The present invention relates to novel herbicidally active phenylimino-thiadiazabicyclo- alkanes, to a process for the preparation thereof, to compositions comprising those compounds, and to the use thereof in the control of weeds, especially in crops of useful plants, or in the inhibition of plant growth.

Phenylimino-thiadiazabicyclononane compounds having herbicidal activity are known and are described, for example, in EP-A-0238 711.

Novel phenylimino-thiadiazabicycloalkanes having herbicidal and growth-inhibiting properties have now been found.

The present invention therefore relates to compounds of formula I

wherein

R is Ci- alkyl, C _r C ₆ haloalkyl, C ₃ -C ₆ alkenyl, C ₃ -C ₆ alkynyl, C ₁ -C ₄ alkoxy or C ₃ -C ₆ - cycloalkyl;

Rj is halogen;

R ₂ and R ₃ are each independently of the other C C ₄ al yl;

/ ⁷ R is halogen or a group of the formula -X-R ₅ . -X-A-R ₆ or — N ;

^R 8

R ₅ is hydrogen, Cι-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-Cghaloalkyl, C ₁ -C ₄ alkoxy-C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkylthio- C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, C ₁ -C ₄ __lkylamino-C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, di-C ₁ -C ₄ alkylamino-C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, cyano-C _j -Cg- alkyl, C ₃ -C ₈ alkenyl, C ₃ -C ₈ haloalkenyl, C ₃ -C ₈ alkynyl, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl, oxetanyl, C ₃ -C ₇ - halocycloalkyl, C ₃ -C ₇ cycloalkyl-C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, phenyl-C _r C ₃ __lkyl that is unsubstituted or substituted in the phenyl ring by 1, 2 or 3 identical or different substituents selected from halogen, C _r C ₄ alkyl, C _r C ₄ haloalkyl, Cι-C ₄ alkoxy and C _r C ₄ haloalkoxy, or R ₅ is an alkali

metal, alkaline earth metal or ammonium ion, or is the group -N=C(CH ₃ ) ₂ ,

-CH ₂ -O-N=C(CH ₃ ) ₂ or -CH ₂ CH ₂ -O-N=C(CH ₃ ) ₂ ;

X is oxygen or sulfur;

A is C ₁ -C ₄ alkylene;

R ₆ is a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring that contains from 1 to 3 hetero atoms selected from the group oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur and that is bonded via the carbon or nitrogen atom to the alkylene chain A, it being possible for the heterocyclic ring in turn also to be benzene-fused and mono- or di-substituted by halogen, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, C ₁ -C ₃ haloalkyl,

C _r C ₃ alkoxy, C _r C ₃ haloalkoxy, di-Cι-C ₃ alkylamino, hydroxy or by an oxy function;

R ₇ is hydrogen, C,-C ₆ alkyl, C ₁ -C ₄ haloalkyl, C _r C ₄ al oxy, C ₁ -C ₄ __lkoxy-C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl,

C ₃ -C ₆ alkenyl, C ₃ -C ₆ alkynyl, C ₃ -C ₈ cycloalkyl, hydroxy-C _r C ₄ alkyl or cyano-C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl;

R ₈ is hydrogen, C _r C ₆ alkyl, C ₁ -C ₄ haloalkyl, C ₁ -C ₄ alkoxy-C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, hydroxy-C _r C ₄ - alkyl, C ₃ -C ₆ alkenyl, phenyl or phenyl-C ₁ -C ₃ alkyl, the phenyl ring being unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted by halogen, Cι-C ₄ alkyl, C ₁ -C ₄ haloalkyl, C _r C ₄ alkoxy or by

Cι-C ₄ _ aloalkoxy; or

R ₇ and R ₈ , together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a pyrrolidino, piperidino, morpholino, thiomorpholino or piperazino ring that is unsubstituted or mono- or di-substituted by C ₁ -C ₃ alkyl;

Z is oxygen or sulfur; n is 3, 4 or 5; and n, is 0, 1, 2 or 3, and to salts of those compounds.

The alkyl groups that occur in the definitions of the substituents may be straight-chained or branched and are, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl and the various isomers of pentyl and hexyl radicals. Methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl and n-butyl are preferred.

Halogen is to be understood as being iodine, preferably fluorine, chlorine and bromine.

As haloalkyl there come into consideration alkyl groups that are mono- or poly-substi¬ tuted, especially mono-, di- or tri-substituted, by halogen, the individual meanings of halogen being iodine and especially fluorine, chlorine and bromine, for example fluoro- methyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 2-chloroethyl and 2,2,2-trichloroethyl; preferably di- fluorochloromethyl, trifluoromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl and 2-chloroethyl.

Alkoxy is, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy and tert-butoxy; preferably methoxy, ethoxy and isopropoxy.

Haloalkoxy is, for example, fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2,2-tri- fluoroethoxy, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy, 2-fluoroethoxy, 2-chloroethoxy and 2,2,2-tri- chloroethoxy; preferably difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy and 2-chloroethoxy.

Alkenyl is to be understood as being straight-chained or branched alkenyl, for example allyl, 1-methylallyl, methallyl, but-2-en-l-yl, pentenyl, 2-hexenyl and 3-heptenyl. Alkenyl radicals having a chain length of 3 and 4 carbon atoms are preferred.

As haloalkenyl there come into consideration alkenyl groups that are mono- or poly- substituted by halogen, the individual meanings of halogen being bromine, iodine and, especially, fluorine and chlorine, for example 2- and 3-fluoroallyl, 2- and 3-chloroallyl, 2,3,3-tιifluoroallyl, 2,3,3-trichloroallyl, 4,4,4-trifluoro-but-2-en-l-yl and 4,4,4-trichloro- but-2-en-l-yl. 2- and 3-chloroallyl are preferred.

The alkynyl radicals that occur in the definitions of the substituents may be straight- chained or branched, for example propargyl, 3-butynyl, 1 -methy Ipropargyl, 1-pentynyl or 2-hexynyl. Propargyl and 1-methylpropargyl are preferred.

Cycloalkyl is, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl or cyclooctyl.

Halocycloalkyl is, for example, 2,2-dichlorocyclopropyl and pentachlorocyclohexyl.

Alkoxyalkyl is, for example, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, propoxymethyl, methoxy- ethyl, ethoxyethyl, propoxyethyl, butoxyethyl, methoxypropyl, ethoxypropyl and propoxy- propyl.

Alkylthioalkyl is, for example, methylthiomethyl, ethylthiomethyl, methylthioethyl, methylthio-prop-2-yl, ethylthioethyl, ethylthio-prop-2-yl, propylthio-prop-2-yl, isopropyl- thioethyl, isopropylthio-prop-2-yl, n-butylthio-prop-2-yl and n-pentylthio-prop-2-yl.

