35:

Table 35 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.7, where R ²⁴ is ethyl and

R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ²⁵ have the values listed in Table 32. Thus compound 1 of Table

35 is the same as compound 1 of Table 32 except that in compound 1 of Table 35 R ²⁴ is ethyl instead of methyl. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 35 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 32, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 35 R ²⁴ is ethyl instead of methyl. Table 36:

Table 36 consists of 126 compounds of the general formula 1.7, where R ¹⁷ is ethyl and R ³ , R ⁴ , m, R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ¹⁸ have the values listed in Table 33. Thus compound 1 of Table

36 is the same as compound 1 of Table 33 except that in compound 1 of Table 36 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl. Similarly, compounds 2 to 126 of Table 36 are the same as compounds 2 to 126 of Table 33, respectively, except that in the compounds of Table 36 R ¹⁷ is ethyl instead of methyl.

Methods of halogenation, alkylation and oxidation

1) The compounds of formula I wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ , R ⁶ and Y are as defined above, m is 1 or 2, and n is 1 , can be prepared by processes known per se, by reacting e.g. the compounds of formula Ia

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ and Y are as defined above, in a single step or stepwise in succession with compounds of the formula R ⁵ -X and/or R ⁶ -X, wherein R ⁵ and R ⁶ are as defined above and X is a suitable leaving group e.g. halide, such as bromide or iodide, a carboxylate, such as acetate, an alkylsulfonate, such as methylsulfonate, an arylsulfonate, such as p-toluenesulfonate, a haloalkylsulfonate, such as trifluoromethylsulfonate, an imide, such as succinimide, a sulfonimide, such as bis(phenylsulfonyl)imide, or an arylsulfinate, such as p-toluenesulfinate, in the presence of a base, e.g. an alkyl-lithium compound, such as methyl-lithium, n-butyl-lithium or terf-butyl-lithium, a lithium dialkylamide, such as lithium diisopropylamide, a metal hydride, preferably an alkali metal hydride, such as sodium hydride, or an alkali metal amide, such as sodium amide, a metal bis(tri(Ci-C ₆ alkyl)silyl)amide, such as lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide, a metal

alkoxide, such as potassium ter/-butoxide, or a phosphazene base, such as N'-tø/ ^* /-butyl- N,N,N',N',N",N"-hexamethylphosphorimidic triamide (Pi-t-Bu), l-terf-butyl-2,2,4,4,4- pentakis(dimethylamino)-2-lambda ⁵ ,41ambda ^s -catenadi(phosphazene) (P ₂ -t-Bu), 1 -ethyl- 2,2,4,4,4-pentakis(dimethylamino)-2-lambda ⁵ ,41ambda ⁵ -catenadi(phosphazene) (P ₂ -Et) and 2-tert-butylimino-2-diethylamino-l ,3-dimethyl-perhydro-l ,3,2-diazaphosphorine (BEMP), optionally in the presence of a diluent, preferably an inert solvent, e.g. a hydrocarbon, an ether, such as tetrahydrofuran, an amide, such as N,N-dimethylform- amide, or a halogenated hydrocarbon, such as dichloromethane, or mixtures thereof and optionally in the presence of a complexing agent, such as hexamethylphosphoramide or tetramethylethylenediamine in a temperature range of from -12O ⁰ C to 100 ⁰ C, preferably from -80 ⁰ C to 5O ⁰ C. Such processes are known in the literature and are described, for example, in J. Med. Chem., 2003 (46) 3021-3032; J. Org. Chem., 2003 (6S) 1443-1446; J. Org. Chem., 2002 (67) 5216-5225, J. Org. Chem., 2002 (67) 3065-3071 and Heterocycles 2003 (59) 161-167. 2) The compounds of formula I wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ , R ⁶ and Y are as defined above, m is 1 or 2, and n is 1, can be prepared by processes known per se, by reacting e.g. the compounds of formula Ib

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ and Y are as defined above, with compounds of the formula R ⁵ -X, wherein R ⁵ is as defined above and X is a suitable leaving group as defined in 1), in the presence of a base as defined in 1 ), optionally in the presence of a diluent as defined in 1), preferably an inert solvent, and optionally in the presence of a complexing agent as defined in 1) in a temperature range of from -12O ⁰ C to 100 ⁰ C, preferably from

-8O ⁰ C to 5O ⁰ C. 3) The compounds of formula I wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ , R ⁶ and Y are as defined above, m is 1 or 2, and n is 1, can be prepared by processes known per se, by reacting e.g. the compounds of formula Ic

^(ic)

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ and Y are as defined above, with compounds of the formula R ⁶ -X, wherein R ⁶ is as defined above and X is a suitable leaving group as defined in 1), in the presence of a base as defined in 1), optionally in the presence of a diluent as defined in 1) and optionally in the presence of a complexing agent as defined in 1) in a temperature range of from -12O ⁰ C to 100 ⁰ C, preferably from -8O ⁰ C to 5O ⁰ C.

4) The compounds of formula I wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ R ⁶ and Y are as defined above, m is 1 or 2, and n is 1 , can, furthermore, be prepared by processes known perse

by starting from compounds of formula Id wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ , R ⁵ and Y are as defined above, and reacting those compounds with a suitable organic or inorganic oxidising agent, e.g. a peroxy acid, such as 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid, peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide, an alkoxyperoxide or a periodate, such as sodium periodate, optionally in the presence of a diluent, such as a halogenated hydrocarbon, e.g. dichloro- methane or 1 ,2-dichloroethane, an alcohol, e.g. methanol, a polar solvent, e.g. N,N- dimethylformamide, water or acetic acid, or a mixture thereof. The reactions are usually carried out in a temperature range of from -8O ⁰ C to 15O ⁰ C, preferably from -2O ⁰ C to 12O ⁰ C. Such processes are known in the literature and are described e.g. in J. Org. Chem., 2003 (68) 3849-3859; J. Med. Chem., 2003 (46) 3021-3032; J. Org. Chem., 2003 (68) 500-511; Bioorg. Med. Chem., 1999 (9) 1837-1844. One equivalent of oxidizing agent is required to convert a sulfide to the corresponding sulfoxide. Two equivalents of oxidizing agent are required to convert a sulfide to the corresponding sulfone.

5) The compounds of formula I wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ and Y are as defined above, R ⁵ , R ⁶ are as defined above but not hydrogen, m is 1 or 2, and n is 1, can also be prepared by reacting a compound of formula Ie

wherein R ¹ , R ² and Y are as defined above, R ⁵ , R ⁶ are as defined above but not hydrogen, and m is 1 or 2, in a single step or stepwise in succession with compounds of the formula R ³ -X and/or R ⁴ -X, wherein R ³ and R ⁴ are halogen or cyano and X is a suitable leaving

group e.g. halide, such as bromide or iodide, or arylsulfonate, such as p-toluenesulfonate, if R ³ and/or R ⁴ are cyano or e.g. halide, such as bromide or iodide, or imide, such as succinimide, or sulfonimide, such as bis(phenylsulfonyl)imide, if R ³ and/or R ⁴ are halogen, in the presence of a base as defined in 1), optionally in the presence of a diluent as defined in 1), preferably an inert solvent, and optionally in the presence of a complexing agent as defined in 1) in a temperature range of from -12O ⁰ C to 100 ⁰ C, preferably from -8O ⁰ C to 5O ⁰ C.

6) The compounds of formula I wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ and Y are as defined above, R ⁵ , R are as defined above but not hydrogen, m is 1 or 2, and n is 1, can be prepared by processes known per se, by reacting e.g. the compounds of formula If

wherein R ¹ , R ² and Y are as defined above, R ⁵ , R ⁶ are as defined above but not hydrogen, and m is 1 or 2, with compounds of the formula R ³ -X, wherein R ³ is as defined above and X is a suitable leaving group as defined in 1), in the presence of a base as defined in 1), optionally in the presence of a diluent as defined in 1), preferably an inert solvent, and optionally in the presence of a complexing agent as defined in 1) in a temperature range of from -12O ⁰ C to 100 ⁰ C, preferably from -8O ⁰ C to 5O ⁰ C.

7) The compounds of formula I wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ and Y are as defined above, R ⁵ , R ⁶ are as defined above but not hydrogen, m is 1 or 2, and n is 1, can be prepared by processes known per se, by reacting e.g. the compounds of formula Ig

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and Y are as defined above, R ⁵ , R ⁶ are as defined above but not hydrogen, and m is 0 or 1, with compounds of the formula R ⁴ -X, wherein R ⁴ is as defined above and X is a suitable leaving group as defined in 1), in the presence of a base as defined in 1), optionally in the presence of a diluent as defined in 1), preferably an inert solvent, and optionally in the presence of a complexing agent as defined in 1) in a temperature range of from -12O ⁰ C to 100 ⁰ C, preferably from -8O ⁰ C to 5O ⁰ C.

8) The compounds of formula Ie as defined in 5), can be prepared by processes known per se, by reacting e.g. a compound of formula Di

wherein R ¹ , R ² and Y are as defined above, and m is 1 or 2, in a single step or stepwise in succession with compounds of the formula R ⁵ -X and/or R ⁶ -X, wherein R ⁵ and R ⁶ are as defined above and X is a suitable leaving group as defined in 1), in the presence of a base as defined in 1), optionally in the presence of a diluent as defined in 1), preferably an inert solvent, and optionally in the presence of a complexing agent as defined in 1) in a temperature range of from -120 ⁰ C to 100 ⁰ C, preferably from -8O ⁰ C to 5O ⁰ C. The compounds of formula Ih wherein R ¹ , R ² and Y are as defined above are known compounds and can be prepared as described in e.g. US 2004/259734, US 2004/110749 and WO 06/024820.

9) The compounds of formula Id as defined in 4), can, furthermore, be prepared by reacting a compound of formula Ij,

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ⁴ , R ⁵ , R ⁶ and Y are defined as above and X ^A is a leaving group such as halide e.g. bromide or chloride, an alkylsulfonate, e.g. methylsulfonate, an arylsulfonate, e.g. p-toluenesulfonate, or a haloalkylsulfonate, e.g. trifluoromethylsulfonate, by reaction With a suitable salt of the formula II,

M-A (II)

wherein M is an organic cation, e.g. tetrabutyl ammonium, or an inorganic cation, such as a cation of an alkali metal, e.g. sodium, or caesium, or alkaline earth, e.g. magnesium, or a transition metal, e.g. silver, and A is an anion corresponding to R ³ as defined above such as halide, e.g. fluoride, cyanide, azide or thiocyanate. This reaction may be carried out optionally in the presence of a diluent such as an ether, e.g. tetrahydrofuran, 1,4- dioxane, diethyl ether, or an amide, e.g. N,N-dimethylforrnamide, or dimethylsulfoxide, or acetonitrile or haloalkane, e.g. dichloromethane, or an aromatic compound, e.g. toluene, 1 ,2-dichlorobenzene, or water or mixture thereof. This reaction may be carried out optionally in the presence of a nucleophilic catalyst such as an iodide salt, e.g.

sodium iodide, or a phase transfer catalyst such a crown ether, e.g. 18-crown-6, or a tetra alkyl ammonium salt, e.g. tetra butyl ammonium iodide. This reaction is usually carried out at temperature between -2O ⁰ C and 150°C, typically at a temperature between 15°C and 100 ⁰ C. 10) Alternatively, the compounds of formula Id as defined in 4), can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula Ij as defined in 9), by reaction with a suitable organo- metal reagent of formula II, wherein M is a metal such as an alkali metal, e.g. lithium, or a metal halide such as an alkaline earth halide, e.g. magnesium (II) monobromide as in a Grignard reagent, and A is an organic functionality such as an alkyl residue, or an alkenyl residue, or an alkynyl, e.g. ethynyl as in lithium acetylide. Such a reaction may be carried out in a solvent such as an ether, e.g. tetrahydrofuran, or 1,4-dioxane, or 1,2- dimethoxyethane, or an alkane, e.g. hexane, or dimethyl sulfoxide at temperatures between -120°C and 12O ⁰ C, typically between -100 ⁰ C and 100 ⁰ C, optionally in the presence of a complexing agent, e.g. l,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2(lH)-pyrimi- dinone (DMPU). Such reactions may be preformed under an inert atmosphere, e.g. nitrogen or argon, with the exclusion of moisture. Such a reaction may be carried out optionally in the presence of another metal or its salt, such as a transition metal or transition metal salt, e.g. palladium, or copper, or a mixture thereof with additionally a complexing agent for such a metal atom or cation such as a trisubstituted phosphine, e.g. triphenyl phosphine. Such a reaction may be carried out optionally in the presence of a nucleophilic catalyst, such as an iodide salt, e.g. sodium iodide or lithium iodide. The choice of reaction conditions may well affect the degree of oligomerisation of organometal reagents of formula XIX. Similar processes are known in the literature and described in Organic Letters, 2005 (7) 1785-1788; Tetrahedron Letters, 1991 (32) 3605; Tetrahedron Letters, 1991 (32) 1459; J. Am. Chem. Soc, 1990 (112) 5369.

Coupling methods

11) The compounds of formula Id as defined in 4) can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula III wherein R ⁵ , R ⁶ and Y are as defined above and X ^A is a leaving group as defined in 9), with thiourea, optionally in the presence of a diluent e.g. an alcohol, e.g. ethanol, optionally in the presence of an alkali iodide, e.g. sodium iodide or sodium bromide, in a temperature range of from -3O ⁰ C to 100 ⁰ C, preferably from 0 ⁰ C to 8O ⁰ C, to give an isothiourea intermediate of formula IV, which is reacted with a compound of formula V

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above, and X ^B is a suitable leaving group such as halogen, e.g. chloro, an alkylsulfinyl group, an arylsulfmyl group, a haloalkylsulfϊnyl group, an alkylsulfonyl group, e.g. methylsulfonyl, an arylsulfonyl group, e.g. p-toluene- sulfonyl, a haloalkylsulfonyl group, e.g. trifluoromethylsulfonyl, or nitro, in the presence of a base, such as a carbonate, e.g. potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate or potassium bicarbonate, or a hydroxide, e.g. potassium hydroxide, or an alkoxide, e.g. sodium alk- oxide, optionally in the presence of an alkali iodide, e.g. sodium iodide or sodium bromide, optionally in the presence of a diluent, such as an alcohol, e.g. ethanol, an ether, e.g. 1,4-dioxane or tetrahydrofuran, a polar solvent, e.g. water, acetonitrile or N,N- dimethylformamide, or a mixture of solvents, e.g. a mixture of 1,4-dioxane and water, in a temperature range of from 20 ⁰ C to 200 ⁰ C, preferably from 50 ⁰ C to 15O ⁰ C, optionally in the presence of an inert gas e.g. nitrogen, and optionally under microwave irradiation. Such processes are known in the literature and are described, for example, in WO 04/0131106.

12) A further method of preparing intermediates of formula IV, wherein R ⁵ , R ⁶ and Y are as defined above, is to react a compound of formula VI, wherein R ⁵ , R ⁶ and Y are as defined above, with thiourea in the presence of an acid, for example a mineral acid, such as hydrochloric acid or hydrobromic acid, or sulfuric acid, or an organic acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid, and optionally in the presence of a diluent, such as an ether, e.g. 1,4-dioxane or tetrahydrofuran, a polar solvent, e.g. water or N,N-dimethylformamide, or a mixture of solvents, e.g. a mixture of 1 ,4-dioxane and water, in a temperature range of from 2O ⁰ C to 27O ⁰ C, preferably from 2O ⁰ C to 15O ⁰ C, optionally under microwave irradiation. Such processes are known in the literature and are described, for example, in Buchwald and Neilsen, JACS, 110(10), 3171-3175 (19S8); Frank and Smith, JACS, 68, 2103-2104 (1946); Vetter, Syn. Comm., 28, 3219-3233 (1998). The intermediate IV is

then reacted with a compound of formula V as described in 11) to yield a compound of formula Id as described in 11).

13) A further method of preparing the compounds of formula Id as defined in 4) is to react compound of formula VII wherein R ⁵ , R ⁶ and Y are as defined above,

(VII) (Id) with a compound of formula V as defined in 11), in the presence of a base, e.g. potassium carbonate, optionally in the presence of a diluent, e.g. an amide, such as N,N-dimethyl- formamide, or an alcohol, such as ethanol, in a temperature range of from O ⁰ C to 100 ⁰ C, preferably from 2O ⁰ C to 5O ⁰ C, and optionally under an inert atmosphere, e.g. nitrogen. Such processes are known in the literature and are described, for example in WO 01/012613, WO 02/062770 and WO 04/010165.

14) Alternatively, the compounds of formula Id as defined in 4) can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula V as defined in 11) with thiourea, optionally in the presence of a diluent e.g. an alcohol, e.g. ethanol, in a temperature range of from -3O ⁰ C to 150 ⁰ C, preferably from O ⁰ C to 80 ⁰ C, to give an isothiourea intermediate of formula VIII,

(V) (VIII) (Id)

which is then reacted with a compound of formula III as defined in 11) in the presence of a base, such as a carbonate, e.g. potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate or potassium bicarbonate, or a hydroxide, e.g. potassium hydroxide, or an alkoxide, e.g. sodium alkoxide, optionally in the presence of a diluent, such as an alcohol, e.g. ethanol, a polar solvent, e.g. water or N,N-dimethylformamide, or a mixture of solvents, in a temperature range of from O ⁰ C to 200 ⁰ C, preferably from O ⁰ C to 100 ⁰ C. Such processes are known in the literature and are described, for example, in WO 05/095352.

15) A further method of preparing the compounds of formula Id as defined in 4) is to react an organometal reagent of the formula IX wherein R ⁵ , R ⁶ and Y are as defined above and M ^B is a group such as MgCl ₅ MgBr, ZnBr or Li,

(Id) with a compound of formula X wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above optionally in the presence of a diluent, e.g. an ether, such as diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran, in a temperature range of from -5O ⁰ C to 100 ⁰ C, preferably from -2O ⁰ C to 50°C, and optionally under an inert atmosphere, e.g. nitrogen. The disulfide of formula X can be formed in situ or prepared separately by oxidation of the corresponding sulfide, which in turn is described in JP 2004/224714. Similar processes are known in the literature and are described, for example in J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Commun., 1991, 993-994, J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. 1992 (24) 3371-3375, J. Org. Chem., 1989 (54) 2452-2453.

16) A further method of preparing the compounds of formula Id as defined in 4) is to react a compound of the formula Ilia wherein R ⁵ , R ⁶ and Y are as defined above, and X ^D is functional group that may be cleaved as a radical, e.g. a halogen, such as bromo or chloro,

with a radical initiator or a precursor thereof and with a compound of formula X as defined in 15), optionally in the presence of a diluent, e.g. a polar solvent, such as water or N,N-dimethylformamide, or mixtures thereof, optionally in the presence of a base, e.g. a phosphate or hydrogen phosphate such as disodium hydrogenphosphate, a carbonate, e.g. potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate or potassium bicarbonate, in a temperature range of from -5O ⁰ C to 18O ⁰ C, preferably from -2O ⁰ C to 5O ⁰ C, and optionally under an

inert atmosphere, e.g. nitrogen. As radical initiator or precursors can be used e.g. sodium dithionite or sodium hydroxymethanesulfinate.

Methods for making 4-halo-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole derivatives

17) The compounds of formula V as defined in 11), may be prepared by treating a compound of formula Va

Va V wherein R ¹ , R ² and R ⁴ are as defined above and X ^B is as defined in 11), with a base and a compound of formula XII, R ³ -X ^E , wherein R ³ is defined as above and X ^E is a suitable leaving group such as a halide, a perhaloalkyl, e.g. pentachloroethyl such as in hexa- chloroethane, an arylsulfonimide, e.g. benzenesulfonimide such as in N-fluorobenzene- sulfonimide (NFSI) ₅ an imide, e.g. succinimido such as in N-halosuccinimide, e.g. N- chlorosuccinimide (NCS), an arylsulfonyl, e.g. tosyl such as in tosylcyanide, or tertiary amine, e.g. diazo[2.2.2]byclooctane as in l-(chloromethyl)-4-fluoro-l,4-diazoniabicyclo- [2.2.2]octane bis(tetrafluoroborate) (SELECTFLUOR). For halogenation, preferred reagents of formula XII are N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) or l-(chloromethyl)-4- fluoro-l,4-diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bis(tetrafluoroborate) (SELECTFLUOR) for the fluorination, N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS) or hexachloroethane for the chlorination, N- bromosuccinimide (NBS) or phenyl trimethylamino tribromide (PTT) for the bromination and N-iodosuccinimide (NIS) for the iodination. These reactions are carried out in the presence of a suitable diluent such as an ether, e.g. tetrahydrofuran, or 1,4- dioxane, or diethyl ether, or 1,2-dimethoxy-ethane, or an amide, e.g. N,N-dimethylform- amide, or a sulfoxide, e.g. dimethylsulfoxide. Such reactions may be carried out in the presence of alkoxide bases, e.g. potassium tert-butoxide, in a temperature range from -100 ⁰ C to 5O ⁰ C, preferably from -80 ⁰ C to O ⁰ C. Alternatively, the reactions are carried out in the presence of an alkyl-lithium compound, e.g. n-butyl lithium, optionally in the presence of a complexing agent, e.g. l,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2(lH)-pyrimi- dinone (DMPU), in a temperature range from -100 ⁰ C to 5O ⁰ C, preferably from -SO ⁰ C to O ⁰ C. Alternatively, the reactions are carried out in the presence of a metal bis(tri(Ci- C ₆ alkyl)silyl)amide, e.g. sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide or potassium bis(trimethyl- silyl)amide, in a temperature range from -100 ⁰ C to 5O ⁰ C, preferably from -8O ⁰ C to O ⁰ C.

Alternatively such reactions may be carried out using a phosphazene base, e.g. 1 -tert- butyl-2,2,4,4,4-pentakis(dimethylamino)-2-lambda5-5 ₅ 4-lambda5-5-catenadi- (phosphazene) (P ₂ - ¹ Bu) or l-ethyl-2,2,4,4,4-pentakis(dimethylamino)-2-lambda5-5,4 lambda5-5-catena-di-(phosphazene) (P ₂ -Et), or 2,8,9-triisobutyl-2,5,8,9-tetraaza-l- phosphabicyclo[3.3.3]undecane (Verkade's base), in a temperature range from O ⁰ C to 5O ⁰ C, preferably from 0 ⁰ C to 3O ⁰ C. Such reactions may be preformed under an inert atmosphere, e.g. nitrogen or argon, with the exclusion of moisture. The base may be added optionally to mixture of a compound of formula Va and a compound of formula Xπ in the presence of a suitable solvent at an appropriate temperature. 18) The compounds of formula Vb wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above and X ^F is a suitable leaving group such as an alkylsulfϊnyl group, an arylsulfinyl group, a haloalkylsulfϊnyl group, an alkylsulfonyl group, e.g. methylsulfonyl, an arylsulfonyl group, e.g. phenylsulfonyl, or a haloalkylsulfonyl group, e.g. trifluoro- methylsulfonyl, may be prepared by treating a compound of formula Vc

Vc Vb wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above and X ^G is a group such as an alkyl- sulfanyl group, e.g. methylsulfanyl, an arylsulfanyl group, e.g. phenylsulfanyl, or a halo- alkylsulfanyl group, e.g. trifluoromethylsulfanyl, with a suitable organic or inorganic oxidising agent as defined in 4), optionally in the presence of a diluent as defined in 4), at a temperature of from -8O ⁰ C to 15O ⁰ C, preferably from -2O ⁰ C to 12O ⁰ C.