Alkylamino is, for example, methylamino, ethylamino and the isomers of propyl- and

butyl-amino.

Dialkylamino is, for example, dimethylamino, methylethylamino, diethylamino and the isomers of dipropyl- and dibutyl-amino.

Cyanoalkyl is, for example, cyanomethyl, cyanoethyl, cyanoeth-1-yl and cyanopropyl.

Hydroxyalkyl is, for example, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl and 3-hydroxypropyl.

Phenyl, including part of a substituent such as phenylalkyl, may generally be unsubstituted or substituted. In the latter case, the substituents may be in the ortho-, meta- and/or para- position with respect to the ring linkage site. Preferred positions for the substituents are the ortho- and para-positions. Preferred substituents are halogen atoms and alkyl, halo¬ alkyl, alkoxy and haloalkoxy groups.

A as an alkylene chain may be straight-chained or branched and is, for example, methylene, ethylene, methylethylene, propylene, 1-methyl-propylene and butylene; preferably methylene and ethylene.

R ₆ as a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring is an unsaturated or completely or partially saturated heterocycle, for example 2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl, N-piperidyl, 2-thienyl, 2-furyl, 2-tetrahydrothienyl, 2-tetrahydrofuryl, N-morpholinyl and N-imidazolyl. Those hetero- cycles may in turn be substituted, for example l-methyl-4-pyrazolyl, 4-methyl-5-thiazolyl and 2-pyrrolidon-l-yl.

The substituents in definitions composed of several elements, for example cycloalkyl- alkyl, alkylamino-alkyl and dialkylamino-alkyl, may also be given corresponding meanings.

The salts of compounds of formula I containing acid protons, especially the salts of the derivatives containing carboxylic acid groups (R ₄ is the group of the formula -X-R ₅ , wherein X is oxygen and R ₅ is hydrogen), are, for example, alkali metal salts, e.g. sodium and potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts, e.g. calcium and magnesium salts; ammonium salts, i.e. unsubstituted ammonium salts and mono- or poly-substituted ammonium salts, e.g. triethylammonium and methylammonium salts; or salts with other organic bases.

Of the alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydroxides as salt-forming substances, special mention is to be made of the hydroxides of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, but especially those of sodium and potassium.

Examples of amines that are suitable for the formation of ammonium salts are both ammonia and primary, secondary and tertiary C ₁ -C ₁ galkylamines, C ₁ -C ₄ hydroxyalkyl- amines and C ₂ -C ₄ __lkoxy______ylamines, for example methylamine, ethylamine, n-propyl- amine, isopropylamine, the four isomers of butylamine, n-amylamine, isoamylamine, hexylamine, heptylamine, octylamine, nonylamine, decylamine, pentadecylamine, hexa- decylamine, heptadecylamine, octadecylamine, methyl-ethylamine, methyl-isopropyl- amine, methyl-hexylamine, methyl-nonylamine, methyl-pentadecylamine, methyl-octa- decylamine, ethyl-butylamine, ethyl-heptylamine, ethyl-octylamine, hexyl-heptylamine, hexyl-octylamine, dimethylamine, diethylamine, di-n-propylamine, diisopropylamine, di-n-butylamine, di-n-amylamine, diisoamylamine, dihexylamine, diheptylamine, dioctyl- amine, ethanolamine, n-propanolamine, isopropanolamine, N,N-diethanolamine, N-ethyl- propanolamine, N-butylethanolamine, allylamine, n-butenyl-2-amine, n-pentenyl-2-amine, 2,3-dimethylbutenyl-2-amine, dibutenyl-2-amine, n-hexenyl-2-amine, propylenediamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, tri-n-propylamine, triisopropylamine, tri-n-butylamine, tri- isobutylamine, tri-sec-butylamine, tri-n-amylamine, methoxyethylamine and ethoxyethyl- amine; heterocyclic amines, for example pyridine, quinoline, isoquinoline, morpholine, thiomorpholine, N-methylmorpholine, N-methyl-thiomorpholine, piperidine, pyrrolidine, indoline, quinuclidine and azepine; primary arylamines, for example anilines, methoxy- anilines, ethoxyanilines, o-, m- and p-toluidines, phenylenediamines, benzidines, naph- thylamines and o-, m- and p-chloroanilines; but especially triethylamine, isopropylamine and diisopropylamine.

The possible presence of at least one asymmetric carbon atom in the compounds of formula I, for example in the ester derivatives containing substituted aliphatic and

alicyclic groups _r and the substituents R ₅ , A and R ₆ may contain asymmetric carbon atoms), means that the compounds may be obtained either as optically active individual isomers or in the form of racemic mixtures. In the present invention, the compounds of formula I are to be understood as including both the pure optical antipodes and the racemates. Unless specific reference is made to the individual optical antipodes,

the given formula is to be understood as meaning those racemic mixtures that are formed in the preparation process indicated. If an aliphatic C=C or C=N-O double bond (syn/anti) is present, then geometrical isomerism may also occur.

Preference is given to compounds of formula I wherein n is 3 or 4. Of those compounds of formula I, those wherein n is 4 are especially preferred.

Preference is given also to compounds of formula I wherein is 0, 1 or 2 and R is Cj-C ₃ - alkyl.

Also preferred are compounds of formula I wherein R ₄ is the group -X-R ₅ . Of those compounds of formula I, those wherein X is oxygen are especially preferred.

Of those compounds, special preference is given to those wherein R ₅ is C _r C ₆ alkyl.

Also preferred are compounds of formula I wherein R ₂ and R ₃ are methyl.

Preferred compounds of formula I are also those wherein n ₂ is 0, 1 or 2; R is methyl; R is chlorine or bromine; R ₂ and R ₃ are methyl; R ₄ is the group -X-R ₅ ; R ₅ is Cι-C ₆ alkyl; and X and Z are oxygen.

Preference is given also to compounds of formula I wherein R ₄ is the group -X-A-R ₆ . Of those compounds of formula I, those wherein X is oxygen and A is a C _r or C ₂ -alkylene bridge are especially preferred.

Prefeιτed compounds are those wherein n ₂ is 0, 1 or 2; R is methyl; R _x is chlorine or bromine; R ₂ and R ₃ are methyl; R ₄ is the group -X-A-R ₆ ; and X and Z are oxygen.

/ ⁷ Also preferred are compounds of formula I wherein R ₄ is the group — N

Rg

Also preferred are compounds of formula I wherein n-. is 0, 1 or 2; R is methyl; R _j is ' chlorine or bromine; R ₂ and R ₃ are methyl; R ₄ is the group — N ; and Z is oxygen.