19) The compounds of formula Vd wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above and X ^H is a group such as an alkylsulfanyl group, e.g. methylsulfanyl, an arylsulfanyl group, e.g. phenylsulfanyl, or a haloalkylsulfanyl group, e.g. trifluoromethylsulfanyl, halogen, such as chloro, or nitro, may prepared from compounds of formula Ve,

Ve Vd wherein R ¹ , R ² and R ⁴ are defined as above, and X ^H is a group such as an alkylsulfanyl group, e.g. methylsulfanyl, an arylsulfanyl group, e.g. phenylsulfanyl, or a haloalkylsulfanyl group, e.g. trifluoromethylsulfanyl, halogen, such as chloro, or nitro, by reacting with a compound of formula R ³ -X ^J , wherein R ³ is defined as above and X ^J is a functional

group that may be cleaved to generate R ³ as a radical, optionally in the presence of a diluent such as a halogenated hydrocarbon, e.g. dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride, an ether, e.g. tetrahydrofuran, an aromatic compound, e.g. toluene, acetonitrile, an amide, e.g. N,N-dimethylforrnamide, water or a mixture thereof. The reactions are usually carried out in a temperature range from -50°C to 12O ⁰ C, preferably from -5°C to 100 ⁰ C. The reactions may be carried out optionally in the presence of light and or a radical initiator such as a peroxide, e.g. dibenzoylperoxide, or an azo compound, e.g. N,N'-azobis(isobutyronitrile). Suitable compounds of formula R ³ -X ^J include compounds in which X ^J is a succinimido group, in particular when R ³ is a halogen, e.g. N-chlorosuccinimide and N-bromosuccinimide, or X ^J is an alkoxy group, in particular when R ³ is a halogen, e.g. t-butylhypochlorite. Similar processes are known in the literature and are described, e.g. Tetrahedron, 1999 (55) 4133-4152; European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2002 (37) 933-944; Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2003 (68) 10187-10190; Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1988 (53), 5369-71. 20) The compounds of formula Vc wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above and X ^G is a group as defined in 18), may prepared from a compound of formula Vf,

Vf Vc wherein R ¹ , R ² and R ⁴ are as defined above, X ^G is as defined in 18) and X ^A is a leaving group as defined in 9), by reaction with a suitable salt of the formula II as defined in 9). This reaction may be carried out optionally in the presence of a diluent as defined in 9), optionally in the presence of a nucleophilic catalyst as defined in 9) and in the temperature range as defined in 9).

21) Alternatively, the compounds of formula Vc wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above and X is a group as defined in 18), may be prepared from a compound of formula Vf as defined in 20), by reaction with a suitable organometal reagent of formula II as defined in 10). This reaction may be carried out in a solvent as defined in 10), in the temperature range as defined in 10), optionally in the presence of a complexing agent as defined in 10), optionally under an inert atmosphere as defined in 10), optionally in the presence of another metal or its salt as defined in 10) with additionally a complexing

agent for such a metal atom or cation as defined in 10), optionally in the presence of a nucleophilic catalyst as defined in 10).

22) The compounds of formula Vc, wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above and X ^G is group as defined in 18), may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula Vg,

Vg Vc wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above and X ^D is a halogen, e.g. chloro, with a thiol such as an alkyl-, e.g. methylthiol, or aryl-thiol, e.g. phenylthiol, or a haloalkylthiol, optionally in the presence of a base such as an organic base, e.g. triethylamine, or an inorganic base, e.g. potassium carbonate, sodium hydride. This reaction may be carried out optionally in the presence of a diluent such as an ether, e.g. tetrahydrofuran, 1,4- dioxane, diethyl ether, a ketone, e.g. butan-2-one, or an alcohol, e.g. ethanol. Suitable temperatures are between -20°C and 15O ⁰ C, preferably between 15°C and 100 ⁰ C.

23) The compounds of formula Vg, wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above and X ^D is a halogen, e.g. chloro, may be prepared from a compound of formula xrv,

XIV Vg wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above, by reacting with a halogenating agent such as halophosphorous compound, e.g. phosphorous trichloride, phosphorous penta- chloride, phosphorous oxychloride, phosphorous tribromide, or an alkylsulfonyl chloride, e.g. methylsulfonylchloride, or thionyl chloride or oxalylchloride. The reactions may be carried out optionally in the presence of a diluent such as a nitroalkane, e.g. nitro- methane, or a haloalkane, e.g. dichloromethane. Suitable temperatures are between -20°C and 12O ⁰ C, preferably between 15°C and 100 ⁰ C. Similar processes are known in the literature and are described in WO 2001/012613, WO 2002/062770, WO 2004/014138, WO 2005/095352.

24) The compounds of formula XIVa wherein R ¹ , R ² and R ³ are as described above and R ⁴ is hydrogen, may be prepared from a compound of formula XV,

XV XIV wherein R ¹ , R ² and R ³ are as defined above and R ^x is alkyl, such as a Ci-C ₄ lower alkyl, preferably ethyl, or methyl, optionally substituted alkyl, e.g. benzyl, or aryl, e.g. phenyl, or optionally substituted aryl, e.g. 4-nitrophenyl or pentafluorophenyl, by reaction with N-hydroxyurea or hydroxylamine in the presence of either an inorganic base such as a metal alkoxide, e.g. sodium ethoxide or sodium methoxide, or potassium tert-butoxide, or a metal hydride, e.g. sodium hydride, or a metal hydroxide, e.g. sodium hydroxide, or potassium hydroxide, or an organic base such as an amine, e.g. triethylamine. This reaction may be carried out optionally in the presence of a diluent such as an alcohol, e.g. methanol or ethanol, or an ether, e.g. tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane, diethyl ether, 1,2- dimethoxyethane, or an amide, e.g. N,N-dimethylformamide, or dimethylsulfoxide, or water or a mixture thereof. Suitable temperatures are between 0°C and 12O ⁰ C, preferably between O ⁰ C and 100 ⁰ C. Similar processes are known in the literature and are described in Bull. Soc. Chim. France, 1976 (9-10, Pt. 2) 1589-1594. 25) The compounds of formula XV, wherein R ¹ , R ² and R ³ are as defined above and R ^x is as defined in 24), are known in the literature and may be prepared processes such as those described in Synthesis 2004 (16) 2641-2644; Synthesis 2003 (4) 555-559; Angew. Chemie, Int. Ed. 2003 (42) 1397-1399; J. Fluorine Chem. 2002 (117) 161-166; Tetrahedron Letters 2001 (42) 243-245; European J.Org. Chem. 1998 (11) 2603-2607; Tetrahedron Asymmetry 1997 (82) 3745-3753; Phosphorus, Sulfur and Silicon and the Related Elements 1995 (105, Pt. 1-4) 205-12; Tetrahedron Letters 1995 (36) 3023-6; Helvetica Chimica Acta 1994 (77) 1480-4; Tetrahedron Letters 1993 (34) 7923-4; Tetrahedron 1988 (44) 7127-44; Tetrahedron Letters 1985 (26) 5991-4; Bulletin de Ia Societe Chimique de France (1985) (3), 455-62; Justus Liebigs Annalen der Chemie 1964 (679) 9-19.

26) The compounds of formula XIV or a salt thereof, wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above, may, furthermore, be prepared from a compound of formula XVI,

XVI XIV wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above and X ^D is a suitable leaving group such as halide, e.g. chloride or bromide, in the presence of a inorganic base, such as an hydroxide salt, e.g. sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, or a carbonate salt, e.g. potassium carbonate, an alkoxide salt, e.g. sodium methoxide, a metal hydride, sodium hydride. This reaction may be carried out optionally in the presence of a diluent such as an alcohol, e.g. methanol or ethanol, or water or a mixture thereof. Suitable temperatures are between 0°C and 120°C, preferably between 15°C and 100 ⁰ C. Similar processes are known in the literature and are described in Zhurnal Obshchei Khimii 1959 (29) 3417-24. 27) The compounds of formula XVI, wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above and X ^D is as defined in 26), may be prepared from a compound of formula XVII,

XVII XVI wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above and X ^D is as defined in 26) and X ^κ is a suitable leaving group such as halide, e.g. chloride, by ^' reaction with either hydroxyl- amine or an acid salt thereof, such as a mineral acid salt, e.g. hydrochloric acid as in hydroxylamine hydrochloride, in the presence of a inorganic base, such as an hydroxide salt, e.g. sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, or a carbonate salt, e.g. potassium carbonate, an alkoxide salt, e.g. sodium methoxide, a metal hydride, such as sodium hydride. This reaction may be carried out optionally in the presence of a diluent such as an alcohol, e.g. methanol or ethanol, or water or a mixture thereof. Suitable temperatures are between -2O ⁰ C and 12O ⁰ C, preferably between 0 ⁰ C and 100 ⁰ C. Similar processes are known in the literature and are described in Zhurnal Obshchei Khimii 1959 (29) 3417-24.

28) The compounds of formula XIV or a salt thereof, wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above, may, furthermore, be prepared from a compound of formula XVIII,

XVIII _χ ,V wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above, by a process as described in

JP 2004/224714. Alternatively the compounds of formula XIV may be prepared from a compound of formula XVIII by reaction with a dehydrating agent such as a phosphorous oxide, e.g. phosphorous pentoxide, or arylsulfonyl halide, e.g. tosylchloride, or a carbonyl compound, e.g. diimidazolylketone or thionyl chloride or a combination of triphenylphoshine and diethyl azodicarboxylate. The reaction may be carried out optionally in the presence of a diluent such as a haloalkane, e.g. dichloromethane, or chloroform, or an aromatic compound, e.g. pyridine, or an amide, e.g. N,N-dimethyl- formamide at temperatures between -20°C and 120°C, typically between -5°C and 40°C. This reaction may be carried out optionally in the presence of either an inorganic base such as a carbonate, e.g. potassium carbonate, or an organic base such as an amine, triethylamine. Similar processes are known in the literature and are described in J. Heterocyclic Chemistry, 1990 (27) 275; J. Heterocyclic Chemistry, 1990 (27) 871; WO 2005/023820; JP 61161270; Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2005 (48) 4457-4468. 29) The compounds of formula V wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above and X ^B is a suitable leaving group as defined in 11) may, alternatively, be prepared from a compound of formula XIV,

- ¹ >=% ? ^{+ HC} \ ^N ._n/ ^χD _B * _R < ^I -λ / lx*

R ² ' R ⁴ X ^{B R} O-N

XIV xv V wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above, by reacting with a compound of formula XV wherein X ^B is as defined above and X ^D is a leaving group such as halide, e.g. chloride or bromide. Similar processes are known in the literature and are described in the Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1990 (55) 3045-51; Journal of Organic Chemistry, 19S7 (52) 2973-7; Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1983 (48) 1796-800; Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1981 (46) 5425-7; Journal of the American Chemical Society, 1979 (101) 1319-20.

30) The compounds of formula V wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above and X ^B is a suitable leaving group as defined in 11), may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula XVI,

XVI XVII ^V wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above, with a compound of formula XVII wherein X ^B is as defined above. Similar processes are known in the literature and are described in Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1988 (53) 5369-71; Tetrahedron Letters, 1979 (2) 139-42; Journal of the American Chemical Society, 1979 (101) 1319-20.

General methods for making heterocyclic intermediates

31) The compounds of formula III as defined in 11) can be prepared by reacting compounds of formula VI as defined in 12)

(Vl) (III) with a halogenating agent, such as hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, phosphorous tribromide, phosphorous trichloride or thionyl chloride, or with an alkyl-, aryl- or halo- alkylsulfonyl chloride, such as methanesulfonyl chloride, p-toluenesulfonyl chloride or trifluoromethylsulfonyl chloride, or with a combination of carbon tetrabromide and triphenyl phosphine, optionally in the presence of an inert solvent, e.g. a halogenated hydrocarbon, such as dichloromethane, 1 ,2-dichloroethane or carbon tetrachloride, an ether, such as diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran, or an acid, such as acetic acid, optionally in the presence of a base, e.g. an amine, such as tri ethyl amine, in a temperature range from -50 ⁰ C to 100 ⁰ C, preferably from O ⁰ C to 50°C.-Such processes are known in the literature and are described, for example, in J. Med. Chem.2005 (48) 3438-3442, J. Org. Chem., 2005 (70) 2274-2284, Org. and Biomolecular Chem., 2005 (3) 1013-1024, Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2004 (13) 363-384, Tetrahedron Asymmetry 2004 (15) 3719-3722.

32) Alternatively, the compounds of formula HIa, wherein R ⁵ , R ⁶ and Y are as defined above, and X ^D is a leaving group such as halogen, e.g. bromo or chloro, can be prepared

(XVIl) (Ilia) by reacting compounds of formula XVII wherein R ⁵ , R ⁶ and Y are as defined above, with compounds of formula R ^l0 -X ^D , wherein X ^D is a leaving group such as halogen, e.g. bromo or chloro, and R ¹⁰ is a functional group that may be cleaved to generate X ^D as a radical, optionally in the presence of a diluent such as a halogenated hydrocarbon, e.g. dichloromethane, 1 ,2-dichloroethane or carbon tetrachloride, an ether, e.g. tetrahydro- fϊiran, an aromatic compound, e.g. toluene, a polar solvent, e.g. acetonitrile, N,N-dimethylformamide or water, or a mixture thereof. The reactions are usually carried out in a temperature range from -50°C to 120°C, preferably from -5°C to 100°C. The reactions may be carried out optionally in the presence of light and or a radical initiator such as a peroxide, e.g. dibenzoylperoxide, or an azo compound, e.g. N,N'-azobis- (isobutyronitrile). Suitable compounds of formula R ¹⁰ -X ^λ include compounds in which R ¹⁰ is a succinimido group, e.g. N-chlorosuccinimide and N-bromosuccinimide. Similar processes are known in the literature and are described, e.g. Tetrahedron, 1988 (44) 461- 469; Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1981 (46) 679-686; J. Chem. Soc, Perkin Trans 1, 1985 (6), 1167-1170.

33) The compounds of formula Via, wherein R ⁶ is hydrogen or Ci-C ₆ alkyl and Y is as defined above, can be prepared

(XVIII) (Via) by reacting a compound of formula XVIII wherein R ⁶ is hydrogen or Ci-Cbalkyl and Y is as defined above with a reducing agent, e.g. a metal hydride, such as diisobutyl aluminium hydride, lithium aluminium hydride, sodium borohydride, lithium boro- hydride, or diborane, optionally in the presence of an inert solvent, e.g. an ether, such as diethyl ether, 1 ,4-dioxane or tetrahydrofuran, an alcohol, such as methanol or ethanol, or an aromatic hydrocarbon, such as toluene. Such reactions are usually carried out in a temperature range from -50°C to 100°C, preferably from 0°C to SO ⁰ C. Such processes are known in the literature and are described, for example, in Tetrahedron Asymmetry,

2004 (15) 363-386; J. Med. Chem., 2002 (45) 19-31; Justus Liebigs Annalen der Chemie, 1978 (8) 1241-49.

34) Alternatively, the compounds of formula VIb, wherein Y is as defined above, can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula XIX,

(XIX) (VIb) wherein Y is as defined above and R ¹ ' is hydrogen or Ci-Ci _O alkyl, with a reducing agent, e.g. a metal hydride, such as diisobutyl aluminium hydride, lithium aluminium hydride, sodium borohydride, lithium borohydride, or diborane, optionally in the presence of an inert solvent, e.g. an ether, such as diethyl ether, 1,4-dioxane or tetrahydrofuran, an alcohol, such as methanol or ethanol, or an aromatic hydrocarbon, such as toluene. Such reactions are usually carried out in a temperature range from -5O ⁰ C to 100 ⁰ C, preferably from 0 ⁰ C to 80 ⁰ C. Such processes are known in the literature and are described, for example, in Tetrahedron Asymmetry 2004 (15) 3719-3722, J. Med. Chem., 2004 (47) 2176-2179, Heterocyclic Communications 2002 (8) 385-390, J. Antibiotics, 1995 (48) 1320-1329.

35) Additionally, the compounds of formula VIc wherein Y is as defined above and X ^D is halogen, such as bromo or chloro, can be prepared from a compound of formula XX wherein Y is as defined above

(XX) (I I Ic) by reacting with a reagent of formula XXI wherein X ^D is halogen, such as bromo or chloro, in the presence of a diluent such as a halogenated hydrocarbon such as dichloromethane, a hydrocarbon such as hexane, an alcohol such as ethanol, N-N- dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran or a mixture thereof. The preparation of aromatic benzyl halides is described in Tetrahedron Letts. 2000 (41) 5161-5164. The preparation of the reagent XXI is described in J. Org. Chem. 1980 (45) 384-389.

36) The preparation of pyrazoles, including methods of ring formation, is further described in EP 1364946, EP 1541561, WO 05/095352 and WO 05/105755; the preparation of triazoles, including methods of ring formation, is further discussed in GB 0603891.3.

The compounds of formula I according to the invention can be used as herbicides in unmodified form, as obtained in the synthesis, but they are generally formulated into herbicidal compositions in various ways using formulation adjuvants, such as carriers, solvents and surface-active substances. The formulations can be in various physical forms, e.g. in the form of dusting powders, gels, wettable powders, water-dispersible granules, water-dispersible tablets, effervescent pellets, emulsifiable concentrates, micro- emulsifiable concentrates, oil-in-water emulsions, oil-flowables, aqueous dispersions, oily dispersions, suspo-emulsions, capsule suspensions, emulsifiable granules, soluble liquids, water-soluble concentrates (with water or a water-miscible organic solvent as carrier), impregnated polymer films or in other forms known e.g. from the Manual on Development and Use of FAO Specifications for Plant Protection Products, 5th Edition, 1999. Such formulations can either be used directly or they are diluted prior to use. The dilutions can be made, for example, with water, liquid fertilisers, micronutrients, biological organisms, oil or solvents. -The formulations can be prepared e.g. by mixing the active ingredient with the formulation adjuvants in order to obtain compositions in the form of finely divided solids, granules, solutions, dispersions or emulsions. The active ingredients can also be formulated with other adjuvants, such as finely divided solids, mineral oils, oils of vegetable or animal origin, modified oils of vegetable or animal origin, organic solvents, water, surface-active substances or combinations thereof. The active ingredients can also be contained in very fine microcapsules consisting of a polymer. Microcapsules contain the active ingredients in a porous carrier. This enables the active ingredients to be released into the environment in controlled amounts (e.g. slow-release). Microcapsules usually have a diameter of from 0.1 to 500 microns. They contain active ingredients in an amount of about from 25 to 95 % by weight of the capsule weight. The active ingredients can be in the form of a monolithic solid, in the form of fine particles in solid or liquid dispersion or in the form of a suitable solution. The encapsulating membranes for example, natural or synthetic rubbers, cellulose, styrene/butadiene copolymers, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylate, polyesters, polyamides, polyureas, polyurethane or

chemically modified polymers and starch xanthates or other polymers that are known to the person skilled in the art in this connection. Alternatively, very fine microcapsules can be formed in which the active ingredient is contained in the form of finely divided particles in a solid matrix of base substance, but the microcapsules are not themselves encapsulated.

The formulation adjuvants that are suitable for the preparation of the compositions according to the invention are known per se. As liquid carriers there may be used: water, toluene, xylene, petroleum ether, vegetable oils, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, acid anhydrides, acetonitrile, acetophenone, amyl acetate, 2- butanone, butylene carbonate, chlorobenzene, cyclohexane, cyclohexanol, alkyl esters of acetic acid, diacetone alcohol, 1,2-dichloropropane, diethanolamine, p-diethylbenzene, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol abietate, diethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1 ,4-dioxane, diprbpylene glycol, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, diproxitol, alkylpyrrolidone, ethyl acetate, 2-ethylhexanol, ethylene carbonate, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 2-heptanone, alpha-pinene, d-limonene, ethyl lactate, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, gamma- butyrolactone, glycerol, glycerol acetate, glycerol diacetate, glycerol triacetate, hexadecane, hexylene glycol, isoamyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, isooctane, isophorone, isopropylbenzene, isopropyl myristate, lactic acid, laurylamine, mesityl oxide, methoxy- propanol, methyl isoamyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl laurate, methyl octanoate, methyl oleate, methylene chloride, m-xylene, n-hexane, w-octylamine, octa- decanoic acid, octylamine acetate, oleic acid, oleylamine, o-xylene, phenol, polyethylene glycol (PEG400), propionic acid, propyl lactate, propylene carbonate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol methyl ether, p-xylene, toluene, triethyl phosphate, triethylene glycol, xylenesulfonic acid, paraffin, mineral oil, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, ethyl acetate, amyl acetate, butyl acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and alcohols of higher molecular weight, such as amyl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, hexanol, octanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and the like. Water is generally the carrier of choice for diluting the concentrates. Suitable solid carriers are, for example, talc, titanium dioxide, pyrophyllite clay, silica, attapulgite clay, kieselguhr, limestone, calcium carbonate, bentonite, calcium montmorillonite, cottonseed husks, wheat flour,

soybean flour, pumice, wood flour, ground walnut shells, lignin and similar substances, as described, for example, in CFR 180.1001. (c) & (d).

A large number of surface-active substances can advantageously be used in both solid and liquid formulations, especially in those formulations which can be diluted with a carrier prior to use. Surface-active substances may be anionic, cationic, non-ionic or polymeric and they can be used as emulsifiers, wetting agents or suspending agents or for other purposes. Typical surface-active substances include, for example, salts of alkyl sulfates, such as diethanolammonium lauryl sulfate; salts of alkylarylsulfonates, such as calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; alkylphenol/alkylene oxide addition products, such as nonylphenol ethoxylate; alcohol/alkylene oxide addition products, such as tridecylalcohol ethoxylate; soaps, such as sodium stearate; salts of alkylnaphthalenesulfonates, such as sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulfonate; dialkyl esters of sulfosuccinate salts, such as sodium di(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate; sorbitol esters, such as sorbitol oleate; quartemary amines, such as lauryltrimethylarnmoniurn chloride, polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids, such as polyethylene glycol stearate; block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; and salts of mono- and di-alkylphosphate esters; and also further substances described e.g. in "McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual" MC Publishing Corp., Ridgewood New Jersey, 1981.

Further adjuvants that can usually be used in pesticidal formulations include crystallisation inhibitors, viscosity modifiers, suspending agents, dyes, anti-oxidants, foaming agents, light absorbers, mixing auxiliaries, antifoams, complexing agents, neutralising or pH-modifying substances and buffers, corrosion inhibitors, fragrances, wetting agents, take-up enhancers, micronutrients, plasticisers, glidants, lubricants, dispersants, thickeners, antifreezes, microbicides, and also liquid and solid fertilisers. The compositions according to the invention can additionally include an additive comprising an oil of vegetable or animal origin, a mineral oil, alkyl esters of such oils or mixtures of such oils and oil derivatives. The amount of oil additive in the composition according to the invention is generally from 0.01 to 10 %, based on the spray mixture. For example, the oil additive can be added to the spray tank in the desired concentration after the spray mixture has been prepared. Preferred oil additives comprise mineral oils or an oil of vegetable origin, for example rapeseed oil, olive oil or sunflower oil, emulsified vegetable oil, such as AMIGO® (Rhδne-Poulenc Canada Inc.), alkyl esters of oils of vegetable origin, for example the methyl derivatives, or an oil of animal origin, such as fish oil or beef tallow. A preferred additive contains, for example, as active

components essentially 80 % by weight alkyl esters of fish oils and 15 % by weight methylated rapeseed oil, and also 5 % by weight of customary emulsifiers and pH modifiers. Especially preferred oil additives comprise alkyl esters Of C ₈ -C ₂₂ fatty acids, especially the methyl derivatives OfCi ₂ -Ci ₈ fatty acids, for example the methyl esters of lauric acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid, being of importance. Those esters are known as methyl laurate (CAS-111-82-0), methyl palmitate (CAS-112-39-0) and methyl oleate (CAS-112-62-9). A preferred fatty acid methyl ester derivative is Emery® 2230 and 2231 (Cognis GmbH). Those and other oil derivatives are also known from the Compendium of Herbicide Adjuvants, 5th Edition, Southern Illinois University, 2000. The application and action of the oil additives can be further improved by combination with surface-active substances, such as non-ionic, anionic or cationic surfactants. Examples of suitable anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants are listed on pages 7 and 8 of WO 97/34485. Preferred surface-active substances are anionic surfactants of the dodecylbenzylsulfonate type, especially the calcium salts thereof, and also non-ionic surfactants of the fatty alcohol ethoxylate type. Special preference is given to ethoxylated C) ₂ -C ₂₂ fatty alcohols having a degree of ethoxylation of from 5 to 40. Examples of commercially available surfactants are the Genapol types (Clariant AG). Also preferred are silicone surfactants, especially polyalkyl-oxide-modified heptamethyltriloxanes which are commercially available e.g. as Silwet L-77®, and also perfluorinated surfactants. The concentration of the surface-active substances in relation to the total additive is generally from 1 to 30 % by weight. Examples of oil additives consisting of mixtures of oil or mineral oils or derivatives thereof with surfactants are Edenor ME SU®, Turbocharge® (Syngenta AG, CH) or ActipronC (BP Oil UK Limited, GB). If desired, it is also possible for the mentioned surface-active substances to be used in the formulations on their own, that is to say without oil additives.

Furthermore, the addition of an organic solvent to the oil additive/surfactant mixture may contribute to an additional enhancement of action. Suitable solvents are, for example, Solvesso® (ESSO) or Aromatic Solvent® (Exxon Corporation). The concentration of such solvents can be from 10 to 80 % by weight of the total weight. Oil additives that are present in admixture with solvents are described, for example, in US-A- 4,834,908. A commercially available oil additive disclosed therein is known by the name

MERGE® (BASF Corporation). A further oil additive that is preferred according to the invention is SCORE® (Syngenta Crop Protection Canada).

In addition to the oil additives listed above, for the purpose of enhancing the action of the compositions according to the invention it is also possible for formulations of alkylpyrrolidones (e.g. Agrimax®) to be added to the spray mixture. Formulations of synthetic lattices, e.g. polyacrylamide, polyvinyl compounds or poly-1-p-menthene (e.g.

Bond®, Courier® or Emerald®) may also be used. It is also possible for solutions that contain propionic acid, for example Eurogkem Pen-e-trate®, to be added to the spray mixture as action-enhancing agent. The herbicidal compositions generally comprise from 0.1 to 99 % by weight, especially from 0.1 to 95 % by weight, compounds of formula I and from 1 to 99.9 % by weight of a formulation adjuvant which preferably includes from 0 to 25 % by weight of a surface-active substance. Whereas commercial products will preferably be formulated as concentrates, the end user will normally employ dilute formulations. The rates of application of compounds of formula I may vary within wide limits and depend on the nature of the soil, the method of application (pre- or post-emergence; seed dressing; application to the seed furrow; no tillage application etc.), the crop plant, the grass or weed to be controlled, the prevailing climatic conditions, and other factors governed by the method of application, the time of application and the target crop. The compounds of formula I according to the invention are generally applied at a rate of from

10 to 2000 g/ha, especially from 50 to 1000 g/ha.

Preferred formulations have especially the following compositions (% = percent by weight):

Emulsifiable concentrates: active ingredient: 1 to 95 %, preferably 60 to 90 % surface-active agent: 1 to 30 %, preferably 5 to 20 % liquid carrier: 1 to 80 %, preferably 1 to 35 %

Dusts: active ingredient: 0.1 to 10 %, preferably 0.1 to 5 % solid carrier: 99.9 to 90 ^' %, preferably 99.9 to 99 %

Suspension concentrates: active ingredient: 5 to 75 %, preferably 10 to 50 % water: 94 to 24 %, preferably 88 to 30 %

surface-active agent: 1 to 40 %, preferably 2 to 30 % Wettable powders: active ingredient: 0.5 to 90 %, preferably 1 to 80 % surface-active agent: 0.5 to 20 %, preferably 1 to 15 % solid carrier: 5 to 95 %, preferably 15 to 90 % Granules: active ingredient: 0.1 to 30 %, preferably 0.1 to 15 % solid carrier: 99.5 to 70 %, preferably 97 to 85 %

The following Examples further illustrate, but do not limit, the invention.

Formulation Examples for herbicides of formula I (% = % by weight ^" )

Fl . Emulsifiable concentrates a) b) C) φ active ingredient 5 % 10 % 25 % 50 % calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate 6 % 8 % 6 % 8 % castor oil polyglycol ether 4 % _ 4 % 4 %

(36 mol of ethylene oxide) octylphenol polyglycol ether - 4 % - 2 %

(7-8 mol of ethylene oxide) NMP - - - 10 % - 20 % arom. hydrocarbon mixture 85 % 78 % 55 % 16 %

Emulsions of any desired concentration can be obtained from such concentrates by dilution with water.

F2. Solutions a) b) c) d) active ingredient 5 % 10 % 50 % 90 %

1 -methoxy-3-(3-methoxy- propoxy)-propane - ^' 20 % 20 % - polyethylene glycol MW 400 20 % ' ¹ io % - -

NMP - - 30 % 10 % arom. hydrocarbon mixture 75 % 60 % - -

The solutions are suitable for use in the form of microdrops.

F3. Wettable powders a) b) c) d) active ingredient 5% 25% 50% 80% sodium lignosulfonate 4% - 3% - sodium lauryl sulfate 2% 3% - 4% sodium diisobutylnaphthalene- sulfonate - 6% 5% 6% octylphenol polyglycol ether - 1% 2% -

(7-8 mol of ethylene oxide) highly dispersed silicic acid 1% 3% 5% 10% kaolin 88% 62% 35%

The active ingredient is mixed thoroughly with the adjuvants and the mixture is thoroughly ground in a suitable mill, affording wettable powders which can be diluted with water to give suspensions of any desired concentration.

F4. Coated granules a) b) c) active ingredient 0.1% 5% 15% highly dispersed silicic acid 0.9 % 2% 2% inorganic carrier 99.0 % 93% 83% (diameter 0.1-1 mm) e.g. CaCO ₃ or SiO ₂

The active ingredient is dissolved in methylene chloride and applied to the carrier by spraying, and the solvent is then evaporated off in vacuo.

F5. Coated granules a) b) c) active ingredient 0.1 % 5% 15% polyethylene glycol MW 200 1.0% 2% 3% highly dispersed silicic acid 0.9 % 1% 2% inorganic carrier 98.0 % 92% 80% (diameter 0.1-1 mm) e.g. CaCO ₃ or SiO ₂

The finely ground active ingredient is uniformly applied, in a mixer, to the carrier moistened with polyethylene glycol. Non-dusty coated granules are obtained in this manner.

F6. Extruder granules a) b) c) d) active ingredient 0.1 % 3% 5% 15% sodium lignosulfonate 1.5% 2% 3% 4% carboxymethylcellulose 1.4% 2% 2% 2% kaolin 97.0 % 93% 90% 79%

The active ingredient is mixed and ground with the adjuvants, and the mixture is moistened with water. The mixture is extruded and then dried in a stream of air.

F7. Dusts a) b) c) active ingredient 0.1 % 1% 5% talcum 39. 9% 49% 35% kaolin 60. 0% 50% 60%

Ready-to-use dusts are obtained by mixing the active ingredient with the carriers and grinding the mixture in a suitable mill.

FS. Suspension concentrates a) b) c) φ active ingredient 3% 10% 25% 50% ethylene glycol 5% 5% 5% 5% nonylphenol polyglycol ether - 1% 2% -

(15 mol of ethylene oxide) sodium lignosulfonate 3% 3% 4% 5% carboxymethylcellulose 1% 1% 1% 1%

37 % aqueous formaldehyde 0.2 % 0.2 % 0.2 % 0.2 % solution silicone oil emulsion 0.8 % 0.8 % 0.8 % 0.8 % water S7% 79% 62% 38%

The finely ground active ingredient is intimately mixed with the adjuvants, giving a suspension concentrate from which suspensions of any desired concentration can be obtained by dilution with water.

The invention also relates to a method of controlling plants which comprises applying to the plants or to the locus thereof a herbicidal Iy effective amount of a compound of formula I.

The invention also relates to a method of inhibiting plant growth which comprises applying to the plants or to the locus thereof a herbicidally effective amount of a compound of formula I.

The invention also relates to a method of selectively controlling grasses and weeds in crops of useful plants which comprises applying to the useful plants or locus thereof or to the area of cultivation a herbicidally effective amount of a compound of formula I.

Crops of useful plants in which the composition according to the invention can be used include cereals, for example barley and wheat, cotton, oilseed rape, maize, rice, soy beans, sugar beet and sugar cane, especially cereals and maize.

Crops can also include trees, such as palm trees, coconut trees or other nuts, and vines such as grapes.

The grasses and weeds to be controlled may be both monocotyledonous species, for example Agrostis, Alopecurus, Avena, Bromus, Cyperus, Digitaria, Echinochloa, Lolium, Monochoria, Rottboellia, Sagittaria, Scirpus, Setaria, Sida and Sorghum, and dicotyledonous species, for example Abutilon, Amaranthus, Chenopodium, Chrysanthemum, Galium, Ipomoea, Nasturtium, Sinapis, Solanum, Stellaria, Veronica, Viola and Xanthium.

Crops are to be understood as also including those crops which have been - rendered tolerant to herbicides or classes of herbicides-(e.g. ALS-, GS-, EPSPS-, PPO- and HPPD-inhibitors) by conventional methods of breeding or by genetic engineering. An example of a crop that has been rendered tolerant to imidazolinones, e.g. imazamox, by conventional methods of breeding is Clearfield® summer rape (canola). Examples of crops that have been rendered tolerant to herbicides by genetic engineering methods include e.g. glyphosate- and glufosinate-resistant maize varieties commercially available under the trade names RoundupReady® and LibertyLink®.

Crops are also to be understood as being those which have been rendered resistant to harmful insects by genetic engineering methods, for example Bt maize (resistant to European corn borer), Bt cotton (resistant to cotton boll weevil) and also Bt potatoes (resistant to Colorado beetle). Examples of Bt maize are the Bt 176 maize hybrids of NK® (Syngenta Seeds). The Bt toxin is a protein that is formed naturally by Bacillus thuringiensis soil bacteria. Examples of toxins, or transgenic plants able to synthesise such toxins, are described in EP-A-451 878, EP-A-374 753, WO 93/07278, WO 95/34656, WO 03/052073 and EP-A-427 529. Examples of transgenic plants

comprising one or more genes that code for an insecticidal resistance and express one or more toxins are KnockOut® (maize), Yield Gard® (maize), NuCOTIN33B® (cotton), Bollgard® (cotton), NewLeaf® (potatoes), NatureGard® and Protexcta®. Plant crops or seed material thereof can be both resistant to herbicides and, at the same time, resistant to insect feeding ("stacked" transgenic events). For example, seed can have the ability to express an insecticidal Cry3 protein while at the same time being tolerant to glyphosate.

Crops are also to be understood as being those which are obtained by conventional methods of breeding or genetic engineering and contain so-called output traits (e.g. improved storage stability, higher nutritional value and improved flavour). Areas under cultivation include land on which the crop plants are already growing and land intended for cultivation with those crop plants.

The compounds of formula I according to the invention can also be used in combination with other herbicides. In particular, the following mixtures of the compound of formula I are important: Mixtures of a compound of formula I with S-metolachlor (549) or a compound of formula I with metolachlor (548).

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with a triazine (e.g. compound of formula I + ametryn (20), compound of formula I + atrazine (37), compound of formula I + cyanazine (183), compound of formula I + dimethametryn (259), compound of formula I + metribuzin (554), compound of formula I + prometon (665), compound of formula I + prometryn (666), compound of formula I + propazine (672), compound of formula I + simazine (730), compound of formula I + simetryn (732), compound of formula I + terbumeton (774), compound of formula I + terbuthylazine (775), compound of formula I + terbutryn (776), compound of formula I + trietazine (831)). Particularly preferred are mixtures of a compound of formula I with atrazine, metribuzin, prometryn or with terbuthylazine.

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with an HPPD inhibitor (e.g. compound of formula I + isoxaflutole (479), compound of formula I + mesotrione (515), compound of formula I + sulcotrione (747), compound of formula I + tembotrione (CAS RN 335104- 84-2), compound of formula I + topramezone (CAS RN 210631 -68-8), compound of formula I + 4-hydroxy-3-[[2-[(2-methoxyethoxy)methyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl )-3- pyridinyl]carbonyl]-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-en-2-one (CAS RN 352010-68-5), compound of

formula I + 4-hydroxy-3-[[2-(3-methoxypropyI)-6-(difluoromethyl)-3- pyridinyl]carbonyl]-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-en-2-one).

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with an HPPD inhibitor and a triazine. Mixtures of a compound of formula I with glyphosate (419). Mixtures of a compound of formula I with glyphosate and an HPPD inhibitor

(e.g. compound of formula I + glyphosate + isoxaflutole, compound of formula I + glyphosate + niesotrione, compound of formula I + glyphosate + sulcotrione, compound of formula I + glyphosate + tembotrione, compound of formula I + glyphosate + topramezone, compound of formula I + glyphosate + 4-hydroxy-3-[[2-[(2- methoxyethoxy)methyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pyridinyl]carbon yl]-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3- en-2-one, compound of formula I + glyphosate + 4-hydroxy-3-[[2-(3-methoxypropyl)-6- (difluoromethyl)-3-pyridinyl]carbonyl]-bicyclo[3.2.1 ]oct-3-en-2-one).

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with glufosinate-ammonium (418). Mixtures of a compound of formula I with glufosinate-ammonium and an HPPD inhibitor (e.g. compound of formula I + glufosinate-ammonium + isoxaflutole, compound of formula I + glufosinate-ammonium + mesotrione, compound of formula I + glufosinate-ammonium + sulcotrione, compound of formula I + glufosinate-ammonium + tembotrione, compound of formula I + glufosinate-ammonium + topramezone, compound of formula I + glufosinate-ammonium + 4-hydroxy-3-[[2-[(2- methoxyethoxy)methyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pyridinyl]carbon yl]-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3- en-2-one, compound of formula I + glufosinate-ammonium + 4-hydroxy-3-[[2-(3- methoxypropyl)-6-(difluoromethyl)-3-pyridinyl]carbonyl]-bicy clo[3.2.1]oct-3-en-2-one).

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with a triazolinone (e.g. compound of formula I + amicarbazone (21)). Mixtures of a compound of formula I with an ALS inhibitor (e.g. compound of formula I + chlorsulfuron (147), compound of formula I + cinosulfuron (154), compound of formula I + cloransulam-methyl (164), compound of formula I + ethametsulfuron- methyl (306), compound of formula I + flazasulfuron (356), compound of formula I + foramsulfuron (402), compound of formula I + flumetsulam (374), compound of formula I + imazamethabenz-methyl (450), compound of formula I + imazamox (451 ), compound of formula I + imazapic (452), compound of formula I + imazapyr (453), compound of formula I + imazethapyr (455), compound of formula I + iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium (466), compound of formula I + metsulfuron-methyl (555), compound of formula I + nicosulfuron (577), compound of formula I + oxasulfuron (603), compound of formula I

+ primisulfuron-methyl (657), compound of formula I + prosulfuron (684), compound of formula I + pyrithiobac-sodium (709), compound of formula I + rimsulfuron (721), compound of formula I + sulfosulfuron (752), compound of formula I + thifensulfuron- methyl (thiameturon-methyl) (795), compound of formula I + triasulfuron (817), compound of formula I + tribenuron-methyl (822), compound of formula I + trifloxysulfuron-sodium (833), compound of formula I + thiencarbazone (BAY636)). Particularly preferred are mixtures of a compound of formula I with flazasulfuron, foramsulfuron, flumetsulam, imazapyr, imazethapyr, iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium, nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, trifloxysulfuron-sodium or with 4-[(4,5-dihydro-3-methoxy-4- methyl-5-oxo)- IH-1 ,2,4-triazol- 1 -ylcarbonylsulfamoylJ-S-rnethylthiophene-S-carboxylic acid (BAY636).

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with a PPO inhibitor (e.g. compound of formula I + fomesafen (401), compound of formula I + fiumioxazin (376), compound of formula I + sulfentrazone (749), compound of formula I + [3-[2-chloro-4-fluoro-5-(l- methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4-dioxo-l,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimid in-3-yl)phenoxy]-2- pyridyloxy]acetic acid ethyl ester) (CAS RN 353292-31-6). Particularly preferred are mixtures of a compound of formula I with fiumioxazin, sulfentrazone or [3-[2-chloro-4- fluoro-5-(l-methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4-dioxo-l,2,3,4-tetra hydropyrimidin-3- yl)phenoxy]-2-pyridyloxy]acetic acid ethyl ester. Mixtures of a compound of formula I with paraquat dichloride (614).

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with pendimethalin (621) or a compound of formula I with trifluralin (836). Particularly preferred are mixtures of a compound of formula I with pendimethalin.

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with metamitron (521). Mixtures of a compound of formula I with clomazone (159).

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with metazachlor (524). Mixtures of a compound of formula I with clodinafop-propargyl (156) or a compound of formula I with pinoxaden (CAS RN 243973-20-8).

The mixing partners of the compound of formula I may also be in the form of esters or salts, as mentioned e.g. in The Pesticide Manual, 13 ^lh Edition (BCPC), 2003. The reference to glufosinate-ammonium also applies to glufosinate, the reference to cloransulam-methyl also applies to cloransulam, and the reference to pyrithiobac-sodium also applies to pyrithiobac, etc.

The mixing ratio of the compound of formula I to the mixing partner is preferably fτom l : 100 to 1000:1.

The mixtures can advantageously be used in the above-mentioned formulations (in which case "active ingredient" relates to the respective mixture of compound of formula I with the mixing partner).