R ₈

There are suitable compounds of formula la

wherein

Ri is chlorine or bromine;

R ₅ is hydrogen, Cj-Csalkyl, C ₂ chloroalkyl, C _r or C ₂ -alkoxy-C ₂ - or -C ₃ -alkyl, C _r C ₅ alkyl- thio-C ₂ - or -C ₃ -alkyl, di-C _r or -C ₂ -alkylamino-C ₃ alkyl, cyano-C _! - or -C ₂ -alkyl, C ₃ - or C ₄ -alkenyl, C ₃ chloroalkenyl, C ₃ - or C ₄ -alkynyl, C ₅ - or C ₆ -cycloalkyl, C ₃ - or C ₅ -cyclo- alkyl-Ci- or -C ₂ -alkyl, phenyl-Cj- or -C ₂ -a_kyl that is unsubstituted or monosubstituted in the phenyl ring by chlorine or by methyl, or R ₅ is the group -N=C(CH ₃ ) ₂ or -CH ₂ CH ₂ -O-N=C(CH ₃ ) ₂ , or is a sodium, potassium, ammonium, diethylammonium, tri- ethylammonium, ethanolammonium, diethanolammonium, triethanolammonium, morpholinium, thiomorpholinium, pyrrolidinium or piperidinium ion; and X is oxygen or sulfur.

Also suitable are compounds of formula lb

wherein

RT is chlorine or bromine;

X is oxygen;

A is C _r or C ₂ -alkylene; and

R ₆ is 2-furyl, 2-tetrahydrofuryl, 2-thienyl, 2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl, 4-methyl-5-thiazolyl, pyrrolidin-2-on-l-yl, N-morpholinyl, N-piperidyl, 1-imidazolyl or l-methyl-4-pyrazolyl.

Further suitable compounds are those of formula Ic

wherein

R _x is chlorine or bromine;

R ₇ is hydrogen, C-.- alkyl, C ₃ alkenyl, methoxy, C ₃ -C ₈ cycloalkyl or cyano- or hydroxy-

C ₂ alkyl; and

R ₈ is hydrogen, Ci-Csalkyl, C ₂ chloroalkyl, methoxy-C2alkyl, hydroxy-C alkyl, C ₃ - or

C ₄ -alkenyl, C ₃ chloroalkenyl, C ₃ - or C ₄ -alkynyl, phenyl, phenyl monosubstituted by chlorine, methyl, methoxy or by trifluoromethyl, benzyl or benzyl monosubstituted in the phenyl ring by chlorine or by methyl; or

R ₇ and R ₈ , together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a pyrrolidino, morpholino, thiomorpholino, N-methylpiperazino or 3,5-dimethylmorpholino ring.

Also suitable are compounds of formula Id

wherein

R is hydrogen or methyl;

Ri is chlorine;

X is oxygen or sulfur; and

R ₅ is hydrogen, C ₁ -C ₃ alkyl, C ₃ - or C ₄ -alkenyl, C ₃ chloroalkenyl, C ₃ alkynyl, C _r or C ₂ - alkoxy-C ₂ alkyl or C _r or C2-alkylthio-C ₃ alkyl.

There are also suitable compounds of formula le

wherein

Ri is chlorine;

X is oxygen; and

R ₅ is C ₁ -C ₃ alkyl, C ₃ - or C ₄ -alkenyl, C ₃ chloroalkenyl, C ₃ alkynyl, methylthio-C ₃ alkyl, C ₆ - cycloalkyl or the group -N=C(CH ₃ ) ₂ .

Also suitable are compounds of formula If

wherein

Rj is chlorine or bromine;

X is oxygen;

A is Ci- or C ₂ -alkylene; and

R ₆ is 2-furyl, 2-tetrahydrofuryl, 4-methyl-5-thiazolyl, N-piperidyl, N-methylpiperazinyl or

N-morpholinyl.

There are suitable compounds of formula lg

O 95/21174

10

wherein

R is hydrogen or methyl;

Ri is chlorine or bromine;

R ₇ is hydrogen, C _r C alkyl, C ₃ alkenyl, methoxy or C ₃ cycloalkyl; and

R ₈ is hydrogen, C _r C ₄ alkyl, C ₃ alkenyl, C ₃ chloroalkenyl, C ₃ alkynyl, phenyl, chlorophenyl or phenyl-C _r or -C ₂ -alkyl.

Also suitable are compounds of formula Hi

wherein

Rj is chlorine;

R ₇ is hydrogen, methyl, methoxy, C ₃ alkenyl or C ₃ cycloalkyl; and

R ₈ is hydrogen, C _r C ₄ alkyl or C ₃ - or C ₄ -alkenyl; or

R ₇ and R ₈ , together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a morpholino ring.

There are also suitable compounds of formula Ii

wherein

R is hydrogen or methyl;

Rj is chlorine or bromine;

X is oxygen or sulfur; and

R ₅ is hydrogen, C ₁ -C ₃ alkyl, methoxy-C ₂ alkyl, C ₂ - or C ₃ -alkylthio-C ₃ alkyl, C ₃ - or C ₄ - alkenyl, C ₃ chloroalkenyl, C ₃ alkynyl, C ₆ cycloalkyl, C ₃ cycloalkyl-C ₂ alkyl, phenyl-Ci- or

-C ₂ -alkyl or the group -N=C(CH ₃ ) ₂ .

Suitable compounds are also those of formula Ij

wherein

R is hydrogen or methyl;

R _x is chlorine or bromine;

X is oxygen;

A is C _r or C ₂ -alkylene; and

R ₆ is 2-furyl, 2-tetrahydrofuryl, 2-tetrahydrothienyl, N-morpholinyl, N-piperidyl, 2-, 3- or

4-pyridyl or 4-methyl-5-thiazolyl.

There are also suitable compounds of formula Ik

wherein

R is hydrogen or methyl;

Ri is chlorine or bromine;

R ₇ is hydrogen, methyl, methoxy, C ₃ cycloalkyl or C ₃ alkenyl; and

R ₈ is hydrogen, hydroxy-C ₂ alkyl, C ₃ alkenyl, C ₃ chloroalkenyl, C ₃ - or C ₄ - alkynyl, phenyl, fluorophenyl, methoxyphenyl or benzyl; or

R ₇ and R ₈ , together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a morpholino ring.

A very especially preferred individual compound within the scope of formula I is 2-methyl-2-[2-chloro-5-[(tetrahydro-3-oxo-lH,3H-[l,3,4]thiad iazolo[3,4-a]pyridazin-l- ylidene)amino]-benzoyloxy]-propionic acid 2-chloro-2-propenyl ester.