Furthermore, the compounds of formula I according to the invention can also be used in combination with other herbicides: compound of formula I + acetochlor (5), compound of formula I + acifluorfen-sodium (7), compound of formula I -t- aclonifen (8), compound of formula I + acrolein (10), compound of formula I + alachlor (14), compound of formula I + alloxydim (18), compound of formula I + allyl alcohol (CAS RN 107-18-6), compound of formula I + amidosulfuron (22), compound of formula I + aminopyralid (CAS RN 150114-71-9), compound of formula I + amitrole (aminotriazole) (25), compound of formula I + ammonium sulfamate (26), compound of formula I + anilofos (31), compound of formula I + asulam (36), compound of formula I + atraton (CAS RN 1610-17-9), compound of formula I + aviglycine (39), compound of formula I + azafenidin (CAS RN 68049-83-2), compound of formula I + azimsulfuron (43), compound of formula I + BAS 800H (CAS RN 372137-35-4), compound of formula I + BCPC (CAS RN 2164-13-8), compound of formula I + beflubutamid (55), compound of formula I + benazolin (57), compound of formula I + bencarbazone (CAS RN 173980- 17-1), compound of formula I + benfluralin (59), compound of formula I + benfuresate (61), compound of formula I + bensulfuron-methyl (64), compound of formula I + bensulide (65), compound of formula I + bentazone (67), compound of formula I + benzfendizone (CAS RN 158755-95-4), compound of formula I + benzobicyclon (69), compound of formula I + benzofenap (70), compound of formula I + bifenox (75), compound of formula I + bilanafos (bialaphos) (77), compound of formula I + bispyribac-sodium (82), compound of formula I + borax (86), compound of formula I + bromacil (90), compound of formula I + bromobutide (93), compound of formula I + bromofenoxim (CAS RN 13181-17-4), compound of formula I + bromoxynil (95), compound of formula I + butachlor (100), compound of formula I + butafenacil (101), compound of formula I + butamifos (102), compound of formula I + butralin (105), compound of formula I + butroxydim (106), compound of formula I + butylate (108), compound of formula I + cacodylic acid (CAS RN 75-60-5), compound of formula I + calcium chlorate (CAS RN 10137-74-3), compound of formula I + cafenstrole (110), compound of formula I + carbetamide (117), compound of formula I + carfentrazone-

ethyl (121), compound of formula I + CDEA (CAS RN 2315-36-8), compound of formula I + CEPC (CAS RN 587-56-4), compound of formula I + chlorbromuron (CAS RN 13360-45-7), compound of formula I + chlorflurenol-methyl (133), compound of formula I + chloridazon (134), compound of formula 1 4- chlorimuron-ethyl (135), compound of formula I + chloroacetic acid (138), compound of formula I + chlorotoluron (143), compound of formula I + chlorpropham (144), compound of formula I + chlorthal- dimethyl (148), compound of formula I + cinidon-ethyl (152), compound of formula I + cinmethylin (153), compound of formula I + cisanilide (CAS RN 34484-77-0), compound of formula I + clefoxydim (CAS RN 211496-02-5), compound of formula I + clethodim (155), compound of formula I + clomeprop (160), compound of formula I + clopyralid (162), compound of formula I + CMA (CAS RN 5902-95-4), compound of formula I + 4-CPB (CAS RN 3547-07-7), compound of formula I + CPMF, compound of formula I + 4-CPP (CAS RN 3307-39-9), compound of formula I + CPPC (CAS RN 2150-32-5), compound of formula I + cresol (CAS RN 1319-77-3), compound of formula I + cumyluron (180), compound of formula I + cyanamide (182), compound of formula I + cyclanilide (186), compound of formula I + cycloate (187), compound of formula I + cyclosulfamuron (189), compound of formula I + cycloxydim (190), compound of formula I -f cyhalo fop-butyl (195), compound of formula I + 2,4-D (211), compound of formula I + 3,4-DA (CAS RN 588-22-7), compound of formula I + daimuron (213), compound of formula I + dalapon (214), compound of formula -I + dazomet (216), compound of formula I + 2,4-DB (217), compound of formula I + 3,4-DB, compound of formula I + 2,4-DEB (CAS RN 94-83-7), compound of formula I + desmedipham (225), compound of formula I + desmetryn (CAS RN 1014-69-3), compound of formula I + dicamba (228), compound of formula I + dichlobenil (229), compound of formula I + ortho-dichlorobenzene (CAS RN 95-50-1), compound of formula I + para- dichlorobenzene (CAS RN 106-46-7), compound of formula I + dichlorprop (234), compound of formula I + dichlorprop-P (235), compound of formula I + diclofop-methyl (238), compound of formula I + diclosulam (241), compound of formula I + difenzoquat metilsulfate (248), compound of formula I + diflufenican (251), compound of formula I + diflufenzopyr (252), compound of formula I + dimefuron (256), compound of formula I + dimepiperate (257), compound of formula I + dimethachlor (258), compound of formula I + dimethenamid (260), compound of formula I + dimethenamid-P, compound of formula I + dimethipin (261), compound of formula I + dimethylarsinic acid (264), compound of formula I + dinitramine (268), compound of formula I + dinoterb (272),

compound of formula I + diphenamid (274), compound of formula I + dipropetryn (CAS RN 4147-51-7), compound of formula I + diquat dibromide (276), compound of formula I + dithiopyr (280), compound of formula I + diuron (281), compound of formula I + DNOC (282), compound of formula I + 3,4-DP (CAS RN 3307-41-3), compound of formula I + DSMA (CAS RN 144-21 -8), compound of formula I + EBEP, compound of formula I + endothal (295), compound of formula I + EPTC (299), compound of formula I + esprocarb (303), compound of formula I + ethalfluralin (305), compound of formula I + ethephon (307), compound of formula I + ethofumesate (311), compound of formula I + ethoxyfen (CAS RN 188634-90-4), compound of formula I + ethoxyfen-ethyl (CAS RN 131086-42-5), compound of formula I + ethoxysulfuron (314), compound of formula I + etobenzanid (318), compound of formula I + fenoxaprop-P-ethyl (339), compound of formula I + fentrazamide (348), compound of formula I + ferrous sulfate (353), compound of formula I + flamprop, compound of formula I + flamprop-M (355), compound of formula I + florasulam (359), compound of formula I + fluazifop-butyl (361), compound of formula I + fluazifop-P-butyl (362), compound of formula I + fluazolate (isopropazol) (CAS RN 174514-07-9), compound of formula I + flucarbazone- sodium (364), compound of formula I + flucetosulfuron (CAS RN 412928-75-7), compound of formula I + fluchloralin (365), compound of formula I + flufenacet (BAY FOE 5043) (369), compound of formula I + flufenpyr-ethyl (371), compound of formula I + flumetralin (373-), compound of formula I + flumiclorac-pentyl (375), compound of formula I + flumipropyn (flumipropin) (CAS RN 84478-52-4), compound of formula I + fiuometuron (378), compound of formula I + fluoroglycofen-ethyl (380), compound of formula I + flupoxam (CAS RN 119126-15-7), compound of formula I + flupropacil (CAS RN 120890-70-2), compound of formula I + flupropanate (383), compound of formula I + flupyrsulfuron-methyl-sodium (384), compound of formula I + flurenol (387), compound of formula I + fluridone (3S8), compound of formula I + flurochloridone (389), compound of formula I + fluroxypyr (390), compound of formula I + flurtamone (392), compound of formula I + fluthiacet-methyl (395), compound of formula I + fosamine (406), compound of formula I + halosulfuron-methyl (426), compound of formula I + haloxyfop (427), compound of formula I + haloxyfop-P (428), compound of formula I + HC-252 (429), compound of formula I + hexazinone (440), compound of formula I + imazaquin (454), compound of formula I + imazosulfuron (456), compound of formula I + indanofan (462), compound of formula I + iodomethane (CAS RN 74-88-4), compound of formula I + ioxynil (467), compound of formula I +

isoproturon (475), compound of formula I + isouron (476), compound of formula I + isoxaben (477), compound of formula I + isoxachlortole (CAS RN 141112-06-3), compound of formula I + isoxapyrifop (CAS RN 87757-18-4), compound of formula I + karbutilate (482), compound of formula I + lactofen (486), compound of formula I + lenacil (487), compound of formula I + linuron (489), compound of formula I + MAA (CAS RN 124-58-3), compound of formula I + MAMA (CAS RN 2321-53-1), compound of formula I + MCPA (499), compound of formula I + MCPA-thioethyl (500), compound of formula I + MCPB (501), compound of formula I + mecoprop (503), compound of formula I + mecoprop-P (504), compound of formula I + mefenacet (505), compound of formula I + mefluidide (507), compound of formula I + mesosulfuron-methyl (514), compound of formula I + metam (519), compound of formula I + metamifop (mefluoxafop) (520), compound of formula I + methabenzthiazuron (526), compound of formula I + methazole (CAS RN 20354-26-1), compound of formula I + methylarsonic acid (536), compound of formula I + methyldymron (539), compound of formula I + methyl isothiocyanate (543), compound of formula I + metobenzuron (547), compound of formula I + metobromuron (CAS RN 3060-89-7), compound of formula I + metosulam (552), compound of formula I + metoxuron (553), compound of formula I + MK-616 (559), compound of formula I + molinate (560), compound of formula I + monolinuron (562), compound of formula I + MSMA (CAS RN 2163-80-6), compound of formula I + naproanilide (571), compound of formula I + napropamide (572), compound of formula I + naptalam (573), compound of formula I + neburon (574), compound of formula I + nipyraclofen (CAS RN 99662-11-0), compound of formula I + n-methyl-glyphosate, compound of formula I + nonanoic acid (583), compound of formula I + norflurazon (584), compound of formula I + oleic acid (fatty acids) (593), compound of formula I + orbencarb (595), compound of formula I + orthosulfamuron (CAS RN 213464-77-8), compound of formula I + oryzalin (597), compound of formula I + oxadiargyl (599), compound of formula I + oxadiazon (600), compound of formula I + oxaziclomefone (604), compound of formula I + oxyfluorfen (610), compound of formula I + pebulate (617), compound of formula I + penoxsulam (622), compound of formula I + pentachlorophenol (623), compound of formula I + pentanochlor (624), compound of formula I + pentoxazone (625), compound of formula I + pethoxamid (627), compound of formula I + petrolium oils (628), compound of formula I + phenmedipham (629), compound of formula I + picloram (645), compound of formula I + picolinafen (646), compound of formula I + piperophos (650), compound of formula I

+ potassium arsenite (CAS RN 10124-50-2), compound of formula I + potassium azide (CAS RN 20762-80-1), compound of formula I + pretilachlor (656), compound of formula I + prodiamine (661), compound of formula I + profluazol (CAS RN 190314-43- 3), compound of formula I + profoxydim (663), compound of formula I + prohexadione calcium (664), compound of formula I + propachlor (667), compound of formula I + propanil (669), compound of formula I + propaquizafop (670), compound of formula I + propham (674), compound of formula I + propisochlor (667), compound of formula I + propoxycarbazone-sodium (procarbazone-sodium) (679), compound of formula I + propyzamide (681), compound of formula I + prosulfocarb (683), compound of formula I + pyraclonil (pyrazogyl) (CAS RN 158353-15-2), compound of formula I + pyraflufen- ethyl (691), compound of formula I + pyrasulfotole (CAS RN 365400-11-9), compound of formula I + pyrazolynate (692), compound of formula I + pyrazosulfuron-ethyl (694), compound of formula I + pyrazoxyfen (695), compound of formula I + pyribenzoxim (697), compound of formula I + pyributicarb (698), compound of formula I + pyridafol (CAS RN 40020-01 -7), compound of formula I + pyridate (702), compound of formula I + pyriftalid (704), compound of formula I + pyriminobac-methyl (707), compound of formula I + pyrimisulfan (CAS RN 221205-90-9), compound of formula I + pyroxasulfone (CAS RN 447399-55-5), compound of formula I + pyroxsulam (triflosulam) (CAS RN 422556-08-9), compound of formula I + quinclorac (712), compound of formula I + quinmerac (713), compound of formula I + quinoclamine

(714), compound of formula I + quizalofop (717), compound of formula I + quizalofop-P (718), compound of formula I + sequestrene, compound of formula I + sethoxydim (726), compound of formula I + siduron (727), compound of formula I + SMA (CAS RN 3926- 62-3), compound of formula I + sodium arsenite (CAS RN 7784-46-5), compound of formula I + sodium azide (CAS RN 26628-22-8), compound of formula I + sodium chlorate (734), compound of formula I + sulfometuron-methyl (751), compound of formula I + sulfosate (CAS RN 81591-81-3), compound of formula I + sulfuric acid (755), compound of formula I + tar oils (758), compound of formula I + 2,3,6-TBA (759), compound of formula I + TCA-sodium (760), compound of formula I + tebutam (CAS RN 35256-85-0), compound of formula I + tebuthiuron (765), compound of formula I + tepraloxydim (771), compound of formula I + terbacil (772), compound of formula I + tefuryltrione (CAS RN 473278-76-1), compound of formula I + thenylchlor (789), compound of formula I + thidiazimin (CAS RN 123249-43-4), compound of formula I + thiazafluron (CAS RN 25366-23-8), compound of formula I + thiazopyr

(793), compound of formula I + thiobencarb (797), compound of formula I + tiocarbazil (807), compound of formula I + tralkoxydim (811), compound of formula I + tri-allate (816), compound of formula I + triaziflam (819), compound of formula I + tricamba (CAS RN 2307-49-5), compound of formula I + triclopyr (827), compound of formula I + triflusulfuron-methyl (837), compound of formula I + trihydroxytriazine (CAS RN 108-80-5), compound of formula I + trinexapac-ethyl (CAS RN 95266-40-3) and compound of formula I + tritosulfuron (843).

The mixing partners of the compound of formula I may also be in the form of esters or salts, as mentioned e.g. in The Pesticide Manual, 13 ^th Edition (BCPC), 2003. The reference to acifluorfen-sodium also applies to acifluorfen, and the reference to bensulfuron-methyl also applies to bensulfuron, etc.

The mixing ratio of the compound of formula I to the mixing partner is preferably from l: 100 to 1000:1.

The mixtures can advantageously be used in the above-mentioned formulations (in which case "active ingredient" relates to the respective mixture of compound of formula I with the mixing partner).

The compounds of formula I according to the invention can also be used in combination with one or more safeners. Likewise, mixtures of a compound of formula I according to the invention with one or more further herbicides can also be used in combination with one or more safeners. The safeners can be AD 67 (MON 4660) (11), benoxacor (63), cloquintocet-mexyl (163), cyometrinil and the corresponding (Z) isomer, cyprosulfamide (CAS RN 221667-31-8), dichlormid (231), fenchlorazole-ethyl (331), fenclorim (332), flurazole (386), furilazole (413) and the corresponding R isomer, isoxadifen-ethyl (478), mefenpyr-diethyl (506), oxabetrinil (598), naphthalic anhydride (CAS RN 81 -84-5) and N-isopropyl-4-(2-methoxy-benzoylsulfamoyl)-benzamide (CAS RN 221668-34-4). Particularly preferred are mixtures of a compound of formula I with benoxacor (i.e. compound of formula I + benoxacor).

The safeners of the compound of formula I may also be in the form of esters or salts, as mentioned e.g. in The Pesticide Manual, 13 ^th Edition (BCPC), 2003. The reference to cloquintocet-mexyl also applies to a lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, iron, ammonium, quaternary ammonium, sulfonium or phos- phonium salt thereof as disclosed in WO 02/34048, and the reference to fenchlorazole- ethyl also applies to fenchlorazole, etc.

Preferably the mixing ratio of compound of formula I to safener is from 100: 1 to 1 : 10, especially from 20: 1 to 1 : 1.

The mixtures can advantageously be used in the above-mentioned formulations (in which case "active ingredient" relates to the respective mixture of compound of formula I with the safener).

Preferred mixtures of a compound of formula I with further herbicides and safeners include:

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with a triazine and a safener.

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with glyphosate and a safener. Mixtures of a compound of formula I with glufosinate and a safener.

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with isoxaflutole and a safener.

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with isoxaflutole and a triazine and a safener.

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with isoxaflutole and glyphosate and a safener.

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with isoxaflutole and glufosinate and a safener.

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with mesotrione and a safener.

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with mesotrione and a triazine and a safener.

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with mesotrione and glyphosate and a safener.

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with mesotrione and glufosinate and a safener. Mixtures of a compound of formula I with sulcotrione and a safener.

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with sulcotrione and a triazine and a safener.

Mixtures of a compound of formula I with sulcotrione and glyphosate and a safener. Mixtures of a compound of formula I with sulcotrione and glufosinate and a safener.

The following Examples further illustrate, but do not limit, the invention.

Preparation Examples:

1) Methods for making 4-halo-5.5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole derivatives

Example H : Preparation of 4-bromo-3-methanesulfanyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro- isoxazole

H ₃ Cv ₈

5,5-Dimethyl-3-methylsulfanyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (3.8 g, 26.2 mmol) (prepared as described in e.g. US 2004/110749 and US 2004/259734) was dissolved in carbon tetrachloride (84 ml). N-bromo succinimide (5.82 g, 32.6 mmol) was added and the mixture was then irradiated under a 500W tungsten bulb. After 2 hours the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane / ethyl acetate) to give 4-bromo-3-methanesulfanyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (4.074 g, 70% yield). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.40 (s, 3H, Me), 1.63 (s, 3H, Me), 2.57 (s, 3H, Me), 4.7 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

Example 12: Preparation of.4-bromo-3-methanesulfonyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro- . isoxazole

^mCPBA

4-Bromo-5,5-dimethyl-3-methylsulfanyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazo le (2.415 g, 10.8 mmol) (Example II) was dissolved in dichloromethane (120 ml) and 3-chloroperoxy- benzoic acid (mCPBA) (6.85 g, 23.8 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched by addition of aqueous sodium metabisulfite (10%) and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic extract was washed with sodium hydroxide,* dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane / ethyl acetate) to give 4-bromo-3-methanesulfonyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro- isoxazole (2.122 g, 77% yield).

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.49 (s, 3H, Me), 1.75 (s, 3H, Me), 3.34 (s, 3H, Me), 5.12 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

Example 13: Preparation of 4-fluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro- isoxazole

4-Bromo-5,5-dimethyl-3-methylsulfanyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (0.55 g, 2.24 mmol) (Example II) was dissolved in acetonitrile (20 ml). Water (0.5 ml) and silver fluoride (1.25 g, 11.2 mmol) were added and the reaction mixture was heated to 9O ⁰ C in the dark for 5 hours. After cooling the reaction mixture was filtered through a silica plug, the plug was washed with dichloromethane (120 ml). 3-Chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mCPBA) (1.562 g, 5.43 mmol) was added and the mixture was stored at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched by addition of aqueous sodium metabisulfite (10%) and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic extract was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (IN), dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane / ethyl acetate) to give 4-fluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro- isoxazole (0.322 g, 67% yield over 2 steps). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.40 (s, 3H, Me), 1.61 (d, 3H, Me), 3.28 (s, 3H, Me), 5.57 (d, IH, CH) ppm.

Example 14: Preparation of 5,5-dimethyl-3-phenylsulfanyl-4,5-dihvdro-isoxazole

3-Methanesulfonyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (8.05 g, 45.5 mmol) (prepared as described in e.g. US 2004/110749 and US 2004/259734 ), thiophenol (5.0 g, 45.5 mmol) and potassium carbonate (9.44 g, 68.3 mmol) were stirred in ethanol (150 ml) and heated to reflux for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue partitioned between dichloromethane and water. The organic extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromato-

graphy on silica gel (eluent: hexane / ethyl acetate) to give 5,5-dimethyl-3-phenyl- sulfanyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (S.355g, S9% yield).

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (s, 6H, Me), 2.71 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.4 (m, 3H, CH), 7.55 (m, 2H, CH) ppm.

Example 15: Preparation of 3-benzenesulfonyl-4-chloro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihvdro- isoxazole

5,5-Dimethyl-3-phenylsulfanyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (2.712 g, 13.1 mmol) (Example 14) was dissolved in carbon tetrachloride (42 ml). N-chloro succinimide (NCS) (2.176 g, 16.3 mmol) was added and the mixture was irradiated under a 500W tungsten bulb. After 4 hours the reaction mixture was cooled and filtered before the solvent was removed. The residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (120 ml) before 3-chloro- peroxybenzoic acid (mCPBA) (8.285 g, 28.8 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched by addition of aqueous sodium metabisulfite (10%) and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic extract was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (IN), dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane / ethyl acetate) to give 3-benzenesulfonyl- 4-chloro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (0.335 g, 9% yield).

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.41 (s, 3H, Me), 1.6 (s, 3H ₅ Me), 5.06 (s, IH, CH), 7.62 (m, 2H, CH), 7.73 (m, IH, CH), 8.1 (m, 2H, CH) ppm.

Example 16: Preparation of 3-benzenesulfonyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihvdro-isoxazole

mCPBA

3-Chloroperoxybenzoic acid (10 g, 25 mmol) was added in portions over lhour to a solution of 5,5-dimethyl-3-phenylsulfany-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (3.1 g, 15 mmol) (Example 14) in dry dichloromethane (100 ml) at O ⁰ C. The mixture was stored at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched by addition of aqueous

sodium metabisulfite (10%) (50 ml). The phases were separated and the organic phase was washed three times with aqueous sodium hydroxide (IM) and once with brine. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give 3- benzenesulfonyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole as a colourless oil (3.1 g, 87% yield), which was used without further purification.

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.45(s, 6H, Me), 3.08 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.6 (m, 2H, CH), 7.72 (m, IH, CH), 8.02 (d, 2H, CH) ppm.

Example 17: Preparation of 3-benzenesulfonyl-4,4-dichloro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro- isoxazole

3-Benzenesulfonyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (0.871 g, 3.64 mmol) (Example 16) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (50 ml) and hexachloroethane (0.949 g, 4.0 mmol) was added followed by l-terϊ-butyl-2,2,4,4,4-pentakis(dimethylamino-2- lambda ⁵ -5,4-lambda ⁵ -5-catenadi(phosphazene) (P ₂ -tBu) (2M in THF) (2.0 ml, 4.0 mmol). After 2 hours the reaction mixture was concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane / ethyl acetate) to give 3-benzenesulfonyl- 4,4-dichlo ^" ro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (0.541 g, 48% yield). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.58 (s, 6H, Me), 7.63 (m, 2H, CH), 7.76 (m, IH, CH), 8.12 (m, 2H, CH) ppm.

Example 18: Preparation of 3-benzenesulfonyl-4-fluoro-5.5-dimethyl-4,5-dihvdro- isoxazole

3-Benzenesulfonyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (1.434 g, 6 mmol)

(Example 16) was dissolved in dry tetrahydrofuran (50 ml) under nitrogen and the solution stirred and cooled to -7O ⁰ C. N-Fluorodibenzenesulfonimide (2.24 g, 6 mmol) was then added in portions over 10 minutes to the cooled reaction mixture. Sodium hexamethyldisilazide (9 ml, 9 mmol) (IM in THF) was added dropwise to the reaction

mixture at -70°C to give a yellow solution. The reaction mixture was left in the freezer for 16 hours. The cold mixture was poured onto saturated aqueous ammonium chloride and extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed with water and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give a sticky yellow solid. The solid was recrystallised from isopropyl alcohol to give 3-benzenesulfonyl-4- fluoro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole as a beige solid (0.65 g, yield 42%), which was used without further purification.

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.37 (s, 3H, Me), 1.5 (s, 3H ₅ Me), 5.54 (d, IH, CH), 7.62 (t, 2H, CH), 7.73 (t, IH, CH), 8.08 (d, 2H, CH) ppm.

2) Methods for making pyrazole derivatives

The synthesis of 4-(bromomethyl)-5-(difluoromethoxy)- 1 -methyl-3-(trifluoro- methyl)-lH-ρyrazole was described in WO 04/013106.

The synthesis of 4-(bromomethyl)-5-fluoro- 1 -methyl-3-trifluoromethyl- IH- p yrazole was described in US 2004/0110749.

The synthesis of 4-bromomethyl-3-difluoromethoxy-l-methyl-5-trifluoromethyl- lH-ρyrazole was described in WO 06/024820.

The synthesis of [l,3-dimethyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-lH-pyrazol-4-yl]- methanol was described in WO 06/024820. 1 -Methyl-5-(E)-propenyl-3-trifluoromethyl- lH-ρyrazole-4-carbaldehyde is commercially available.

1 -Methyl-5-(E)-propenyl-3-trifluorornethyl- lH-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde was reduced as described in Example 110 to give [l-methyl-5-(E)-propenyl-3-trifluoromethyl- lH-pyrazol-4-yl]-methanol. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.0 (dd, 3H, Me), 3.95 (s, 3H, Me), 4.6 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 6.3 (m, 2H, CH) ppm.

[l-Methyl-5-(E)-propenyl-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-ρyrazol-4-yl] -methanol was brominated as described in Example 117 to give 4-bromomethyl- 1 -methyl- 5 -(E)- propenyl-3-trifluoromethyl- 1 H-pyrazole. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.02 (d, 3H, Me), 3.85 (s, 3H, Me), 4.5 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 6.36 (m, 2H, CH) ppm.