The process according to the invention for the preparation of the compounds of formula I is carried out analogously to known processes and comprises reacting an aniline derivative of formula π

with thiophosgene to form the isothiocyanate of formula UI

the radicals R _j to R ₄ in the compounds of formulae π and IH being as defined under formula I, and converting the isothiocyanate with a compound of formula V

95/21174

- 13 -

wherein R, n and n _j are as defined under formula I, into the compound of formula IN

wherein R, Rj to R , n and nj are as defined, and then reacting the compound of formula IV with a compound of formula NI

CZC1 ₂ (NI),

wherein Z is oxygen or sulfur, if desired in the presence of a base.

The reaction of the aniline derivatives of formula II to form the isothiocyanates of formula in is carried out analogously to known processes, for example as described in EP-A-0 304 920, EP-A-0238 711, EP-A-0 409 025, EP-A-0 372461, EP-A-0 311 135 and DE-OS-3 724098.

The reaction of the isothiocyanates of formula IH with the compounds of formula V is advantageously carried out in a solvent that is inert towards the reaction, at temperatures of from -5°C to the boiling temperature of the solvent, especially from 0 to +50°C, especially preferably at room temperature. Suitable solvents for this reaction are, for example, toluene, xylene, ethyl acetate and acetonitrile.

The reaction of the compound of formula IN with the compound of formula NI is advanta¬ geously carried out in an inert organic solvent at low temperatures, preferably at from 0 to +50°C, especially preferably at from 0 to + 15°C. Suitable bases for this reaction are, for example, pyridine, triethylamine and Ν,Ν-dimethylaniline. Suitable solvents are, for example, 1,2-dichloroethane, dichloromethane and toluene.

The aniline derivatives of formula π, the isothiocyanates of formula HI and the compounds of formula IN are novel and have been developed specifically for the synthesis of the compounds of formula I. The present invention therefore relates also thereto.

The novel intermediates of formula IN are also distinguished by herbicidal activity, with selectivity in the case of certain cultivated plants.

For the intermediates of formulae π, in and IV, the same preferences as those given for the compounds of formula I apply with respect to R, Rj to R ₄ , n and n _j .

The starting materials of formula V, wherein R is alkyl and nj is as defined under formula I, required for the preparation process according to the invention are known and can be prepared analogously to processes known in the literature. The preparation of such compounds from dibromoalkanes and hydrazine is described, for example, in Archiv der Pharmazie 295 (7), 526 (1962), J. Org. Chem. 46, 442 (1981), Bull. Soc. Chim. France 1957, 704; EP-A-0 304920, pages 9-11 (schemes 2-4), EP-A-0468 924, page 19, last section, page 20, first section and page 28, Example H18, and J. Am. Chem. Soc. 88, 3959 (1966).

Compounds of formula Na (dihydrobromide)

wherein R and n ₂ are as defined under formula I, can be prepared in accordance with reaction scheme 1.

PC17EP9 0 95/21174

15

Reaction scheme 1:

p-tolyl

IXX IXXb

Va (dihydrobromide)

In reaction scheme 1, formulae IXX, IXXa and IXXb are each an unbranched aliphatic pentane chain to the terminal carbon atoms Cj and C ₅ of which there is bonded a hydroxy group (IXX) or a group RoSO ₂ O (IXXb) or bromine (IXXa). The radical R may be linked 0, 1, 2 or 3 times, if desired also geminally, with all five carbon atoms in the n-pentane chain.

The aniline derivatives of formula π required for the preparation process according to the invention can be prepared analogously to known processes.

Those preparation processes are illustrated in greater detail in reaction scheme 2 below.

Reaction scheme 2:

a)

1) socι ₂

XI πd

b)

Kb XI

πd

c)

IXa XVI

He

d)

πf

The starting materials of formulae VII, VHI, X, Xu, Xm and XV, wherein R _Σ to R ₃ , R ₅ to R ₈ , X and A are as defined above, are known and can be prepared according to the disclosed processes, as described, for example, in US-A-5 183492 and EP-A-0408 382.

The nitrobenzoic acid ester derivatives of formulae XI, XVI and XNm are novel and have been developed specifically for the synthesis of the compounds of formula I. The present invention therefore relates also thereto.

The reactions to form compounds of formula I are advantageously carried out in aprotic, inert organic solvents. Such solvents are pure hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene, xylene or cyclohexane, chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as dichloromethane, trichloro- methane, tetrachloromethane, ethylene chloride or chlorobenzene, ethers, such as diethyl ether, tert-butyl methyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran or dioxane, nitriles, such as acetonitrile or propionitrile, and ketones, such as acetone or methyl ethyl ketone. The reduction of the nitrobenzoic acid ester derivatives of formulae XI, XNI and XNIH is advantageously carried out in dioxane or protic, organic solvents, for example alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol or propanol, in the presence of an organic or inorganic acid, for example hydrochloric acid. The isothio¬ cyanates of formula HI are advantageously prepared in a two-phase system, for example a solvent mixture of ethylene chloride and water. The reaction temperatures are from -10°C to the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture, preferably in the temperature range of from 0°C to 120°C.

The end products of formula I can be isolated in customary manner by concentration and or evaporation of the solvent and can be purified by recrystallisation or trituration of the solid residue in solvents in which they are not readily soluble, such as ethers, aromatic hydrocarbons or chlorinated hydrocarbons, by distillation or by means of column chroma¬ tography and a suitable eluant.

For the use according to the invention of the compounds of formula I or of compositions comprising them, there come into consideration all methods of application customarily used in agriculture, for example preemergence application, postemergence application and seed dressing, as well as different methods and techniques, for example controlled release of the active ingredient For that purpose, the active ingredient is applied in solution to granulated mineral carriers or polymerised granules (urea formaldehyde) and is dried. Where appropriate, a coating may additionally be applied (coated granules), which allows the active ingredient to be released in metered amounts over a particular period of time.

The compounds of formula I can be used in unmodified form, i.e. as obtained in the synthesis, but preferably they are formulated in customary manner together with the adjuvants conventionally employed in formulation technology to form e.g. emulsifiable concentrates, directly sprayable or dilutable solutions, dilute emulsions, wettable powders, soluble powders, dusts, granules or microcapsules. As with the nature of the composi¬ tions, the methods of application, such as spraying, atomising, dusting, wetting, scattering

or pouring, are chosen in accordance with the intended objectives and the prevailing circumstances.