Example 19: Preparation of l-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxyV3-trifluoromethyl-lH- pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde

2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol (12.1 ml, 0.17 mol) was added dropwise to a solution of potassium terf-butoxide (IM in THF) (170ml, 0.17mol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (80 ml) at 1O ⁰ C. Then S-chloro-l-methyl-S-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole^-carbaldehyd e (30 g, 0.14 mol) (prepared according to WO 04/014138) in tetrahydrofuran (40 ml) was added dropwise at 10-15 ⁰ C over 1 hour. At the end of the addition, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for one hour, then water (200 ml) and ethyl acetate (200 ml) were added. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give l-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-3-trifiuoro ^~ methyl- lH-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (35.9 g, 92% yield). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.8 (s, 3H, Me), 4.9-5.0 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 9.85 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

Example HO: Preparation of fl-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-3-trifluoromethyl-lH- pvrazol-4-vll-methanol

Sodium borohydride (2.95 g, 78 mmol) was added in portions to a solution of 1- methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-3-trifluoromethyl-l//-pyra zole-4-carbaldehyde (21.5 g, 78 mmol) (Example 19) in methanol (200 ml) at O ⁰ C. The solution was stirred at 8-15 ⁰ C for 2 hours, then concentrated and the residue partitioned between dichloromethane and water. The organic phase was washed with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give [l-methyl-5-(2,2,2-

trifluoro-ethoxy)-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazol-4-yl]-meth anol as a white solid (20.5 g,

94% yield).

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.8 (s, 3H, Me), 4.5 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.75 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Example Il 1 : Preparation of 4-bromomethyl-l-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-3- trifluoromethyl- l//-pyrazole

[ 1 -Methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-3-trifluoromethyl- lH-pyrazol-4-yl]- methanol (20.2 g, 73 mmol) (Example 110) was dissolved in dichloromethane (200 ml) and cooled to 0 ⁰ C before triphenyl phosphine (20.9 g, 80 mmol) and carbon tetrabromide (23.2 g, 70 mmol) were added. The mixture was stirred for 2 hours and then concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 10% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 4-bromomethyl-l-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- 3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole as a yellow oil (21.53 g, 87% yield) which solidified partially on refrigeration.

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.75 (s, 3H ₅ Me), 4.40 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.68 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

The following compounds were also prepared according to the methods in Example 19, Example 110 and Example 111:

4-Bromomethyl-l-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluo ro-l-methyl-ethoxy)- 1/f-pyrazole was prepared using l,l,l-trifluoro-propan-2-ol as reagent in Example 19. 4-Bromomethyl-5-(2-fluoro-l-methyl-ethoxy)-l-methyl-3-triflu oromethyl-lH- pyrazole was prepared using l-fluoro-propan-2-ol as reagent in Example 19. 4-Bromomethyl-5-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-l-methyl-3-trifluoromethy l-lH-pyrazole was prepared using 2-methoxy-ethanol as reagent in Example 19.

Example 112: Alternative preparation of 4-bromomethyl-l-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoro- ethoxy)-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole

A solution of isopinocampheyl-boron dibromide dimethylsulfide complex (4.4 g, 12 mmol) (prepared according to J. Org. Chem. 1980 (45) 384-389) in dichloromethane (10 ml) was added over a period of 10 minutes to a solution of l-methyl-5-(2,2,2-tri- fluoro-ethoxy)-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (3.0 g, 10.8 mmol) (Example 19) in dry hexane (15 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The solid was removed by filtration and washed with hexane / dichloromethane (ratio 8:2, 2x 10 ml). The combined organic phases were diluted with diethyl ether (50 ml), washed twice with water, then with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 0-50% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 4-bromomethyl-l-methyl-5-(2,2,2- trifluoroethoxy)-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole as a colourless oil (3.05 g, 83% yield) which solidified on standing.

Example 113: Preparation of 4-chloromethyl-l-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-3- trifluoromethyl- 1 H-p vrazole

To a solution of [ 1 -methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-3-trifluoromethyl- IH- pyrazol-4-yl]-methanol (50 g, 0.14 mol) (Example 110) in dichloromethane (300 ml), was added thionyl chloride (17 ml, 0.17 mol) The mixture was stirred for 2 hours at room temperature before being concentrated. Twice the residue was taken up in toluene and was concentrated again to remove excess of thionyl chloride to give 4-chloromethyl-l- methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyraz ole (53.5 g), which was used without further purification.

Example 114: Preparation of l,4-dimethyl-3-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-5-trifluoromethyl- lH-pyrazole

To a solution of l,4-dimethyl-5-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazol-3-ol (3.0 g, 16.67 mmol) (prepared according to EP 370990) in N,N-dimethylformamide (90 ml), was added trifluoroethyl iodide (3.3 ml, 33.3 mmol) and potassium carbonate (4.6 g, 33.3 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 days. More trifluoroethyl iodide (3.3 ml, 33.3 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 2 days. More trifluoroethyl iodide (10 ml, 100 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 2 days. The reaction mixture was quenched by addition of water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extract was washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give l,4-dimethyl-3-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-5- trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole (809 mg, 16% yield).

¹ H- NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.03 (s, 3H, Me), 3.79 (s, 3H, Me), 4.56 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Example 115: Preparation of 4-bromomethyl-l-methyl-3-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-5- trifluoromethyl- 1 H-p yrazole

To a solution of 1 ,4-dimethyl-3-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-5-trifluoromethyl- IH- pyrazole (809 mg, 3.08 mmol) (Example 114) in carbon tetrachloride (10 ml), were added N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) (712 mg, 4.0 mmol) and azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) (50 mg, 3.08 mmol) under nitrogen. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature and irradiated with a UV lamp causing the reaction mixture to reflux in the heat of the lamp. After 30 minutes the reaction mixture was filtered and the solid was washed with dichloromethane. The combined filtrates were concentrated. The residue was triturated with 4 : 1 hexane / ethyl acetate (50 ml) and the solid gained in this fashion was purified

by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 20%-50% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 4-bromomethyl- 1 -methyl-3-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-5-trifluoromethyl- lH-pyrazole (715 mg, 68% yield).

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.83 (s, 3H, Me), 4.39 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.63 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Example 116: Preparation of l-ethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-l//-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 2-ethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester

3-Trifluoromethyl-lH ^" -pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (3.0 g, 0.014 mol) was dissolved in ethanol (30 ml), and powdered potassium hydroxide (1.012 g, 0.018 mol) was added, followed by ethyl iodide (1.44 ml, 0.018 mol), dropwise via syringe. The pale yellow solution was heated to 75°C and stirred for 1.5 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane (12 ml) and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to give a white solid which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 0-20% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 2-ethyl-3-trifiuoromethyl-2H- pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (isomer B) (257 mg, 8% yield) as a clear oil and 1- 'ethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (isomer A) (2.075 g, 61% yield) as a white solid. Isomer A ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.37 (t, 3H, Me), 1.55 (t, 3H, Me), 4.24 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.32 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 8.0 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

Isomer B ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 1.5 (t, 3H, Me), 4.34 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.4 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.94 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

l-Ethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-l//-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 2-ethyl-

3-trifluoromethyl-2/f-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester were reduced to the corresponding alcohols as described in Example 121.

Example 117: Preparation of 4-bromomethyl-l-ethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole

[l-Ethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazol-4-yl]-methanol (691 mg, 3.56 mmol) was dissolved in diethyl ether (8 ml) and stirred under nitrogen. To this was added phosphorus tribromide (0.33 ml, 3.56 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 5 hours at room temperature and stored at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched by addition of cold water and the mixture extracted with ethyl acetate twice. The combined organic extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 0-20% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 4-bromomethyl-l-ethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-lJ ^c /- pyrazole as a clear oil (787 mg, 86% yield).

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.52 (t, 3H, Me), 4.19 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.48 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.55 (s, IH, CH).

Example 118: Preparation of l-allyl-S-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole^-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 2-allyl-3-trifluoromethyl-2Hl-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester

3-Trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (500 mg, 2.4 mmol) was dissolved in acetone and stirred. To the solution was added potassium carbonate

(498 mg, 3.6 mmol), in one portion, followed by dropwise addition of allyl bromide (0.31 ml, 3.6 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The

combined organic extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give a 9:1 mixture of l-allyl-3-trifluoromethyl-l//-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (isomer A) and 2-allyl-3-trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (isomer B) (557 mg, 93% yield) as a yellow solid. Isomer A (major isomer) ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.39 (t, 3H, Me), 4.35 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.8 (d, 2H, CH ₂ ), 5.3-5.45 (dd, 2H, CH ₂ ), 6.05 (m, IH, CH), 8.01 (s, IH, CH) ppm. Isomer B (minor isomer) ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.39 (t, 3H, Me), 4.35 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.95 (d, 2H, CH ₂ ), 5.1-5.3 (dd, 2H, CH ₂ ), 6.05 (m, IH, CH), 7.98 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

The same method was used with propargyl bromide as reagent to give 1-propar- gyl-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester.

The same method was used with cyclobutylmethyl bromide as reagent to give 1- cyclobutyhnethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-li/-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester.

The carboxylic acid ethyl esters were reduced to the corresponding alcohols as described in Example 121 and brominated as described in Example 117.

Example 119: Preparation of l-(prop-2-yl)-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 2-(prop-2-yl)-3-trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester

3-Trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (2.5 g, 1.2 mmol) was dissolved in acetonitrile (25 ml) and stirred at room temperature. To the solution was added 2-iodopropane (1.8 ml, 1.8 mmol), followed by potassium carbonate (2.488 g, 1.8 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux and stirred for 6.5 hours. The reaction

mixture was stored at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give l-(prop-2-yl)-3- trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (isomer A) and 2-(prop-2-yl)- 3-trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (isomer B) (9:1 mixture) as a yellow oil which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 0-10% ethyl acetate in hexane). Isomer A was obtained as a white solid (1.724 g, 57% yield). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.35 (t, 3H, Me), 1.55 (d, 6H, Me), 4.3 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.55 (m, IH, CH), 8.0 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

l-(Prop-2-yl)-3-trifluoromethyl-l//-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester was reduced to the corresponding alcohols as described in Example 121 and brominated as described in Example 117.

Example 120: Preparation of l-methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and l-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester

5-Hydroxy-3-methyl-[l,2,3]-oxadiazolium (3-methylsydnone) (prepared according to J. Heterocycl. Chem. (1996) 33, 719) (25.7 g, 256 mmol) was suspended in xylene (120 g) and heated to 100 ⁰ C. 4,4,4-Trifluoro-but-2-ynoic acid ethyl ester

(prepared according to Organic Syntheses (1992) 70, 246-255) (44.8 g, 270 mmol) was slowly added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at 100 ⁰ C for 4 hours and then concentrated. Ethyl acetate (10 ml) was added to the oil which caused the product to crystallise. The crystalline product was washed with 1 : 1 ethyl acetate / hexane (50 ml), then hexane (50 ml) and dried to give l-methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole-3- carboxylic acid ethyl ester (isomer A) as white crystals (20.9 g, 36.6% yield). The mother liquor was concentrated and the residue purified by column chromatography on silica gel

(eluent: ethyl acetate / cyclohexane) which gave more l-methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-l//- pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (isomer A) (14.3 g, 25.1% yield) and l-methyl-3- trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole-4~carboxylic acid ethyl ester (isomer B) (10.0 g, 17.5% yield).

A ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.41 (t, 3H, Me), 4.01 (s, 3H, Me), 4.44 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ),

7.72 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

Example 121: Preparation of π-methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-lH-ρwazol-3-ylVmethanol

To a suspension of lithium aluminium hydride pellets (0.83 g, 21.9 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (30 ml) under nitrogen at O ⁰ C, was added slowly 1 -methyl-4-trifluoro- methyl-lH-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (2.05 g, 8.75 mmol) dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (20 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched by sequential addition of water (400 μl), aqueous sodium hydroxide (3M) (400 μl) and water (1.2 ml). The resulting sludge was filtered through celite and the solids washed with diethyl ether. The combined filtrates were concentrated to give ^" (l-methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazol-3-yl)-methanor(l.595 g, 100% yield). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.90 (3H, s, Me), 4.75 (2H, s, CH ₂ ), 7.62 (IH, s, CH) ppm.

(l-Methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazol-3-yl)-methanol was chlorinated as described in Example 113 to give 3-chloromethyl-l-methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-lH- pyrazol-3-yl. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.92 (3H, s, Me), 4.63 (2H, s, CH ₂ ), 7.63 (IH, s, CH) ppm.

The same method was used with l-methyl-3-trifluorornethyl-lH-pyrazole-4- carboxylic acid ethyl ester as starting material (Example 120) to give (l-methyl-3- trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazol-4-yl)-methanol.

(l-Methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazol-4-yl)-methanol was chlorinated as described in Example 113 to give 4-chloromethyl-l-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-lH- pyrazol-3-yl.

Example 122: Preparation of l-difluoromethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-l//-pyrazole-4- carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 2-difluoromethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-2/ ^: /-pyrazole-4- carboxylic acid ethyl ester

Sodium hydride (60% in mineral oil) (320 mg, 7.93 mmol) was washed with hexane (2x 10 ml) and suspended in tetrahydrofiiran (20 ml) in a three necked flask. 3- Trifluoromethyl-l//-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (1.5 g, 7.21 mmol) (prepared according to JP 2000/044541) in tetrahydrofiiran (10 ml) was added dropwise and the solution stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. Chlorodifluoromethane was bubbled through the solution for 5 minutes and then the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours, with additional chlorodifluoromethane bubbled through the solution after every hour for 5 minutes. The reaction mixture was stored at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched by addition of water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extract was washed with water and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 0-25% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give l-difluoromethyl-3-trifluoromethyl- l//-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (isomer A) (870 mg, 47% yield) and 2-difluoromethyl-3- trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic a'cid (isomer B) (500 mg, 27% yield). Isomer A ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.37 (t, 3H, Me), 4.37 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.37 (t, IH, CH), S.07 (s, IH, CH) ppm. Isomer B ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.37 (t, 3H, Me), 4.37 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.22 (t, IH, CH), 8.43 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

l-Difluoromethyl-S-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole^-carboxyli c acid ethyl ester and 2-difluoromethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester were reduced to the corresponding alcohols as described in Example 121 and brominated as described in Example 117.

Example 123: Preparation of 2,5-dimethyl-4-trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and K5-dimethyl-4-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester

5-Methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (synthesis according to Journal of Fluorine Chemistry 1994, 69, 253-256) (10.64 g, 47.9 mmol) and methyl iodide (13.59 g, 95.7 mmol) were dissolved in N,N-dimethylforrnarnide (55 ml) and cooled to -5°C. Sodium hydride (1.44 g, 48 mmol) (80% purity) were added in portions at 5°C. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours then quenched by addition of water (220 ml). The mixture was extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed three times with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (gradient: 0-90% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 2,5-dimethyl-4- trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester as a colourless oil (isomer A) (2.45 g, 21.7% yield) and a mixture of isomer B and starting material. This was purified by reverse phase column chromatography (eluent: 50% water in acetonitrile) to give 1,5- dimethyl-4-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester as a colourless oil (isomer B) (2.86 g, 25.3% yield). Isomer A ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.40 (q, 3H, Me), 2.37 (s, 3H, Me), 4.08 (s, 3H, Me), 4.40 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Isomer B ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz ₅ CDCl ₃ ): 1.40 (t, 3H, Me), 2.43 (s, 3H, Me), 3.89 (s, 3H, Me), 4.42 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Example 124: Preparation of 2,5-dimethyl-4-trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid

To a solution of 2,5-dimethyl-4-trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (2.42g, 10.2 mmol) in ethanol (59 ml) was added a solution of sodium hydroxide (0.478g, 11.7 mmol) in water (11 ml) at O ⁰ C. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2.5 hours and then concentrated. The residue was dissolved in water (50 ml) and acidified by addition of aqueous hydrochloric acid (5.9 ml, 11.8 mmol) (2M). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. The solid product was isolated by filtration, washed with water and dried to yield 2,5-dimethyl-4-trifiuoro- methyl-2//-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid as a white solid (1.92 g, 90% yield). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, d ₆ -DMSO): 2.27 (s, 3H, Me), 4.00 (s, 3H, Me) ppm.

Example 125: Preparation of 2,5-dimethyl-4-trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid amide

2,5-Dimethyl-4-trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid (5.0 g, 24 mmol) (Example 124) was suspended in dichloromethane (80 ml) and the solution cooled to O ⁰ C, N,N-dimethylformamide (100 μl) was added, followed by dropwise addition of oxalyl chloride (2.3 ml, 26.4 mmol) and the solution was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. More oxalyl chloride (0.5 ml, 5.7 mmol) added and stirred for further 1 hour. The solution was cooled to -78°C and aqueous ammonia (12 ml) was added very slowly. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour and stored at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched by addition of aqueous ammonium hydroxide (28%) and concentrated. The residue was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. The organic extract was washed with aqueous hydrochloric acid (2M), aqueous sodium hydroxide (2.5M), water and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to

give 2,5-dimethyl-4-trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid amide (5.0 g, 100% yield).

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.36 (s, 3H, Me), 3.99 (s, 3H, Me), 6.11 (bs, 2H, NH ₂ ) ppm.

Example 126: Preparation of 2,5-dimethyl-4-trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carbonitrile

2,5-Dimethyl-4-trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid amide (5.0 g, 24.2 mmol) (Example 125) was suspended in dichloromethane (150 ml), triethylamine (8.1 ml, 58.0 mmol) was added and the solution cooled to 0°C. Trichloroacetyl chloride (3.2 ml, 29.0 mmol) was added dropwise and solution stirred for 30 minutes at O ⁰ C. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stored at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched by addition of aqueous hydrochloric acid (2M) and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic extract was washed with water and aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate (saturated), dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give 2,5-dimethyl-4-trifluoromethyl-2H ^" -pyrazole-3-carbonitrile (4.4 g, 96% yield). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.38 (s, 3H, Me), 4.03 (s, 3H, Me) ppm.

2,5-Dimethyl-4-trifluoromethyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carbonitrile was brominated as described in Example 115 to give 5-bromomethyl-2-methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-2H- pyrazole-3-carbonitrile.

Example 127: Preparation of 5-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-l/j ^r -pyrazole

To a solution of trifluoroacetyl acetone (4.62 g, 30 mmol) in methanol (20 ml), was added slowly at O ⁰ C a solution of hydrazine (945 μl, 30 mmol). The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred at room temperature for 16 hours.

The reaction mixture was concentrated to give 5-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole as a yellow solid (4.5 g, 95% yield).

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.35 (s, 3H, Me), 6.32 (s, IH, CH), 9.88 (bs, IH, NH) ppm.

Example 128: Preparation of l,5-dimethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-l//-pyrazole

To a solution of 5-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole (4.13 g, 27.5 mmol) (Example 127) in tetrahydrofuran (60 ml), was added slowly at room temperature potassium tert-butoxide (6.18 g, 55 mmol) and 15 minutes later methyl iodide (3.43 ml, 0 55 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for lhour before adding more potassium tert- butoxide (3.09 g, 27.5 mmol). After 30 minutes the reaction mixture was quenched by addition of water and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give l,5-dimethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole (3.55 g) which was used in the next step without further purification. 5 ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.30 (s, 3H, Me) ₅ 3.82 (s, 3H, Me), 6.28 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

l,5-Dimethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-lH ^" -pyrazole was brominated as described in Example 115 to give S-bromomethyl-l-methyl-S-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.95 (s, 3H, Me), 4.45 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 6.54 (s, IH, CH) ppm. θ'

Example 129: Preparation of 4-chloro-l,5-dimethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole

To a solution of l,5-dimethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-l//-pyrazole (2.7 g, 16.45 mmol) (Example 128) in chloroform (100 ml) at O ⁰ C, was added slowly sulfuryl chloride (2.64 5 ml, 32.90 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature, then was quenched by addition of water and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to yield 4-chloro-l,5- dimethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-l//-pyrazole (3.27 g, 100% yield).

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.2S (s, 3H, Me), 3.83 (s, 3H, Me) ppm.

4-Chloro-l,5-dimethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole was brominated as described in Example 115 to give S-bromomethyM-chloro-l-methyl-S-trifluoromethyl- lH-pyrazole.

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.96 (s, 3H, Me), 4.44 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Example 130: Preparation of 5-(ethoxycarbonylM J-dimethyl-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-lH- pyrazolium inner salt

To a solution of diethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (10.67 ml, 67 mmol) in 1 :1 ethanol / water (120 ml), was slowly added at O ⁰ C a solution of dimethyl hydrazine (6 ml, 80 mmol) in 1 : 1 ethanol / water (40 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at O ⁰ C for 30 minutes, then allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 1 hour at room temperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. The aqueous layer was concentrated to give 5-(ethoxy- carbonyl)-l,l-dimethyl-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-lH-pyrazolium inner salt (12.3 g, 62% yield). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.34 (t, 3H, Me), 3.51 (s, 6H, Me), 4.40 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.24 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

Example 131 : Preparation of 5-hvdroxy-2-methyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester

aqueous HCI

To 5-(ethoxycarbonyl)-l,l-dimethyl-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-l//-pyrazo lium inner salt (7.6 g, 41 mmol) (Example 130) was added aqueous hydrochloric acid (IN) (75 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 1.5 hours and was then extracted with dichloromethane. The aqueous layer was concentrated and the residue was taken in methanol and adsorbed onto silica gel. It was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 50%

ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (6.97 g, 39% yield).

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.37 (t, 3H, Me), 4.01 (s, 3H ₅ Me), 4.34 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 6.15 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

Example 132: Preparation of S-difluoromethoxy-Z-methyl-lH-pyrazole-S-carboxylic acid

To a suspension of potassium carbonate (4 g, 29.2 mmol) in N,N-dimethyl- formamide (30 ml) was added 5-hydroxy-2-rnethyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (1.576 g, 9.27 mmol) (Example 131). The reaction mixture was heated to 8O ⁰ C and methyl 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroacetate (2.9 ml, 27.8 mmol) was added over a period of 10 minutes. After the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 8O ⁰ C, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and quenched by addition of aqueous hydrochloric acid (IM). The mixture was extracted three times with diethyl ether the combined organic extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 5-30% ethyl acetate in hexane) to yield 5-difluoromethoxy-2-methyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (2.04 g, 50% yield). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.38 (t, 3H, Me), 4.08 (s, 3H, Me), 4.35 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 6.42 (s, IH, CH), 6.76 (t, IH, CH) ppm.

5-Difluoromethoxy-2-methyl-2H ^' -pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester was reduced as described in Example 121 to give [5-difluoromethoxy-2-methyl-2H-pyrazol-3- yl]-methanol.

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.79 (s, 3H, Me), 4.62 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 5.83 (s, IH, CH), 6.75 (t, IH, CH) ppm.

[5-Difluoromethoxy-2-methyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-methanol was brominated as described in Example 117 to give 3-bromomethyl-5-difluoromethoxy-2-rnethyl-2H- pyrazole.

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.80 (s, 3H, Me), 4.51 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 5.91 (s, IH, CH), 6.76 (t, lH, CH) ppm.

Example 133: Preparation of 5-methoxy-2-methyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester

To 5-(ethoxycarbonyl)-l,l-dimethyl-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-lH-pyrazol ium inner salt (92 mg, 0.5 mmol) (Example 130) was added methyl iodide (1.5 ml, 1 mmol) and the potassium carbonate (138 mg, 1 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated for 30 minutes in a microwave at 100°C. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue partitioned between water and dichloromethane. The organic extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 5-30% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 5-methoxy-2-methyl- 2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (92 mg, 48% yield). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.37 (t, 3H, Me), 3.88 (s, 3H, Me), 4.04 (s, 3H, Me), 4.32 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 6.19 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

5-Methoxy-2-methyl-2//-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester was reduced as described in Example 121 to give [5-methoxy-2-methyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-methanol. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.73 (s, 3H, Me), 3.85 (s, 3H, Me), 4.58 (bs, 2H, CH ₂ ), 5.60 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

[5-Methoxy-2-methyl-2i/-pyrazol-3-yl]-methanol was brominated as described in Example 117 to give 3-bromomethyl-5-methoxy-2-methyl-2//-pyrazole. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.91 (s, 3H, Me), 3.98 (s, 3H, Me), 4.51 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 5.77 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

3) Methods for making pyridine derivatives

Example 134: Preparation of r2-methvl-6-trifluoromethvlpyridin-3-vH-methanol

LiAIf-L

Ethyl 2-methyl-6-trifluoromethylnicotinate (4.66 g, 0.02 mol) (preparation according to Heterocycles 1997 (129) 46 and WO 01/0194339) in tetrahydrofuran was added slowly to a suspension of (1.9 g, 0.05 mol) of lithium aluminium hydride in tetrahydrofuran (150 ml) under nitrogen at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours and was then quenched by sequential addition of water (0.9 ml), aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.9 ml) (3M), and water (2.7 ml). The sludge was filtered through celite. The residue was washed with diethyl ether and the washings combined with the filtrate. The combined liquors were concentrated under reduced pressure to give [2-methyl-6-trifluoromethylpyridin-3-yl]-methanol (3.92 g, 85% purity), which was used directly without further purification. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.58 (s, 3H, Me), 4.81 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.57 (d, IH, CH), 7.94 (d, lH, CH) ppm.

The same method was used with 2-chloro-nicotinic acid ethyl ester as starting material to give [2-chloro-pyridin-3-yl] -methanol.

Example 135: Preparation of 3-chloromethyl-2-methyl-6-trifluoromethylpyridine

Thionyl chloride (1.6 ml, 2.2 mmol) was added slowly to a stirred solution of [2- methyl-6-trifluoromethylpyridin-3-yl]-methanol (3.5 g, 1.83 mmol) (Example 134) in dichloromethane (30 ml). After stirring at room temperature for 16 hours, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was taken up into toluene and concentrated under reduced pressure to remove excess thionyl chloride. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: ethyl acetate / hexane) to give the product, which was further purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: ethyl acetate / hexane) to give 3-chloromethyl-2-methyl-6-trifluorornethyl- pyridine (2.18 g, 56% yield).

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.72 (s, 3H, Me), 4.64 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.53 (d, IH, CH), 7.83 (d, IH, CH) ppm.

The same method was used with [2-chloro-pyridin-3-yl]-methanol as starting material to give 2-chloro-3-chloromethyl-pyridine.

Example 136; Preparation of 2-chloro-pyridine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester

A mixture a 2-chloro nicotinic acid (2.0 g, 12.7 mmol), trimethyl ortho formate (8 ml) and methanol (10 drops) was heated to 15O ⁰ C for 20 minutes in a microwave. The solution was allowed to cool to room temperature, diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (2M). The organic extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 0-40% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 2-chloro-pyridine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester as a colourless oil (1.453 g, 67% yield).

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.97 (3H ₅ s, Me), 7.33 (IH, m, CH), 8.19 (IH, m, CH), 8.52 (IH, m, CH) ppm.

Example 137: Preparation of 2-rnethoxy-pyridine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester

NaOMe

A mixture of 2-chloro-pyridine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (0.9 g, 5.24 mmol)

(Example 136), methanol (4 ml) and sodium methoxide (25% w/w in methanol) (2.4 ml, 5.24 mmol) was heated at 150 ⁰ C for 20 minutes in a microwave. The solution was allowed to cool to room temperature, diluted with water and extracted with three times with ethyl acetate (3x 20 ml). The combined organic extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give 2-methoxy-pyridine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester as a colourless oil (0.455 g, 52% yield).

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.9 (3H, s, Me), 4.06 (3H, s, Me), 6.95 (IH, m, CH), 8.15 (IH, m, CH), 8.31 (IH, m, CH) ppm.

Example 138: Preparation of | ^" 2-methoxy-pyridin-3-vπ-methanol

To a solution of 2-methoxy-pyridine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (1.021 g, 6.11 mmol) (Example 137) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (5 ml) was added in portions lithium borohydride (0.266 g, 1.22 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to 70 ⁰ C for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched by addition of aqueous ammonium chloride (saturated) and then extracted three times with ethyl acetate (3x 20 ml). The combined organic extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give [2- methoxy-pyridin-3-yl]-rnethanol as a colourless oil (0.849 g, 100% yield). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.29 (IH, m, OH), 4.0 (3H ₅ s, Me), 4.67 (2H, m, CH ₂ ), 6.89 (IH, m, CH), 7.59 (IH, m, CH), 8.1 (IH, m, CH) ppm.

Example 139: Preparation of 3-bromomethyl-2-methoxy-pyridine

To a solution of [2-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl]-methanol (0.849 g, 6.11 mmol) (Example 138) in dichloromethane (30 ml) was added sequentially triphenyl phosphine (1.683 g, 6.42 mmol) and carbon tetrabromide (1.904 g, 5.81 mmol). The reaction mixture was stored at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 0- 25% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 3-bromomethyl-2-methoxy-pyridine as a colourless oil (0.511 g, 42% yield). 'H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 4.02 (3H, s, Me), 4.5 (2H, m, CH ₂ ), 6.88 (IH, m, CH), 7.61 (IH, m, CH), 8.12 (IH, m, CH) ppm.

4) Methods for making pyrimidine derivatives

Example 140: Preparation of 5-bromo-6-trifluoromethyl-3H-pyrimidin-4-one

6-Trifluororαethyl -5H-pyrimidin-4-one (10 g, 61 mmol) was dissolved in acetic acid (100 ml). Sodium acetate (24.1 g, 177mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred until all solids had dissolved. Bromine (10.7 g, 67 mmol) was added dropwise over 10 minutes and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extract was washed with water, brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give 5-bromo-6-trifluoromethyl-3H-pyrimidin-4-one as a white solid (14.48 g, 97% yield), which was used without further purification. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 8.35 (s, IH, CH), 13.60 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

Example 141: Preparation of 5-bromo-4-chloro-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine

5-Bromo-6-trfluoromethyl-3H-pyrimidin-4-one (Example 140) (8.00 g, 32.9 mmol) was suspended in phosphorous oxychloride (6.00 g, 62.7 mmol). The mixture was heated at 11O ⁰ C for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched by adding dropwise to hot water and the mixture was stirred until it had cooled to room temperature. The aqueous mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extract was washed with water and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give 5-bromo-4- chloro-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine as viscous oil (8.50 g, 100% yield), which was used without further purification. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz ₅ CDCl ₃ ): 8.55 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

Example 142: Preparation of 5-bromo-4-methoxy-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine

S-Bromo^-chloro-ό-trifuoromethyl-pyrimidine (Example 141) (4.00 g, 15.5 mmol) was dissolved in dry methanol (20 ml). Sodium methoxide (0.974 g, 17.5 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was quenched by addition of water and extracted with diethyl ether. The organic extract was washed with water and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane / ethyl acetate) to give 5-bromo-4-methoxy-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine (3.90 g, 93% yield). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 4.12 (s, 3H, Me), 8.73 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

Example 143: Preparation of 4-methoxy-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrirnidine-5-carbaldehyde

5-Bromo-4-methoxy-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine (Example 142) (3.00 g, 11.6 mmol) was dissolved in dry tetrahydrofuran (45 ml) then cooled to -7O ⁰ C. n-Butyl lithium (1.6M in hexanes) (10.5 ml, 16.8 mmol) was added at -7O ⁰ C over 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred at -7O ⁰ C for 30 minutes before N,N-dimethylforrnamide (1.31 g, 18 mmol) was added in one portion. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to O ⁰ C. The reaction mixture was quenched by addition of aqueous hydrochloric acid (2M) (50 ml) and extracted with diethyl ether. The organic extract was washed with water and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane / ethyl acetate) to give 4-methoxy-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine-5-carbaldehyde (1.60 g, 65% yield). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 4.15 (s, 3H, Me), 9.00 (s, IH, CH), 10.20 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

Example 144: Preparation of (4-methoxy-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-5-yl)-methanol

A solution of 4-methoxy-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine-5-carbaldehyde (Example 143) (1.40 g, 6.8 mmol) in ethanol (25 ml) was cooled to O ⁰ C. Sodium borohydride (0.130 g, 3.4 mmol) was added in portions at 0 ⁰ C and the reaction mixture stirred for 60 minutes. The reaction mixture was quenched by addition of water, the pH of the solution

adjusted to 7.0 by addition of aqueous citric acid (10%) and the mixture extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extract was washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give (4-methoxy-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-5-yl)-methanol as colourless oil (0.463 g, 97% yield), which was used without further purification. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 4.12 (s, 3H, Me), 4.80 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 8.81 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

Example 145: Preparation of 5-bromomethyl-4-methoxy-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine

A solution of (4-methoxy-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimindin-5yl)-rnethanol (Example 144) (4.5 g, 21.6 mmol) and triphenyl phosphine (6.1O g, 23.2 mmol) in dichloromethane (100 ml) was cooled to 0 ⁰ C. A solution of carbon tetrabromide (7.7 g, 23.2 mmol) in dichloromethane (20 ml) was added dropwise over 10 minutes at 0 ⁰ C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane / ethyl acetate) to give 5-bromomethyl-4-methoxy-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine (4.64 g, 79% yield). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 4.15 (s, 3H, Me), 4.53 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 8.80 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

5) Methods for making triazole derivatives The synthesis of 1 -tert-buty\-\H-[ 1 ,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester was described in Synthesis, 1985, 178-180. l-tert-Butyl-l//-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester was reduced as described in Example 121 to give [l-te^-butyl-lH-[l,2,3]triazol-4-yl]-methanol.

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.65 (s, 9H, Me), 4.76 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.60 (s, IH, CH) ppm. [l-/ert-Butyl-lH-[l,2,3]triazol-4-yl]-methanol was brominated as described in

Example 117 to give 4-bromomethyl-l-/'er/-butyl-l//-[l,2,3]triazole.

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.65 (s, 9H, Me), 4.58 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.63 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

The synthesis of 1 ,5-dimethyl- IH-[1, 2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester was described in Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1993, 58(25), 7079-7083 and Synthetic Communications, 2004, 34(2), 369-376. l,5-Dimethyl-lH-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester was reduced as described in Example 121 to give [1 ,5-dimethyl-lH-[l ,2,3]triazol-4-yl]-methanol. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, D ₃ COD): 2.38 (s, 3H, Me), 3.99 (s, 3H, Me), 4.64 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

[l,5-Dimethyl-lH-[l,2,3]triazol-4-yl]-methanol was chlorinated as described in Example 113 to give 4-bromomethyl-l,5-dimethyl-lH-[l,2,3]triazole.

The synthesis of 5-chloromethyl-l,3-dimethyl-lH-[l,2,4]triazole was described in

DE 3118258.

The synthesis of 5-chloromethyl-l-methyl-lH-[l,2,4]triazole was described in EP 421210. The synthesis of 3-chloromethyl-l -methyl-lH-[l ,2,4]triazole was described in

EP 421210.

The synthesis of 3-chloromethyl-4,5-dimethyl-4H-[l,2,4]triazole was described in Synthesis, 2006, 156-160.

Example 146: Preparation of 3-(methyl-hvdrazonoVbutan-2-one oxime

Butane-2,3-dione monooxime (2.6 g, 25.8 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (100 ml) then methylhydrazine (1.13 g, 24.5 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 80°C for 2 hours. Methylhydrazine (0.6 g, 12 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 1.5 hours. Methylhydrazine (0.6 g, 12 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 8O ⁰ C for another 1.5 hours, then at room temperature for 48 hours. The mixture was concentrated to leave 3.3 g of a pale yellow, crystalline solid which was used without further purification. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.89 (s, 3H, Me), 2.11 (s, 3H, Me), 3.09 (s, 3H, Me), 4.8- 5.3 (bs, IH, OH) ppm.

Example 147: Preparation of 2,4,5-trimethyl-2H-Fl,2,31triazole 1 -oxide

3-(Methyl-hydrazono)-butan-2-one oxime (3.3 g, 25.8 mmol) (Example 146) was dissolved in tetrahydroruran (135 ml), then aqueous pyridine (15%) (157 ml, 0.29 mol) was added, followed by copper(II)-sulfate (15.7 g, slurry in 35 ml water). The reaction mixture was stirred at 8O ⁰ C for 2 hours, then cooled and extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The organic extracts were combined, washed once with aqueous copper(II) sulfate (10%) then dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: methanol / dichloromethane) to give the product as colourless liquid. (0.7 g, 21% yield).

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.19 (s, 3H, Me), 2.23 (s, 3H, Me), 3.93 (s, 3H, Me) ppm.

Example 148: Preparation of 5-bromomemyl-2,4-dimethyl-2H-| ^' l,2,3 ^' jtriazole 1 -oxide

N-Bromosuccinimide (186 mg, 1.0 mmol) and N,N'-azobϊs(isobutyronitrile)

(AIBN) (14 mg, 0.087 mmol) were added to 2,4,5-trimethyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole 1 -oxide (1 10 mg, 0.87 mmol) (Example 147) in carbon tetrachloride (7 ml). The mixture was heated to 70°C for 1 hour then cooled to room temperature and filtered. The solvent was removed to give the product as brown gum which was used without further purification. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.31 (3H, s, Me), 3.95 (3H, s, Me), 4.42 (2H, s, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Example 149: Preparation of 4-bromomethyl-2,5-dimethyl-2H-ri,2,31triazole

^HsC w? ^Br _=L. ^H Vγ ^Bγ

CH 3 CH ₃

5-Bromomethyl-2,4-dirnethyl-2//-[l,2,3]triazole 1-oxide (4.83 g, 23.3 mmol) (Example 148) was dissolved in carbon tetrachloride (50 ml), then phosphorous trichloride (6.8 ml, 77.8 mol) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at

75 ⁰ C for 2.5 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched by slow addition into hot water, then cooled and diluted with cold water. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted twice times with dichloromethane. The organic layers were combined, washed with water and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: methanol / dichloromethane) to give the product as yellow oil (1.47 g, 33% yield). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.3 (s, 3H, Me), 4.1 (s, 3H, Me), 5.5 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Example 150: Preparation of l-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-5-methyl-lH-f l,2,31triazole-4- carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 3-(4-methoxy-benzylV5-methyl-3H-| ^' l,2,3 ^' ]triazole-4- carboxylic acid ethyl ester

4-Methoxyberϊzyl azide (5.47 g, 33.6 mmol) was dissolved in toluene (20 ml) and methyl-2-butynoate (6.72 ml, 67.1 mmol) was added dropwise over 5 minutes at room temperature. The reaction mixture was heated to 100°C for 14 hours. The solution was cooled to room temperature and the solvent was evaporated to yield a bright yellow liquid which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 0-50% ethyl acetate in hexane). The mixture of l-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-5-methyl-lH-[l,2,3]triazole-4- carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 3-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-5-methyl-3H-[l,2,3]triazole-4- carboxylic acid ethyl ester was obtained as a bright yellow oil (7.35 g, 85% yield). Isomer 1 (major) ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.46 (s, 3H, Me), 3.79 (s, 3H, Me), 3.94 (s, 3H, Me), 5.47 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 6.82-6.88 (m, 2H, CH), 7.13 (d, 2H, CH) ppm. Isomer 2 (minor) ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.51 (s, 3H, Me), 3.77 (s, 3H, Me), 3.90 (s, 3H, Me), 5.80 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 6.82-6.88 (m, 2H, CH), 7.28 (d, 2H, CH) ppm.

The same method was used with pent-2-ynoic acid ethyl ester as the starting material to give a mixture of 5-ethyl-l -(4-methoxy-benzyl)- IH-[I ₅ 2,3]triazole-4- carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 5-ethyl-3-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-3H-[l,2,3]triazole-4- carboxylic acid ethyl ester. Isomer 1 (major) ¹ H NMR (400 MHz ₅ CDCl ₃ ): 1.00 (t, 3H ₅ Me), 1.42 (t, 3H ₅ Me) ₅ 2.88- 2.96 (m, 4H ₅ CH ₂ ), 3.79 (s, 3H, Me), 4.42 (q, 2H ₅ CH ₂ ), 5.48 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 6.82-6.87 (m, 2H, CH), 7.14 (d, 2H, CH) ppm.

Isomer 2 (minor) ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.29 (t, 3H, Me), 1.36 (t, 3H ₅ Me), 2.88- 2.96 (m, 4H, CH ₂ ), 3.78 (s, 3H ₅ Me) ₅ 4.35 (q, 2H ₅ CH ₂ ), 5.81 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 6.82-6.87 (m, 2H, CH) ₅ 7.28 (d, 2H, CH) ppm.

Example 151 : Preparation of 5-methyl-2H-n.2,31triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester

The mixture of l-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-5-methyl-lH-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxyli c acid ethyl ester and 3-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-5-methyl-3H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxyli c acid ethyl ester (Example 150) (7.35 g, 28.6 mmol) was dissolved in acetonitrile / water (9:1) (100 ml) and cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) (31.4 g, 57.2 mmol) was added. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the residue diluted between water and ethyl acetate. The aqueous layer was separated from the organic layer and was extracted twice more with ethyl acetate. The organic extracts were combined, washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. Dichloromethane (50 ml) was added to the solid which caused a white solid to precipitate (1.77 g, 40% yield). The solid was isolated via filtration. The mother liquor was evaporated and again treated with dichloromethane (50 ml) which caused more white solid to precipitate. The solid was isolated via filtration and to both solids were dried to give 5-methyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (2.6 g). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.46 (t, 3H, Me) ₅ 2.61 (s, 3H, Me), 4.45 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

The same method was used with the mixture of 5-ethyl-l-(4-methoxy-benzyl)- IH-[1, 2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 5-ethyl-3-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-3H- [l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester as the starting material to give 5-ethyl-2H- [l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester.

¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.36 (t, 3H, Me), 1.42 (t, 3H, Me), 3.08 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.44 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Example 152: Preparation of 2-ethyl-5-methyl-2H-ri,2,3 ^~ |triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, 3-ethyl-5-methyl-3H-ri,2,31triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and l-ethyl-5- methyl-3H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester

5-Methyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (1.77 g, 12.6 mmol) (Example 151) was dissolved in N,N-dimethylformamide (12 ml) and ethyl iodide (16.3 mmol, 1.31 ml) and potassium carbonate (2.26 g, 16.3 mmol) were added at O ⁰ C. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 5 hours under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The solution was diluted between water and diethyl ether. The aqueous layer was separated from the organic layer and was extracted twice with diethyl ether. The organic extracts were combined, washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give a mixture of 2-ethyl-5-methyl-2H-[ 1 ,2,3]triazole-4- carboxylic acid ethyl ester, 3-ethyl-5-methyl-3H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and l-ethyl-5-methyl-3H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester as a yellow oil (1.10 g, 52% yield). Isomer 1 (major) ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.36-1.58 (m, 6H, Me), 2.52 (s, 3H, Me), 4.32-4.49 (m, 4H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Isomer 2 (middle) ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.36-1.58 (m, 6H, Me), 2.54 (s, 3H, Me), 4.32-4.49 (m, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.72 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Isomer 3 (minor) ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.36-1.58 (m, 6H, Me), 2.59 (s, 3H, Me), 4.32-4.49 (m, 4H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

The same method was used with 5-methyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester as the starting material and iso-propyl iodide as reagent to give 5-methyl-2- prop-2-yl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, 5-methyl-3-prop-2-yl-3H- [l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 5-rnethyl-l-prop-2-yl-3H-[l,2,3]triazole- 4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester.

Isomer 1 (major) ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.38-1.44 (m, 3H, Me), 1.56-1.63 (m, 6H, Me), 2.52 (s, 3H, Me), 4.31-4.45 (m, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.83 (sept, IH, CH) ppm. Isomer 2 (middle) ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.38-1.44 (m, 3H, Me), 1.56-1.63 (m, 6H, Me), 2.53 (s, 3H, Me), 4.31-4.45 (m, 2H, CH ₂ ), 5.44 (sept, IH, CH) ppm. Isomer 3 (minor) ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.38-1.44 (m, 3H, Me), 1.56-1.63 (m, 6H, Me), 2.59 (s, 3H, Me), 4.31-4.45 (m, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.58 (sept, IH, CH) ppm.

The same method was used with 5-ethyl-2H ^" -[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester as the starting material and methyl iodide as reagent to give 5-ethyl-2-methyl- 2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester. Isomer 1 ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.28-1.32 (m, 3H, Me), 1.41 (t, 3H, Me), 2.95 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.20 (s, 3H, Me), 4.38-4.44 (m, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Example 153: Preparation of l-(4-methoxy-benzyl ^' )-5-trifluoromethyl-lH-[l,2,3 ^' |triazole- 4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 3-f4-methoxy-benzyl>5-trifluoromethyl-3H-[ 1,2,3]- triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester

Ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoro-2-butynecarboxylate (1.65 g, 10.1 mmol) was added to 4- methoxybenzyl azide (preparation described in e.g. J. Chem. Soc, Perkin Trans. 1, 1982 (2), 627-630) (1.65 g, 9.9 mmol) in toluene (10 ml) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was concentrated and purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: ethyl acetate / wo-hexane) to give a 1.4 : 1 mixture

of l-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-lH-[l,2,3]triazole-4- carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 3-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-3//-[l,2,3]triazole-4 -carboxylic acid ethyl ester (2.85 g, 87% yield).