The formulations, i.e. the compositions, preparations or mixtures comprising the compound (active ingredient) of formula I or at least one compound of formula I and, • where appropriate, one or more solid or liquid formulation adjuvants, are prepared in known manner, e.g. by homogeneously mixing and/or grinding the active ingredients with the formulation adjuvants, e.g. solvents or solid carriers. In addition, surface-active compounds (surfactants) may also be used in the preparation of the formulations.

Suitable solvents are: aromatic hydrocarbons, preferably the fractions containing 8 to 12 carbon atoms, such as mixtures of alkylbenzenes, e.g. xylene mixtures or alkylated naphthalenes; aliphatic and cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons, such as paraffins, cyclohexane or tetrahydronaphthalene; alcohols, such as ethanol, propanol or butanol; glycols and their ethers and esters, such as propylene glycol or dipropylene glycol ether; ketones, such as cyclohexanone, isophorone or diacetone alcohol; strongly polar solvents, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide or water; vegetable oils and their esters, such as rape oil, castor oil or soybean oil; and, where appropriate, also silicone oils.

The solid carriers used, e.g. for dusts and dispersible powders, are normally natural mineral fillers, such as calcite, talcum, kaolin, montmorillonite or attapulgite. In order to improve the physical properties it is also possible to add highly dispersed silicic acid or highly dispersed absorbent polymers. Suitable granulated adsorptive carriers are porous types, for example pumice, broken brick, sepiolite or bentonite; and suitable nonsorbent carriers are, for example, calcite or sand. In addition, a great number of pregranulated materials of inorganic or organic nature can be used, e.g. especially dolomite or pulverised plant residues.

Depending on the nature of the compound of formula I to be formulated, suitable surface-active compounds are non-ionic, cationic and/or anionic surfactants having good emulsifying, dispersing and wetting properties. The term "surfactants" will also be understood as comprising mixtures of surfactants.

Both so-called water-soluble soaps and water-soluble synthetic surface-active compounds are suitable anionic surfactants.

Suitable soaps are the alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts or unsubstituted or substituted ammonium salts of higher fatty acids (C ₁₀ -C ₂₂ ), e.g. the sodium or potassium salts of oleic or stearic acid, or of natural fatty acid mixtures which can be obtained e.g. from coconut oil or tallow oil. Mention may also be made of fatty acid methyltaurin salts.

More frequently, however, so-called synthetic surfactants are used, especially fatty alcohol sulfonates, fatty alcohol sulfates, sulfonated benzimidazole derivatives or alkylaryl¬ sulfonates.

The fatty alcohol sulfonates or sulfates are usually in the form of alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts or unsubstituted or substituted ammonium salts and contain a C ₈ -C ₂₂ alkyl radical, which also includes the alkyl moiety of acyl radicals, e.g. the sodium or calcium salt of lignosulf onic acid, of dodecyl sulfate or of a mixture of fatty alcohol sulfates obtained from natural fatty acids. These compounds also comprise the salts of sulfated and sulfonated fatty alcohol/ethylene oxide adducts. The sulfonated benz¬ imidazole derivatives preferably contain 2 sulfonic acid groups and one fatty acid radical containing 8 to 22 carbon atoms. Examples of alkylarylsulfonates are the sodium, calcium or triethanolamine salts of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, dibutylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, or of a condensate of naphthalenesulfonic acid and formaldehyde.

Also suitable are corresponding phosphates, e.g. salts of the phosphoric acid ester of an adduct of p-nonylphenol with 4 to 14 mol of ethylene oxide, or phospholipids.

Non-ionic surfactants are preferably polyglycol ether derivatives of aliphatic or cycloaliphatic alcohols, saturated or unsaturated fatty acids and alkylphenols, said derivatives containing 3 to 30 glycol ether groups and 8 to 20 carbon atoms in the (aliphatic) hydrocarbon moiety and 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety of the alkylphenols.

Further suitable non-ionic surfactants are the water-soluble adducts of polyethylene oxide with polypropylene glycol, ethylenediaminopolypropylene glycol and alkylpolypropylene glycol containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, which adducts contain 20 to 250 ethylene glycol ether groups and 10 to 100 propylene glycol ether groups. These compounds usually contain 1 to 5 ethylene glycol units per propylene glycol unit

Representative examples of non-ionic surfactants are nonylphenol polyethoxyethanols,

castor oil polyglycol ethers, polypropylene/polyethylene oxide adducts, tributylphenoxy- polyethoxyethanol, polyethylene glycol and octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol.

Fatty acid esters of polyoxyethylene sorbitan, e.g. polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate, are also suitable non-ionic surfactants.

Cationic surfactants are preferably quaternary ammonium salts which contain, as N-substituent, at least one C ₈ -C ₂₂ al yl radical and, as further substituents, unsubstituted or halogenated lower alkyl, benzyl or hy droxy-lower alkyl radicals. The salts are preferably in the form of halides, methyl sulfates or ethyl sulfates, e.g. stearyltrimethylammonium chloride or benzyldi(2-chloroethyl)ethylammonium bromide.

The surfactants customarily employed in formulation technology, which may also be used in the compositions according to the invention, are described inter alia in "McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual", MC Publishing Corp., Ridgewood New Jersey, 1981, Stache, H., "Tensid-Taschenbuch", Carl Hanser Verlag, Munich/Vienna, 1981 and M. and J. Ash, "Encyclopedia of Surfactants", Vol.1-113, Chemical Publishing Co., New York, 1980-1981.

The herbicidal compositions usually comprise 0.1 to 99 %, preferably 0.1 to 95 %, of a compound of formula 1, 1 to 99.9 % of a solid or liquid formulation adjuvant, and 0 to 25 , preferably 0.1 to 25 %, of a surfactant.

Whereas commercial products will preferably be formulated as concentrates, the end user will normally employ dilute formulations.

The compositions may also comprise further auxiliaries such as stabilisers, e.g. vegetable oils or epoxidised vegetable oils (epoxidised coconut oil, rape oil or soybean oil), antifoams, e.g. silicone oil, preservatives, viscosity regulators, binders, tackifiers as well as fertilisers or other active ingredients.

Preferred formulations have especially the following composition (throughout, percentages are by weight):

Emulsifiable concentrates: active ingredient: 1 to 90 %, preferably 5 to 50 % surface-active agent: 5 to 30 , preferably 10 to 20 % solvent: 15 to 94 %, preferably 70 to 85 %

Dusts: active ingredient: 0.1 to 50 , preferably 0.1 to 1 % 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 compounds of formula I are generally employed successfully on the plant or the locus thereof at rates of application of from 0.001 to 2 kg ha, especially from 0.005 to 1 kg/ha. The rate of application required to achieve the desired effect may be determined by experiments. It is dependent on the type of action, the stage of development of the cultivated plant and of the weeds, and on the application (place, time, method) and, in dependence on those parameters, may vary within a wide range.