Isomer 1 (minor) ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 3.8 (s, 3H, Me), 4.4 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 5.85 (s, 2H ₅ CH ₂ ), 6.9 (d, 2H, CH), 7.35 (d, 2H, CH) ppm.

Isomer 2 (major) ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 3.8 (s, 3H, Me), 4.45 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 5.7 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 6.85 (d, 2H, CH), 7.2 (d, 2H, CH) ppm.

Example 154: Preparation of 5-trifluoromethyl-2H-Fl ,2,3 ^" |triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester

A 1.4 : 1 mixture of l-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-lH-[l,2,3]triazole- 4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 3-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-3H-[l,2,3]- triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (2.85 g, 8.66 mmol) (Example 153) was dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) (15 ml) and the mixture was heated to 6O ⁰ C for 2 hours. The mixture was concentrated and purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: methanol / dichloromethane) to give 5-trifluoromethyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (2.1 g). ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 4.5 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 12.2-12.6 (bs, IH, NH) ppm.

Example 155: Preparation of 2-methyl-5-trifluoromethyl-2H-f l,2,3 ^~ |triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, 3-methyl-5-trifluoromethyl-3H-( ^" L2,31triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and l-methyl-5-trifluoromethyl-3//-| ^' 1.2.31triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester

5-Trifluoromethyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (2.1 g, 10.0 mmol) (Example 154) was dissolved in acetonitrile (15 ml) and methyl iodide (1.12 ml, 12.0 mmol) and potassium carbonate (2.76 g, 20.0 mmol) was added at room temperature. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours, then dichloromethane (50 ml) and water (50 ml) was added. The phases were separated and the aqueous was washed several times with dichloromethane. The organic layers were combined, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: ethyl acetate / wo-hexane) to give 1.71 g of a 64:30:6 mixture of 2-methyl-5-trifluoromethyl-2//-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, 3-methyl-5-trifluoromethyl-3H ^' -[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 1- methyl-5-trifluoromethyl-3H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester.

Isomer 1 (major) ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 4.32 (s, 3H, Me), 4.45 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Isomer 2 (middle) ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 4.38 (s, 3H, Me), 4.45 (q, 2H ₅ CH ₂ ) ppm. Isomer 2 (minor) ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 4.30 (m, 3H, Me), 4.45 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

The same method was used with ethyl iodide as reagent to give 2-ethyl-5-tri- fluoromethyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 3-ethyl-5-trifluoro- rnethyl-3//-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (3.4:1 mixture).

Isomer 1 (major) ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 1.65 (t, 3H, Me), 4.45 (q,

2H, CH ₂ ), 4.6 (q, 2H ₅ CH ₂ ) ppm.

Isomer 2 (minor) ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 1.55 (t, 3H, Me), 4.45 (q,

2H, CH ₂ ), 4.8 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

The same method was used with isopropyl iodide as reagent to give 2-(prop-2- yl)-5-trifluoromethyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 3-(prop-2-yl)- 5-trifluoromethyl-3H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (4.5:1 mixture). Isomer 1 (major) ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 1.65 (d, 6H, Me), 4.45 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Isomer 2 (minor) ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 1.7 (d, 6H, Me), 4.95 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

The same method was used with cyclopentyl iodide as reagent to give 2-cyclo- pentyl-5-trifluoromethyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester.

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 1.7-1.8 (m, 2H, CH ₂ ), 1.9-2.0 (m, 2H, CH ₂ ), 2.2-2.3 (m, 4H, CH ₂ ), 4.45 (q, 2H, CH ₃ ), 5.1 (m, IH, CH) ppm.

The same method was used with allyl iodide as reagent to give 2-allyl-5-tri- fluoromethyl-2H-[ 1 ,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 3-allyl-5-trifluoro- methyl-3//-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (4:1 mixture). Isomer 1 (major) ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 4.45 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 5.1 (d, 2H, CH ₂ ), 5.35-5.45 (m, 2H, CH), 6.0-6.1 (m, IH, CH) ppm.

The same method was used with 2-methoxy-ethyl iodide as reagent to give 2-(2- methoxy-ethyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carbox ylic acid ethyl ester and 3- (2-methoxy-ethyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-3H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-car boxylic acid ethyl ester (4:1 mixture). Isomer 1 (major) ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 3.35 (s, 3H, Me), 3.9 (t, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.45 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.7 (t, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Isomer 2 (minor) ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 3.3 (s, 3H, Me), 3.8 (t, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.45 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.95 (t, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

The same method was used with cyclobutylmethyl iodide as reagent to give 2- (cyclobutyl-methyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-2H-[ 1 ,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 3-(cyclobutyl-methyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-3//-[l,2,3]triazole- 4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (4: 1 mixture).

Isomer 1 (major) ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 1.8-2.0 (m, 4H, CH ₂ ), 2.0-2.15 (m, 2H, CH ₂ ), 2.95-3.1 (m, IH, CH), 4.55 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.65 (d, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Isomer 2 (minor) ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.4 (t, 3H, Me), 1.8-2.0 (m, 4H, CH ₂ ), 2.0-2.15 (m, 2H, CH ₂ ), 2.85-2.95 (m, IH, CH), 4.55 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.78 (d, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Example 156: Preparation of 5-hydroxy-l-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-lH-[l,2,3]triazole-4- carboxylic acid ethyl ester

4-Methoxybenzyl azide (preparation described in e.g. J. Chem. Soc, Perkin Trans. 1, 1982 (2), 627-630) (42 g, 0.253 mol) was dissolved in dry dimethylsulfoxide (272 ml) and powdered potassium carbonate (139 g, 1 mol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature while diethyl malonate (56 g, 0.35 mol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 4O ⁰ C for 72 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0°C and quenched by addition of aqueous hydrochloric acid (5M) (675 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The solid was isolated via filtration, washed with water and hexane and dried to give 5-hydroxy-l-(4-methoxy- benzyl)-lH-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester as an off white solid (47.5 g, 68% yield).

¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.29 (t, 3H, Me), 3.72 (s, 3H, Me), 4.25 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 5.27 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.07 (q, 4H, CH) ppm.

Example 157: Preparation of 5-methoxy-l-(4-methoxy-benzylM.H-fl,2,3 ^" ltriazole-4- carboxylic acid ethyl ester

5-Hydroxy-l-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-lH-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxyl ic acid ethyl ester (26.18 g, 0.944 mol) (Example 156) was dissolved in dry N,N-dimethylformamide (300 ml) and rhodium(II) acetate dimer (300 mg) was added. The reaction mixture was cooled to 2O ⁰ C and (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane (TMSCHN ₂ ) (2M in diethyl ether) (142 ml, 0.284 mol) was added over 2 hours and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0 ⁰ C and quenched by sequential addition of methanol (75 ml), glacial acetic acid (5 ml) and water (1 ml). The mixture was extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed three times with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 10-55% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 5-methoxy-l-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-l//-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxy lic acid ethyl ester as a straw coloured oil (15.2 g, 55% yield).

¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.41 (q, 3H, Me), 3.80 (s, 3H, Me), 4.13 (s, 3H, Me), 4.41 (t, 2H, CH ₂ ), 5.31 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.1 (q, 4H, CH) ppm.

5-Methoxy-l-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-lH-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carbo xylic acid ethyl ester was deprotected as described in Example 151 to give 5-methoxy-l//-[l,2,3]triazole-4- carboxylic acid ethyl ester.

¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.41 (t, 3H, Me), 4.11 (s, 3H, Me), 4.47 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm. 5-Methoxy-l//-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester was methylated with methyl iodide according to the method described in Example 152 to give 5-methoxy-l- methyl-l//-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (isomer A) and 5-methoxy-2- methyl-2//-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (isomer B).

Isomer A ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.39 (q, 3H, Me), 4.15 (s, 3H, Me), 4.24 (s, 3H,

Me), 4.40 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

Isomer B ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.35 (t, 3H, Me), 3.99 (s, 3H, Me), 4.07 (s, 3H, Me), 4.36 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

5-Hydroxy-l-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-lH ^" -[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (26.1 S g, 0.944 mol) (Example 156) was also reacted with ethyl 2-chloro-2,2-difluoro- acetate as described in Example 132 to give 5-difluoromethoxy-l-(4-methoxy-benzyl)- IH-[1, 2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester.

5-Difluoromethoxy-l-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-lH-[l,2,3]triazole -4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester was deprotected as described in Example 151 to give 5-difluoromethoxy-lH- [l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester.

5-Difluoromethoxy-lH-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester was methylated with methyl iodide according to the method described in Example 152 to give 5-difluoromethoxy-l-methyl-lH-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (isomer A) and 5-difluoromethoxy-2-methyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (isomer B).

Example 158: Preparation of 2-methyl-2H-[l _< 2,31triazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester and 3-methyl-3H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester

(A) (B) To a solution of 2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid (734 mg, 6.5 mmol) in toluene (10 ml), was added trimethylorthoacetate (2.48 ml, 19.5 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 16 hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture was concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 10-30% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 2-methyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (isomer A) (40 mg, 4% yield) and 3-methyl-3H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (isomer B) (223 mg, 24% yield).

Isomer A ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 3.96 (s, 3H, Me), 4.28 (s, 3H, Me), 8.05 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

2-Methyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester was reduced as described in Example 121 to give [2-methyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazol-4-yl]-methanol. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 4.15 (s, 3H, Me), 4.74 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.53 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

[2-Methyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazol-4-yl]-methanol was brominated as described in Example 117 to give 4-bromomethyl-2-methyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 4.18 (s, 3H, Me), 4.51 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.58 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

The same method was used with triethylorthoacetate as reagent to give 2-ethyl- 2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (isomer A) and 3-ethyl-3H-[ 1,2,3]- triazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (isomer B).

Isomer A ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.41 (t, 3H, Me), 1.60 (t, 3H, Me), 4.43 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.55 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 8.04 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

2-Ethyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester was reduced as described in Example 121 to give [2-ethyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazol-4-yl]-methanol. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.55 (t, 3H, Me), 4.44 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.76 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.55 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

[2-Ethyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazol-4-yl] -methanol was brominated as described in Example 117 to give 4-bromomethyl-2-ethyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 1.56 (t, 3H, Me), 4.45 (q, 2H, CH ₂ ), 4.52 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ), 7.59 (s, IH, CH) ppm.

Example 159: Preparation of 4,5-dibromo- IH-[1, 2,3 Itriazole

To a solution of IH-[1, 2,3]triazole (1.26 ml, 21.7 mmol) in water (10 ml) at 50°C, was added bromine (1.5 ml, 29 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 50°C for 1.5 hours. The white solid (2.375 g) was isolated via filtration and washed with water (5 ml). To the combined filtrates was added more bromine (1.5 ml, 29 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hour. More white solid (1.83 g) was isolated via filtration and washed with water (5 ml). To the combined filtrates was added more bromine (1.5 ml, 29 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. More white solid (375 mg) was isolated via filtration and washed with

water (5ml). The white solids were combined and dried to give 4,5-dibromo- IH-[1, 2,3]- triazole (4.92 g, 93% yield). M.p. 194.7 ⁰ C.

Example 160: Preparation of 4,5-dibromo-l-methyl-lH-[1.2.31triazole and 4,5-dibromo- 2-methyl-2H-r 1 ,231triazole

(A) (B)

To a solution of 4,5-dibromo- IH-[1, 2,3]triazole (2.26 g, 10 mmol) (Example 159) and triethyl amine (1.5 ml, 10 mmol) in dichloromethane (50 ml), was added methyl iodide (625 μl, 10 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. More triethyl amine (0.75 ml, 5 mmol) and more methyl iodide (312 μl, 5 mmol) were added and the mixture was stirred for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched with aqueous ammonium chloride (saturated, 15 ml). The organic extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent 10-30% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 4,5-dibromo-2- methyl-2H-[l ,2,3]triazole (isomer B) (625 mg, 26% yield) and 4,5-dibromo- 1-methyl- IH-[1, 2,3]triazole (isomer A) (825 mg, 34% yield). Isomer A ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 4.09 (s, 3H, Me) ppm. Isomer B ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 4.18 (s, 3H, Me) ppm.

Example 161: Preparation of 4-bromo-l,5-dimethyl-lH-[1.2,31triazole

(A) (B)

To a solution of 4,5-dibromo- 1 -methyl- IH-[1 ,2,3]triazole and 4,5-dibromo-2- methyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole (1.5 g, 6.23 mmol) (Example 160) in tetrahydrofuran (25 ml) at -SO ⁰ C, was slowly added n-butyl lithium (2.5M in TηF) (3 ml, 7.48 mmol) followed 20 minutes later by methyl iodide (775 μl, 12.46 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at -80 ⁰ C for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and

quenched with aqueous hydrochloric acid (IM). The mixture was extracted with dichloromethane, the organic extract dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give 4-bromo-l,5-dimethyl-lH-[l,2,3]triazole (isomer A) and 4-bromo-2,5-dimethyl-2//- [l,2,3]triazole (isomer B) (1.096 g, 89% yield). Isomer A ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.30 (s, 3H, Me), 4.00 (s, 3H, Me) ppm. Isomer B ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.24 (s, 3H, Me), 4.10 (s, 3H, Me) ppm.

4-Bromo- 1 ,5-dimethyl- 1 H-[ 1 ,2,3]triazole and 4-bromo-2,5-dimethyl-2H ^" - [l,2,3]triazole were brominated as described in Example 115 to give 4-bromo-5-bromo- methyl-l-methyl-lH-[l,2,3]triazole (isomer A) and 4-bromo-5-bromomethyl-2-methyl- 2H-[l,2,3]triazole (isomer B).

Isomer A ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 4.12 (s, 3H, Me), 4.45 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm. Isomer B ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 4.17 (s, 3H, Me), 4.45 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

6) Methods for making thiadiazole derivatives

4-Methyl-[l,2,3]thiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester is commercially available.

4-Methyl-[l,2,3]thiadiazole-5-carbσxylic acid ethyl ester was reduced as described in Example 110 to give [4-methyl-[l,2,3]thiadiazol-5 _^ yl]-methanol.

¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.60 (s, 3H, Me), 3.84 (bs, IH, OH), 4.98 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

[4-Methyl-[l,2,3]thiadiazol-5-yl]-methanol was brominated as described in Example 117 to give 5-bromomethyl-4-methyl-[l,2,3]thiadiazole. ¹ H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ): 2.70 (s, 3H, Me), 4.70 (s, 2H, CH ₂ ) ppm.

7) Coupling methods and oxidations

Example Pl: Preparation of 4-bromo-3-(5-difluoromethoxy-l-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl- lH ^" -pyrazol-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxaz ole

4-Bromomethyl-5-difluoromethoxy- 1 -methyl-3-trifluoromethyl- lH-pyrazole (0.7 g, 2.36 mmol) (prepared as described in WO 2004/013106), was stirred in ethanol (30 ml) before thiourea (0.189 g, 2.48 mmol) was added and it was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. 4-Bromo-3-methanesulfonyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (0.632 g, 2.48 mmol) and potassium carbonate (0.343 g, 2.48 mmol) were added and the mixture was heated to 7O ⁰ C for 4 hours. The solvent was removed and the residue absorbed onto silica gel before being purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane / ethyl acetate) to give Compound No. 2.04 of Table 52 (0.473 g, 46% yield).

The following compounds were synthesised as described in Example Pl with 4- bromo-3-methanesulfonyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole as reagent: Compound No. 1.01 and Compound No. 1.04 of Table 51.

The following compounds were synthesised as described in Example Pl with 3- benzenesulfonyl-4-chloro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole as reagent: Compound No. 1.06 of Table 51. The following compound was synthesised as described in Example Pl with 3- benzenesulfonyl-4,4-dichloro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxaz ole as reagent: Compound No. 1.08 of Table 51.

The following compounds were synthesised as described in Example Pl with 4- fluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole as reagent: Compound No. 1.10 of Table 51 ,

Compound No. 2.16, Compound No. 2.22, Compound No. 2.28, Compound No. 2.35, Compound No. 2.3S, Compound No. 2.41, Compound No. 2.45, Compound No. 2.48, Compound No. 2.51, Compound No. 2.54, Compound No. 2.57, Compound No. 2.64, Compound No. 2.67, Compound No. 2.70 of Table 52,

Compound No. 4.06 of Table 54,

Compound No. 5.01 of Table 55,

Compound No. 6.01, Compound No. 6.05, Compound No. 6.08, Compound No. 6.11 of

Table 56, Compound No. 7.01, Compound No. 7.07, Compound No. 7.11, Compound No. 7.15,

Compound No. 7.18, Compound No. 7.21, Compound No. 7.24, Compound No. 7.28,

Compound No. 7.31, Compound No. 7.34, Compound No. 7.37, Compound No. 7.42,

Compound No. 7.45, Compound No. 7.50 and Compound No. 7.53 of Table 57,

Compound No. 9.01 of Table 59, Compound No. 10.01 of Table 60, and

Compound No. 11.01 of Table 61.

Example P2: Preparation of 4-bromo-3-(5-difluoromethoxy-l-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl- lH-pyrazol-4-ylmethylsulfinyl)-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihvdro-isox azole

mCPBA

A solution of 4-bromo-3-(5-difluoromethoxy- 1 -rnethyl-3-trifluoromethyl- IH- pyrazol-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazo le (0.15 g, 0.343 mmol) (Compound No. 2.04 of Table 52) in dichloromethane (25 ml) was cooled to 0°C and 3- chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mCPBA) (0.119 g, 0.412 mmol) was added in portions. After stirring for 30 minutes at O ⁰ C the reaction mixture was quenched by addition of aqueous sodium metabisulfite (10%). The mixture was extracted with dichloromethane and the organic extract washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (IM), dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane / ethyl acetate) to give Compound No. 2.05 of Table 52 as a 7:2 mixture of diastereoisomers (0.137 g, 88% yield).

Example P3: Preparation of 4-Bromo-3-(5-difluoromethoxy-l-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl- lH-pyrazol-4-ylmethylsulfonyl)-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihvdro-isox azole

mCPBA

A solution of 4-bromo-3-(5-difluoromethoxy-l-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-lH- pyrazol-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazo le (0.234 g, 0.535 mmol) (Compound No. 2.04 of Table 52) in dichloromethane (30 ml) and 3-chloroperoxy- benzoic acid (0.339 g, 1.18 mmol) was added in portions. After stirring at room temperature for 16 hours the reaction mixture was quenched by addition of aqueous sodium metabisulfite (10%). The mixture was extracted with dichloromethane and the organic extract washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (IM), dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane / ethyl acetate) to give Compound No. 2.06 of Table 52 (0.164 g, 65% yield).

Example P4: Preparation of 4-fluoro-5.5-dimethyl-3-[l-methyl-5-(2,2.2-trifluoro- ethoχy)-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazol-4-ylmethylsulfanvn-4,5 -dihvdro-isoxazole

4-Chloromethyl-l-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-3-trifluor omethyl-lH- pyrazole (0.5S7 g, 1.98 mmol) (prepared as described in WO 2004/013106), was stirred in ethanol (100 ml) before the thiourea (0.132 g, 1.73 mmol) was added and it was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. 4-Fluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro- isoxazole (0.322 g, 1.65 mmol), sodium iodide (0.259 g, 1.73 mmol) and potassium carbonate (0.239 g, 1.73 mmol) were added and it was heated to 7O ⁰ C for 4 hours. The solvent was removed and the residue absorbed onto silica before being purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane / ethyl acetate) to give Compound No. 2.07 of Table 52 (0.546 g, 76% yield).

The following compound was synthesised as described in Example P4 with 4- bromo-3-methanesulfonyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole as reagent:

Compound No. 2.01 of Table 52. The following compound was synthesised as described in Example P4 with 3- benzenesulfonyl-4-chloro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole as reagent: Compound No. 2.13 of Table 52.

The following compound was synthesised as described in Example P4 with 3- benzenesulfonyl-4,4-dichloro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxaz ole as reagent: Compound No. 2.19 of Table 52.

Example P5: Preparation of 3-[chloro-(2-trifluoromethoxy-phenyO-methanesulfonyl]-4- fluoro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihvdro-isoxazole

4-Fluoro-5,5-dimethyl-3-(2-trifluoromethoxy-phenymiethanesul fonyl)-4,5- dihydro-isoxazole (0.11 g, 0.31 mmol) (prepared from trifluoromethoxybenzyl bromide and 4-fluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol e as described in Example Pl followed by oxidation as described in Example P3) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (5 ml). l-ferϊ-butyl-2,2,4,4,4-pentakis(dimethylamino-2-lambda ^s -5,4- lambda ⁵ -5-catenadi(phosphazene) (P ₂ -tBu) (2M in THF) (0.16 ml, 0.31 mmol) was added followed by N-chloro succinimide (0.043 g, 0.31 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hours. The solvent was removed and the residue purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane / ethyl acetate) to give Compound No. 1.13 of Table 51 (0.035 g, 29% yield).

Example P6: Preparation of 4-chloro-5,5-diniethyl-3-ri-methyl-5-(2,2.2-trifluoro- ethoxy)-3-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazol-4-ylmethylsulfonyll-4,5 -dihydro-isoxazole

mCPBA

4-Chloro-5,5-diniethyl-3-[l-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoro-eth oxy)-3-trifluoromethyl- lH-pyrazol-4-ylmethylsulfinyl]-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (0.084 g, 0.176 mmol) (Compound No. 2.14 in Table 52, 3:2 mixture of diastereoisomers) was dissolved in dichloromethane (15 ml) and 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (0.101 g, 0.352 mmol) was added. After stirring for 2 days at room temperature the reaction mixture was quenched by addition of aqueous sodium metabisulfite (10%) and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic extract was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (IM), dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane / ethyl acetate) to give Compound No. 2.15 of Table 52 (0.057g, 65% yield, 85% purity).

Example P7: Preparation of 3-f(2,6-difluoro-phenyl)-difluoro-methanesulfonyll-5,5- dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole

Sodium hexamethyldisilazide (IM in THF) (53.1 ml, 0.053 mol) was added dropwise to a solution of 3-(2,6-difluoro-phenylmethanesulfonyl)-5,5-dimethyl-4,5- dihydro-isoxazole (15.42 g, 0.0534 mol) (prepared as described in WO 2001/012613) in dry tetrahydrofuran (340 ml) at -7O ⁰ C under nitrogen. After 15 minutes N-fiuorobenzene- sulfonimide (16.83 g, 0.071 mol) was added in portions. After a further 1 hour, sodium hexamethyldisilazide (45 ml, 0.045 mol) (IM in THF) was added dropwise to the stirred reaction mixture at -70 ⁰ C. After 15 minutes, N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (16.83 g, 0.071 mol) was added in portions. Further portions of N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide were added until analysis by GLC indicated that fluorination of the benzylic position was complete. Saturated aqueous ammonium chloride (30 ml) was added and the reaction mixture was

then allowed to warm to room temperature. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure at 40°C and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The aqueous phase was further extracted with ethyl acetate and the combined organic phases were washed twice with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate and once with water and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give a beige solid. The product was further purified by recrystallisation twice from isopropanol to give a beige solid (4.5 g, 25% yield), which was used without further purification.