The compounds of formula I are distinguished by herbicidal and growth-inhibiting properties, which render them excellently suitable for use in crops of useful plants.

Crops are to be understood as including crops which have been rendered tolerant to herbicides or classes of herbicides by conventional cultivation or genetic engineering methods.

The following Examples illustrate the invention in greater detail but do not limit the invention.

Preparation Examples:

Example PI: 2-Chloro-5-nitrobenzoic acid l-(2-chloroallyloxycarbonyl)-l -methyl ethyl ester (intermediate)

4.0 ml of 2,3-dichloro-l-propene are added dropwise at 20°C to a mixture of 12.0 g of 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzoic acid l-(oxycarbonyl)-l-methyl ethyl ester and 6.3 g of potassium carbonate in 200 ml of methyl ethyl ketone (exothermic reaction). The resulting reaction mixture is stirred overnight at 20°C. The inorganic components are then filtered off and washed with methyl ethyl ketone. The resulting organic phase is concentrated by evapora¬ tion and the residue is purified by means of column chromatography on silica gel (eluant acetate 1/1), yielding 7.7 g of the desired product having a refractive index

Example P2: 2-Chloro-5-aminobenzoic acid l-(2-chloroallvIoxycarbonyl)-l-methyl ethyl ester (intermediate)

c — o— c-c-o— CH ₂ - C -=CH ₂ (12.003)

II I II

O CH ₃ 0

A solution of 7.7 g of 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzoic acid l-(2-chloroallyloxycarbonyl)-l-methyl ethyl ester (Example PI) in 50 ml of ethanol is added dropwise to a mixture, heated to boiling temperature, consisting of 5.0 g of iron powder, 2.0 ml of concentrated hydro¬ chloric acid in 50 ml of water and 50 ml of ethanol, and the reaction mixture is stirred for 6 hours at boiling temperature. After cooling the reaction mixture, the inorganic compo¬ nents are filtered off, the filtrate is rendered alkaline with aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution, and extraction is carried out with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts are dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated by evaporation, yielding 6.5 g of 2-chloro- 5-aminobenzoic acid l-(2-chloroallyloxycarbonyl)-l -methyl ethyl ester having a refractive

index n _D 1.5439

Example P3: 2-Chloro-5-isothiocvanatobenzoic acid l-(2-chloroallyloxycarbonyI)-l- methyl ethyl ester (intermediate)

A solution of 6.5 g of 2-chloro-5-amino-l-(2-chloroallyloxycarbonyl)-l-methyl ethyl ester in 20 ml of ethylene chloride is added dropwise at 20°C, with stirring, to a mixture of 4.0 g of calcium carbonate, 2.0 ml of thiophosgene in 30 ml of ethylene chloride and 30 ml of water, and the mixture is stirred for a further 6 hours. The inorganic components are then filtered off and the organic phase is dried over calcium chloride and is then concentrated by evaporation, yielding 7.3 g of the desired product in the form of an oil.

Example P4: 2-Chloro-5-r(l-hexahvdropyridazinvI)-thiocarbonylamino1-benz oic acid 1- (2-chloroallyloxycarbonyl)-l -methyl ethyl ester (intermediate)

A solution of 7.3 g of 2-chloro-5-isothiocyanatobenzoic acid l-(2-chloroallyloxy- carbonyl)-l -methyl ethyl ester in 30 ml of ethylene chloride is added dropwise at 5°C, with stirring, to a solution of 2.0 g of hexahydropyridazine in 30 ml of ethanol, and the mixture is stirred for a further 3 hours at 20 °C. The reaction mixture is then concentrated by evaporation in vacuo, yielding 8.3 g of the desired product having a refractive index

20 n _D 1.5738 •

Example P5: 2-Methyl-2-r2-chloro-5-r(tetrahvdro-3-oxo-lH.3H-π.3,41thiad iazolor3.4-a1- pyridazin-l-ylidene)amino1-benzoyloxy1-propionic acid 2-chloro-2-propenyl ester

A solution of 6.0 g of 2-chloro-5-[(l-hexahydropyridazinyl)-thiocarbonylamino]-benz oic acid l-(2-chloroallyloxycarbonyl)-l-methyl ethyl ester in 30 ml of ethylene chloride is added dropwise to a solution of 6.5 ml of 20 % phosgene in toluene at a temperature of 0-5°C. The reaction mixture is then stirred for 6 hours at 20°C and is then poured onto ice- water. The organic phase is separated off and dried over sodium sulfate. Concentration of the organic phase by evaporation yields 5.5 g of the desired product in

20 the form of an oil; refractive index n _D 1.5811 *

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

O 95/21174

26

Table 1: Compounds of formula la

R*. Phys. data

H m.p. 150°C

CH ₃

20

C ₂ H ₅ n _D 1.5576

C ₃ H ₇ (n) C ₃ H ₇ (i) m.p. 98-99°C ₂ o

C ₄ H9(n) n _D 1.5592

— CH — C ₂ Hg CH ₃

-CH ₂ -CH(CH ₃ ) ₂

C ₄ H ₉ (t)

C ₅ H _n (n)

₂ o

-CH ₂ CH ₂ OCH ₃ n 1.5651

-CH ₂ CH ₂ OC ₂ H ₅ - CH— CH ₂ OCH ₃ CH ₃

-CH ₂ -CH ₂ C1

-CH ₂ CH ₂ -S-CH ₃ — — CH-CH -S-CHg

CH ₃

O 95/21174

27-

Comp. No. Ri X R Phys. data

1.037 CI O ^• CH resin I ^ CH,

1.038 CI O -CH.

22

1.039 CI O -CH ⁿ _D 1.5562

-<

Comp. No. R-, R, Phys. data

1.047 CI O H ₃ N-CH ₂ CH ₂ OH

1.050 CI O H ₂ N(CH ₂ CH ₂ OH) ₂ 1.051 CI O HN(CH ₂ CH ₂ OH) ₃

1.054 H ₂ N(C ₂ H ₅ ) ₂ 1.055 HN(C ₂ H ₅ ) ₃ 1.056 CH ₃ 1.057 C ₂ H ₅ 1.058 C ₃ H ₇ (n) 1.059 C ₃ H ₇ (i) 1.060 -CH ₂ -CH=CH ₂

1.061 - _° ^H --

1.062 -N=C(CH ₃ ) ₂ 1.063 -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -O-N=C(CH ₃ ) ₂

1.064 -CH ₂ -CH=CH ₂ ⁿ ° 1.5561 1.065 -v_-H -CH=CH-CH ₃ 1.066 -CH ₂ -C≡CH 1.067 Li 1.068 Mg 1.069 Ca 1.070 (CH ₃ ) ₂ NH ₂ 1.071 (CH ₃ ) ₃ NH

Comp. No. X R*. Phys. data

1.072 C ₂ H ₅ NH ₃ 1.073 C ₄ H ₉ NH ₃ 1.074 ( EL^N 1.075 C _β Hs-CH- _j NHs

1.080 CI O HC = C - CH ₂ NH ₃

1.082 Na 1.083 NH ₄ 1.084 H ₂ C=CH-CH ₂ NH ₃ 1.085 CH ₃ NH ₃ 1.086 K 1.087 H ₃ N-CH ₂ CH ₂ OH

1.090 Br O HN(C ₂ _÷Ϊ ₅ ) ₃ 1.091 Br O H

Table 2: Compounds of formula lb

Comp. No. Rj X R, Phys. data

2.006 CI O -CH ₂ CH ₂ - — N O

2.007 CI O -CH ₇ - A

Co p. No. Rj X R. Phys. data

N

2.009 Cl O -CH ₂ CH ₂ - • N

2.011 CI O -CH ₂ CH ₂ - resin

2.015 Br O -CH ₂ CH ₂ - — N O

Table 3: Compounds of formula Ic

Comp. No. Ri R ₇ R ₈ Phys. data

3.001 H 3.002 CH ₃ 3.003 C ₂ H ₅ 3.004 C ₃ H ₇ (n) 3.005 C ₃ H ₇ (i) 3.006 C ₄ H ₉ (n) 3.007 - CH-CH ₂ — CH ₃ CH ₃

3.008 -CH ₂ -CH(CH ₃ ) ₂ 3.009 C ₄ H ₉ (t) 3.010 C ₅ H _π (n) 3.011 -CH CH -C1 3.012 -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -O-CH ₃ 3.013 -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -OH

21

3.014 -CH ₂ ~CH=CH ₂ ⁿ _D 1.5596

3.015 -CH ₂ -C≡CH 3.016 H

3.018 CI H

95/21174

35

Comp. No. R! R ₇ R» Phys. data

3.040 CI CH,

3.041 CI CH, - CH2"-

95/21174

36 -

Comp. No. Ri. R-7 R _fi Phys. data

3.068 CI -α

3.069 CI — N N — CH ₃

Comp. No. Ri Rt R _s Phys. data

3.071 Br — N O

3.072 Br — N S

95/21174

38

Table 4: Compounds of formula Id

Comp. No. R R. X R< Phys. data

4.001 O CH ₃ 4.002 O C ₂ H ₅ 4.003 O C ₃ H ₇ (n) 4.004 O C ₃ H ₇ (i) 4.005 O - CH ₂ - CH=CH ₂ 4.006 O -CH ₂ -CH=CH-CH ₃ 4.007 O -CH-CH=CH ₂ CH ₃

4.008 H CI O -CH ₂ -C : :CH,

CH,

4.009 H CI O - CH "- C — CH2

CI

4.010 O -CH ₂ -CH=CH-C1 4.011 O -CH ₂ -C≡CH 4.012 O -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -O-CH ₃ 4.013 O - CH— CH2- S — C ₂ Hg CH ₃

4.014 O H m.p. 125°C 4.015 O H foam 4.016 O -CH ₂ -CH ⁼ CH ₂ 4.017 O -CH ₂ -CH=CH-CH ₃ 4.018 O - CH- CH= CH ₂ CH,

- 39 -

Comp. No. R Ri R< Phys. data

4.019 CH, CI O •CH ₂ -C : :CH,

CH,

4.020 CH, CI O - CHo— C — CHo

I CI

4.021 O -CH ₂ -CH=CH-C1 4.022 O -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -O-CH ₃ 4.023 O -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -O-C ₂ H ₅ 4.024 O — CH — C Ϊ I " ^ *— ~ CHQ

CH ₃

4.025 s -CH ₂ -CH=CH ₂ 4.026 O Na

4.027 O HoN O

4.028 O Li 4.029 O K 4.030 O Mg 4.031 O Ca 4.032 O NH ₄ 4.033 O CH ₃ NH ₃ 4.034 O (CH ₃ ) ₂ NH ₂ 4.035 O (CH ₃ ) ₃ NH 4.036 O C ₂ H ₅ NH ₃ 4.037 O (C ₂ H ₅ ) ₂ NH2 4.038 O (C ₂ H ₅ ) ₃ NH 4.039 O (C ₂ H ₅ ) ₃ NH 4.040 O C ₄ H ₉ NH ₃ 4.041 O (C ₄ H ₉ ) ₄ N 4.042 O HOCH ₂ CH ₂ NH ₃ 4.043 O (HOCH ₂ CH ₂ ) ₂ NΗ ₂ 4.044 O (HOCH ₂ CH ₂ ) ₃ NH 4.045 O C ₆ H ₅ CH ₂ NH ₃ 4.046 O C ₆ H ₅ -NH ₃ 4.047 O H ₅ C ₂ OCO-CH ₂ NH ₃

95/21174

40

Comp. No. R R, R< Phys. data

4.050 ^H3N_ (Z

4.053 HC≡C-CH ₂ NH ₃

4.054 H ₂ N S

4.057 HC≡C-CH ₂ NH ₃

4.058 H CI O HoN

Table 5: Compounds of formula le

Comp. No. R _j X R ₅ Phys. data

5.001 CI O CH ₃

5.002 CI O C ₂ H ₅

5.003 CI O C ₃ H ₇ (i)

5.004 CI O -CH-CH ₂ - S — CH ₃

CH ₃

5.005 CI O -CH ₂ -CH=CH ₂

5.006 CI O -CH ₂ -CH=CH-CH ₃

5.007 CI O -CH-CH=CH ₂

CH ₃

5.008 CI O -CH ₂ - C = CH

CH ₃

5.009 CI O - CH ₂ -C = CH ₂

CI

5.010 CI O -CH ₂ -CH=CH-C1

5.011 CI O -CH ₂ -C≡CH

-

o

5.036 Cl O H ₂ N Λ

5.038 Cl O H ^

5.039 H ₂ C=CH-CH ₂ NH ₃

5.040 HC≡C-CH ₂ NH ₃

5.042 H m.p.148-150°C

Table 6: Compounds of formula If

Comp. No. R _! R.. Phys. data

6.004 Cl O -CHoCH,- - N N — CH

6.005 Cl O -CH ₂ CH ₂ - -O

6.007 Br O -CH ₂ CH ₂ - -O

Table 7: Com ounds of formula l

7.013 H Cl A CH,

CH ₃

C ₂ H ₅ C ₃ H ₇ (i)