Example P8: Preparation of 3-[(2,6-difluoro-ρhenylVdifluoro-methanesulfonyll-4-fluoro- 5.5-dimethyl-4,5-dihvdro-isoxazole

Sodium hexamethyldisilazide (3.5 ml, 3.5mmol) (IM in THF) was added dropwise to a solution containing 3-[(2,6-difluoro-phenyl)-difluoro-methanesulfonyl]- 5,5-dimefhyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (1.08 g, 3.3 mmol) and N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (1.12 g, 3.5 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (25 ml) under nitrogen at -7O ⁰ C. More sodium hexamethyldisilazide (3.5 ml, 3.5 mmol) (IM in THF) was added dropwise to the stirred reaction mixture at -70°C. After storing for 16 hours in the freezer, the reaction mixture was quenched by pouring into saturated aqueous ammonium chloride at room temperature and then extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined ethyl acetate extracts were washed with water and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated to give a yellow semi-solid. The product was triturated with dichloromethane. The dichloromethane extract was further purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 20% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give Compound No. 1.18 of Table 51 as white solid (0.175 g, 15% yield).

Compound No. 1.12 of Table 51 and Compound No. 3.07 of Table 53 were prepared analogously.

Example P9: Preparation of 3-(2,6-difluoro-phenylmethanesulfonyl)-4-fluoro-5,5- dimethyl-4,5-dihvdro-isoxazole

2,6-Difluorobenzyl thiol (0.2 g, 1.2 mmol) (can be prepared from 2,6-difluoro- benzylbromide as described in J. Fluorine Chem., 1986, 399-414) and potassium carbonate (0.5 g, 3.6 mmol) were added to a solution of 3-benzenesulfonyl-4-fluoro-5,5- dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (0.15 g, 0.58 mmol) in ethanol (5 ml) in a microwave tube. The mixture was heated in a sealed microwave tube (130°C for 6 minutes). After cooling, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and then partitioned with water and ethyl acetate. The aqueous phase was then extracted with ethyl acetate and the combined organic phases were washed with water and brine, dried with magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give a pale yellow oil (0.22 g). The oil was dissolved in a little ethyl acetate and applied to a silica column and then further purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 10% ethyl acetate in hexane). Fractions containing the product, which were free from starting material, were combined and then further purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 20% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give Compound No.1.14 of Table 51 as a colourless oil (0.1 g, 62% yield).

Example PlO: Alternative preparation of 4-fluoro-5.5-dimethyl-3-[l-methyl-5-(2,2,2- trifluoro-ethox y)-3 -tri fluoromethyl- 1 H-p yrazol-4- ylmethylsulfanyll -4, 5 -dihvdro- isoxazole

thiourea, K ₂ CO ₃

Thiourea (60 mg, 0.8 mmol), 4-chloromethyl-l-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)- 3-trifluorornethyl-lH-pyrazole (206 mg, 0.7 mmol) and potassium carbonate (0.2 g, 1.4 mmol) were added sequentially to a stirred mixture of 3-benzenesulfonyl-4-fluoro-5,5- dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (150 mg, 0.8 mmol) in ethanol (5 ml) at room

temperature in a microwave tube. The mixture was heated in a sealed microwave tube at 130°C for 6 minutes. After heating for a further 4 minutes at 130°C, no sulfone was detected. After cooling, the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. The aqueous phase was further extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined ethyl acetate extracts were washed with water and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give a pale yellow oil. The oil was dissolved in a small quantity of ethyl acetate and then further purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 10% ethyl acetate in hexane). Fractions free from starting materials, were combined, concentrated under reduced pressure and further purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 20% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give Compound 2.07 of Table 52 as a colourless oil which solidified on standing (0.1 g, 31% yield), M.p. 50-51 °C.

Example Pl 1 : Preparation of 3-(4-fluoro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihvdro-isoxazol-3-yl- sulfanylmethylV2-methyl-6-triflυoromethyl-pyridine

Thiourea (84 mg, 1.1 mmol) was added slowly to a solution of 3-chloromethyl-2- methyl-6-trifluoromethylpyridine (236 mg, 1.13 mol) in ethanol (7 ml). The mixture was stirred for a further 2 hours and then stored at room temperature for 16 hours. 3-Benzene- sulfonyl-4-fluoro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (283 mg, 1.1 mmol) and potassium carbonate (0.15 g, 1.08 mmol) were added successively to the reaction mixture. After stirring for a further 1 hour at room temperature the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 4 hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture was concentrated, the residue partitioned between water and ethyl acetate and the aqueous phase extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed with water and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give a yellow oil. The oil was dissolved in a small quantity of ethyl acetate and purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 20% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give Compound 3.01 of Table 53 as a colourless oil (0.2 g, 56% yield).

Compound No. 3.04 of Table 53 and Compound No. 8.01 were prepared analogously.

Example P12: Preparation 3-(4-fluoro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihvdro-isoxazol-3-ylsulfanyl- methylV 1 -methyl-4-trifluoromethyl- 1 H-Ό yrazole

1. thiourea, NaBr

Thiourea (126 mg, 1.65 mmol) and sodium bromide (155 mg, 1.52 mmol) were added to a solution of 3-chloromethyl-l-methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole (300 mg, 1.51 mmol) (Example 121) in ethanol (1% water) (10 ml). The reaction mixture was heated at reflux with stirring. After 3 hours, 5,5-dimethyl-4-fluoro-3-phenylsulfonyl- isoxazoline (381 mg, 1.52 mmol) and potassium carbonate (417 mg, 3.02 mmol) were added and the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 16 hours. After cooling, the mixture was diluted with water and then extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (eluent: ethyl acetate / hexane) to give Compound 4.01 of Table 54 (345 mg, 73% yield).

Compound No. 2.32 of Table 52 was prepared analogously.

Example P13: 3-(l-(4-fluoro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihvdro-isoxazol-3-ylsulfonv π-eth-l-yl)- 1 -methyl-4-trifluoromethyl- 1 H-p yrazole

l-/e/-/-butyl-2,2,4,4,4-pentakis(dimethylamino-2-lambda ⁵ -5,4-lambda ⁵ -5-catena- di(phosphazene) (P ₂ -tBu) (72 μl, 0.15 mmol) (2M in TηF) was added slowly to a solution of 3-(4-fluoro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-ylsulfonylme thyl)-l -methyl- 4-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole (50 mg, 0.145 mmol) (Compound 4.03 of Table 53) in

tetrahydrofuran (5 ml) under nitrogen at room temperature. After stirring for a further 10 minutes, methyl iodide (18 μl, 0.29 mmol) was added. After stirring for a further 30 minutes, the reaction mixture was quenched by the addition of water and dichloromethane. The organic extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: ethyl acetate / hexane) to give Compound 4.04 of Table 54 as 3:2-mixture of diastereomers (161 mg, 90% yield).

Compound No. 2.12 and Compound No. 2.27 of Table 52. were prepared analogously.

Example P14: 3-(l-(4-fluoro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihvdro-isoxazol-3-ylsulfony l)-2-methyl- eth- 1 -vD- 1 -methyl-4-trifluoromethyl- lH-pyrazole

l-?ert-butyl-2,2,4,4,4-pentakis(dimethylamino-2-lambda ⁵ -5,4-lambda ⁵ -5-catena- di(phosphazene) (P ₂ -tBu) (145 μl, 0.29 mmol) (2M in THF) was added slowly to a solution of 3-(4-fluoro-5, 5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-ylsulfonyhnethyl)-l-methyl - 4-trifluoromethyl-l//-pyrazole (50 mg, 0.145 mmol) (Compound 4.03 of Table 54) and methyl iodide (36 μl, 0.58 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran under nitrogen at room temperature. After the addition of one equivalent of base and stirring for 4 hours, sodium hexamethyldisilazide (290 μl, 0.053 mol) (IM in THF) was added slowly to the reaction mixture. After stirring for a further 30 minutes, the reaction mixture was quenched by addition of water and dichloromethane. The chlorinated layer was separated, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: ethyl acetate / hexane) to give Compound 4.05 of Table 54 (238 mg, 90% yield).

Example Pl 5: Preparation of 3-[chloro-(l.3-dimethyl- IH-Fl, 2,4 ^~ |triazol-5-yD-methane- sulfonyl1-4-fluoro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole and 3-| ^" dichloro-(l ,3-dimethyl- IH-[1, 2,41triazol-5-ylVmethanesulfonyl1-4-fluoro-S,5-dimethyl-4,5- dihydro-isoxazole

3-Chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mCPBA) (0.3 g, 1.7 mmol) was added in portions to a solution 3-[(l,3-dimethyl-lH-[l,2.4]triazol-5-yl)-methanesulfanyl]-4- fluoro-5,5- dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (0.13 g, 0.5 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (10 ml), which was cooled by an ice bath. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stored at room temperature for 72 hours. The suspension was further diluted with dichloromethane (20 ml) to give a clear solution, which was washed with aqueous sodium metabisulfite (10%), twice with aqueous sodium hydroxide (IM) and finally with brine. The solution was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give a colourless gum which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 1:4 ethyl acetate / hexane) to give Compound 8.06 of Table 58 as a colourless gum (10 mg, 7% yield) and Compound 8.05 of Table 58 as a white solid (18 mg, 14% yield). Compound 8.05 of Table 58 was obtained as a mixture of a racemic diastereomers in a 3:2 ratio.

Example P16: Preparation of 3-rchloro-( ^' L3-dimethyl-l.H ^' -ri.2.41triazol-5-ylVmethane- sulfonyl]-4-fluoro-5.,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihvdro-isoxazole and 3-[(l ,3-dimethyl-lH-π ,2,4]- triazol-5-yl)-methanesulfonyll-4-fluoro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dih ydro-isoxazole

3-Chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mCPBA) (0.5 g, 0.29 mmol) was added in portions to a solution of 3-[(l,3-dimethyl-lH-[l,2,4]triazol-5-yl)-methanesulfanyl]-4- fluoro-5,5- dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (0.17 g, 0.66 mniol) in dry dichloromethane (10 ml), which was cooled by an ice bath. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stored at room temperature for 72 hours. The suspension was further diluted with dichloromethane (20 ml) to give a clear solution, which was washed with aqueous sodium metabisulfite (10%), twice with aqueous sodium hydroxide (IM) and finally with brine. The solution was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give a white solid which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 1:1 ethyl acetate / hexane) to give Compound 8.04 of Table 58 as a white solid (0.065 g, 33% yield) and Compound 8.05 of Table 58 (8 mg, 4% yield ) as a white solid.

Compound 8.05 of Table 58 was obtained as a racemic mixture of diastereomers in a 3:2 ratio.

Example P17: Preparation of l,3-dimethyl-4-(4-fluoro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihvdro- isoxazol-3-vlsulfanvlmethvlV5-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxvV lH-pyrazole

[l,3-Dimethyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-lH-pyrazol-4-yl]-me thanol (prepared according to WO 06/024820) (503 mg, 2.25 mmol), thiourea (205 mg, 2.69 mmol), concentrated hydrochloric acid (36%) (HCl (36%) (716 μl, 7.07 mmol), water (2.5 ml) and 1,4-dioxane (2.5 ml) were added to a 20 ml microwave tube and the reaction mixture was heated in the microwave for 10 minutes at 130 ⁰ C. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool down before adding potassium carbonate (1.40 g, 10.0 mmol), 4-fluoro-3- methanesulfonyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (657 mg, 3.37 mmol), 1,4-dioxane (1 ml) and water (1 ml). The reaction mixture was heated in the microwave for 16 minutes at 150°C. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool down before partitioning between ethyl acetate and water. The organic extract was washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromato- graphy on silica gel (eluent: 0-50% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give Compound No. 2.60 of Table 52 (396 mg, 53% yield) as a colourless oil.

Example Pl 8: Preparation of 4,5-dimethyl-3-(4-fluoro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro- isoxazol-3-ylsιilfanylmethylV4H-ri,2.41triazole

1. NEt ₃ , thiourea

To a solution of 3-chloromethyl-4,5-dimethyl-4H-[l,2,4]triazole (preparation according to Synthesis, 2006, 156-160) (564 mg, 3.1 mmol) in ethanol (20 ml) was added sequentially triethyl amine (432 μl, 3.1 mmol) and thiourea (236 mg, 3.1 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature before the addition of 4-fluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-5,5-di-

methyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazole (665 mg, 3.3 mmol) and potassium carbonate (591 mg, 3.6 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 6 hours and then stored at room temperature for 72 hours. The mixture was concentrated and the residue purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 0-20% methanol in chloromethane) to give Compound No. 13.01 of Table 63 as an oil (636 mg, 80% yield).

Compound No. 8.07 of Table 58 and Compound No. 12.01 of Table 62 were prepared analogously.

Example P19: Preparation of 4-[ ^" difluoro-( ^" 4-fluoro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihγdro-isoxazole- 3-sulfinyl)-methyll-5-difluoromethoxy-2-methyl-2H-[l,2,3 ^" |triazole

^LiHMDS

4-Difluoromethoxy-5-(4-fluoro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-is oxazole-3- sulfinylmethyl)-2-methyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole (Compound No. 7.59, Table 57) (102mg, 0.32 mmol) and N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (209mg, 0.63 mmol) were dissolved in dry tetrahydrofuran (7.6 ml), cooled to -78°C and lithium hexamethyldisilazide (LiHMDS) (0.5 ml, IM in THF) was added slowly with stirring. The reaction was stirred at -78°C for 2 hours and then quenched by addition of saturated aqueous ammonium chloride and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica (eluent: ethyl acetate / hexane) to give Compound No. 7.61 of Table 57 as 7:3 mixture of diastereoisomers (47.7 mg, 42% yield).

Compound No. 7.05 and Compound No. 7.48 of Table 57 were prepared analogously.

Example P20: Preparation of 4-rdifluoro-(4-fluoro-5.5-dimethyl-4,5-dmydro-isoxazole- 3-sulfonyl)-methvn-5-difluoromethoxy-2-methyl-2H-[1.231triaz ole

4-Difluoromethoxy-5-(4-fluoro-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxa zoIe-3-sulfonyl- methyl)-2-methyl-2H-[l,2,3]triazole (124 mg, 0.36 mmol) and N-fluorobenzene- sulfonimide (228 mg, 0.72 mmol) were dissolved in dry dichloromethane (3 ml), cooled to -3O ⁰ C and lithium hexamethyldisilazide (LiHMDS) (0.73 ml, 0.73 mmol) (IM in THF) was added slowly. The reaction was stirred at -3O ⁰ C for 15 minutes then stirred without cooling until a precipitate began to form. The reaction was diluted with dichloromethane (6 ml) and quenched by addition of saturated aqueous ammonium chloride (0.4 ml) was added and the reaction stirred for 10 minutes. The reaction was filtered through celite, the filtrate shaken with water (3 ml) then passed through a phase separating cartridge. The solvent was removed from the filtrate under vacuum. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica (eluent: ethyl acetate / hexane) to give Compound No. 7.62 of Table 57 as a straw coloured gum (123 mg, 90% yield).

Compound No. 7.06, Compound No. 7.49 and Compound No. 7.57 of Table 57 were prepared analogously.

The compounds mentioned in the following Tables can be prepared in analogous manner.

Table 51 : Compounds of formula 1.1

Key:

Me = methyl; s = singlet; m = multiplet; d = doublet.

Table 52: Compounds of formula 1.2

Kev:

Me = methyl; s = singlet; m = multiplet; d = doublet; t = triplet; q = quartet; dd = double doublet; dt = double triplet; dq = double quartet.

Table 53: Compounds of formula 1.3

Kev:

Me = methyl; s = singlet; m = multiplet; d = doublet; d = double doublet.

Table 54: Compounds of formula 1.4

Kev:

Me = methyl; s = singlet; m = multiplet; d = doublet; bs = broad signal.

Table 55: Compounds of formula 1.5

Key:

Me = methyl; s = singlet; m = multiplet; d = doublet.

Table 56: Compounds of formula 1.6

Key:

Me = methyl; s = singlet; d = doublet; t = triplet.

Table 57: Compounds of formula 1.7

Kev:

Me = methyl; s = singlet; m = multiplet; d = doublet; dd = double doublet; t = triplet; q = quartet; sept = septet.

Table 58: Compounds of formula 1.8

Key:

Me = methyl; s = singlet; m = multiplet; d = doublet; q = quartet.

Table 59: Compounds of formula 1.9

Key:

Me = methyl; s = singlet; d = doublet.

Table 60: Compounds of formula 1.10

Key:

Me = methyl; s — singlet; d = doublet.

Table 61: Compounds of formula I.I 1

Key:

Me = methyl; s = singlet; m = multiplet; d = doublet.

Table 62: Compounds of formula 1.12

Key:

Me = methyl; s = singlet; d = doublet.

Table 63: Compounds of formula 1.13

Key:

Me = methyl; s = singlet; d = doublet.

Table 64: Compounds of formula 1.14

Key:

Me = methyl; s = singlet; d = doublet.

Biological Examples Example Bl: Herbicidal action Monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous test plants were sown in sterilised standard soil in seed trays each having 96 cells. After one day (pre-emergence) under controlled conditions in a climatic chamber (cultivation at 23/17 ⁰ C, day/night; 13 hours light; 50-60% humidity; after application at 24/19 ⁰ C, day/night), the plants were treated with an aqueous spray solution of 1000 mg/1 of the active ingredient used (including 10% DMSO as solvent). The plants were grown on in the climatic chamber until the test was evaluated (10 = total damage to plant, 0 = no damage to plant) after 9 or 13 days.

Table BIa: Application pre-emergence

Comp. No. [g/ha] DIGSA AGSTE POATR AMARE SETIT

1.11 1000 10 10 10 7 8

1.12 1000 9 10 0 9 8

1.13 1000 9 10 10 9 9

1.14 1000 9 10 2 9 8

1.15 . 1000 9 10 10 9 - 9

1.16 1000 10 10 10 8 6

1.17 1000 S 10 10 10 8

1.18 1000 10 10 8 10 9

2.02 1000 10 10 5 7 7

2.05 1000 8 9 0 2 9

2.06 1000 8 10 9 7 7

2.08 1000 10 10 10 10 10

2.09 1000 9 10 10 9 10

2.10 1000 10 10 10 8 9

2.11 1000 9 10 10 10 4

2.12 1000 9 10 10 6 9

2.14 1000 9 10 10 9 9

2.15 1000 8 10 10 8 6

2.17 1000 10 10 10 6 9

2.18 1000 5 10 9 8 8

2.20 1000 9 5 8 4 7

2.22 1000 9 10 9 9 9

2.23 1000 10 10 10 10 10

2.24 1000 10 10 10 10 10

2.25 1000 10 10 10 10 10

2.27 1000 10 10 10 10 10

2.29 1000 0 9 10 8 - 9

2.30 1000 10 10 9 9 9

2.31 1000 10 10 10 10 10

2.33 1000 9 10 9 6 9

2.34 1000 10 10 10 10 9

2.37 1000 9 10 10 8 9

2.42 1000 8 0 8 8 8

2.43 1000 9 0 10 8 8

2.44 1000 7 0 10 10 10

2.46 1000 9 10 10 10 -

2.47 1000 9 10 10 10 -

2.49 1000 10 10 10 10 -

2.50 1000 . 10 10 10 10 -

2.52 1000 9 10 9 9 -

2.53 1000 9 10 10 10 -

2.54 1000 6 10 10 9 -

2.56 1000 10 10 10 10 -

2.58 1000 10 10 10 10 -

2.59 1000 10 10 10 10 -

2.61 1000 9 10 4 6 -

2.63 1000 8 10 10 10 , -

3.02 1000 9 10 10 7 8

3.03 1000 0 10 10 10 9

3.04 1000 8 8 7 2 -

3.05 1000 8 9 10 10 -

3.06 1000 0 10 10 8 -

4.01 1000 9 0 0 8 9

4.02 1000 9 10 10 9 9

4.03 1000 10 10 10 8 7

4.04 1000 9 10 8 9 9

4.07 1000 9 10 10 9 -

4.08 1000 9 10 8 5 -

4.09 1000 7 10 4 9 -

5.02 1000 10 10 10 10 -

5.03 1000 8 10 10 10 -

6.01 1000 S 9 0 0 -

6.02 1000 9 10 10 10 -

6.03 1000 9 10 10 8 -

6.04 1000 9 10 10 9 -

6.05 1000 5 10 4 0 -

6.07 1000 9 10 10 7 -

6.08 1000 8 9 9 3 -

6.09 1000 9 10 9 10 -

6.10 1000 0 10 9 7 -

6.12 1000 10 10 10 10 -

6.13 1000 9 10 10 10 -

7.01 1000 8 - 10 0 0 8

7.02 1000 9 10 10 0 9

7.03 1000 10 8 10 6 9

7.04 1000 10 10 10 10 9

7.08 1000 10 10 10 10 -

7.09 1000 10 10 10 10 -

7.10 1000 10 10 10 10 -

7.12 1000 9 10 10 10 -

7.13 1000 9 10 8 4 -

7.14 1000 9 10 8 8 -

7.15 1000 9 8 0 9 -

7.18 1000 8 7 0 8 -

7.19 1000 9 6 10 10 -

7.20 1000 10 10 10 10 -

7.22 1000 8 9 9 0 _

7.23 1000 9 10 9 5

7.25 1000 9 10 10 9

7.26 1000 5 9 6 0

7.27 1000 10 9 0 1

7.31 1000 7 9 0 0

7.32 1000 9 10 9 7

7.33 1000 10 10 10 10

7.34 1000 8 9 8 6

7.35 1000 9 10 9 8

7.36 1000 9 9 10 8

7.38 1000 7 10 7 6

7.39 1000 9 10 8 8

7.43 1000 10 10 10 10

8.02 1000 10 10 10 4

8.03 1000 9 10 8 0

8.05 1000 9 10 8 10

11.02 1000 9 10 10 5

11.03 1000 9 10 10 3

DIGSA = Digitaria sanguinalis; AGSTE = Agrostis-tenius; POATR = Poa trivialis; AMARE = Amaranthus retroflexus; SETIT = Setaria italica.