R ₈ Phys. data

Table 8: Compounds of formula Ih

Comp. No. R _j R ₇ R« Phys. data

8.001 C H 8.002 C CH ₃ 8.003 C C ₂ H ₅ 8.004 C C ₃ H ₇ (i) 8.005 C -CH ₂ -CH=CH ₂ 8.006 C -CH ₂ -CH ⁼ CH ₂ 8.007 C -CH ₂ -CH=CH ₂ 8.008 C - CH-CH=CH ₂

CH ₃

8.009 C CH ₃ 8.010 C C ₄ H ₉ (n)

8.011 C A H

8.012 C - CH ₃

8.013

Table 9: Com ounds of formula Ii

Comp.No. R R _: X R ₅ Phys. data

9.018 H Cl O -CH,

9.020 H Cl O -N=C(CH ₃ ) ₂

9.021 H Cl S -CH ₂ -CH=CH ₂

9.022 CH ₃ Cl O H

9.023 CH ₃ Cl O CH ₃

9.024 CH ₃ Cl O C ₂ H ₅

9.025 CH ₃ Cl O C ₃ H ₇ (i)

9.026 CH ₃ Cl O -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -O-CH ₃

9.027 CH ₃ Cl O - CH-CH ₂ -S-C ₃ H ₇ (n)

CH 3

9.029 CH ₃ Cl O -CH ₂ -CH=CH-CH ₃

9.030 CH ₃ Cl O -CH ₂ -C=CH

9.031 CH ₃ Cl O -CH ₂ -CH=CH-C1

9.032 CH ₃ Cl O -CH-CH:CH ₂

CH ₃

9.033 CH ₃ Cl O -CH ₂ -C=CH ₂

CH ₃

9.034 CH ₃ Cl O -CH ₂ -C≡CH

9.035 CH ₃ Cl O — \

9.036 CH ₃ Cl O -CH-<]

CH,

9.037 CH ₃ Cl O -CH ₂ -

<_>

Comp.No. R R _j X R ₅ Phys. data

₂

9.065 CH ₃ Cl O *{ ^""

Comp.No. R R _x X R ₅ Phys. data

9.067 CH ₃ Cl O HN ⁵ ^

Table 10: Compounds of formula Ij

Phys. data

10.010 H Br O -CH ₂ CH ₂ - — N O

^{2 l} \ /

10.011 CH ₃ Cl O -CH ₂ CH ₂ - — (

Comp.No. R R _j X A R ₆ Phys. data

10.012 CH ₃ Cl O -CH ₂ CH ₂ - — N O

Table 11: Com ounds of formula Ik

Phys. data

Comp.No. R R _x R ₇ R ₈ Phys. data

Table 12: Compounds of formula Ha

Comp.No. Ri X R ₅ Phys. data

n _D ²⁰ 1.5261 n _D ²⁰ 1.5439

n _D ²⁰ 1.4732 n _D ²⁰ 1.5391

n _D ²⁰ 1.5329

n _D ²⁰ 1.5413

Table 13: Compounds of formula ub

Comp.No. Rj X A R* Phys. data

Table 14: Compounds of formula lie

Comp.No. R _j R ₇ R ₈ Phys. data

Table 15: Com ounds of formula πia

Table 16: Compounds of formula nib

Comp. No. Rj X R _Λ Phys. data

16.001 Cl O

16.002 Cl O

16.003 Cl O

16.004 Cl O

16.005 Cl O

16.007 Cl O

16.008 Cl O .

95/21174

59-

Table 17: Compounds of formula Die

S = C = N-Q_-R, _?H . y _Λ "7 one) C O-C-C-N

II k ¹ fi O \

O ^N R _n

CH, " ⁸ «

Comp.No. Rj R ₇ R ₈ Phys. data

Table 18: Compounds of formula INa

Comp.No. Rj X R ₅ Phys. data

Table 19: Com ounds of formula INb

Table 20: Com ounds of formula INc

Phys. data

oil

Formulation Examples for compounds of formula I (throughout, percentages are by weight)

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

F2. Solutions a compound of Tables 1-11 dipropylene glycol methyl ether polyethylene glycol

(mol. wt. 400)

N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone 30 % 10 % aromatic hydrocarbon mixture 75 % 60 %

C9-C12

These solutions are suitable for application in the form of micro-drops.

F3. Wettable powders a compound of Tables 1-11 sodium lignosulfonate sodium laurylsulfate sodium dϋsobutylnaphthalene- sulfonate octylphenol polyglycol ether 1 % 2 %

(7-8 mol of ethylene oxide)

highly dispersed silicic acid ι % 3 % 5 % ιo % kaolin 88 % 62 % 35 %

The active ingredient is thoroughly mixed 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 the desired concentration.

F4. Coated granules a) b) c) a compound of Tables 1-11 o . i % 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, the solution is sprayed onto the carrier, and the solvent is subsequently evaporated off in vacuo.

F5. Coated granules a) b) c) a compound of Tables 1-11 0.1 % 5 % 15 % polyethylene glycol 1.0 % 2 % 3 %

(mol. wt 200) 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) a compound of Tables 1-11 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 compound of Tables 1-11 talcum kaolin

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

F8. Suspension concentrates a compound of Tables 1-11 ethylene glycol nonylphenol polyglycol ether

(15 mol of ethylene oxide) sodium lignosulfonate carboxymethylcellulose

37 % aqueous formaldehyde solution silicone oil emulsion o .8 % 0.8 % 0.8 % o .8 % water 87 % 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.

Biological Examples

Example Bl: Preemergence herbicidal action

Monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous test plants are sown in plastics pots in standard soil. Immediately after sowing, the plants are sprayed with an aqueous suspension of the test compounds prepared from a 25 % wettable powder (Formulation Example F3, b)), corresponding to a rate of application of 2 kg a.i_/ha (5001 water/ha). The test plants are then cultivated in a greenhouse under optimum conditions. Three weeks later, the test is evaluated using a scale of nine ratings (1 = total damage, 9 = no action). Ratings of from

1 to 4 (especially from 1 to 3) indicate good to very good herbicidal action.

Test plants: Setaria, Sinapis, Solanum, Stellaria.

In this test, compounds of Tables 1 to 11 exhibit pronounced herbicidal activity.

An example of the good herbicidal activity is shown in Table Bl.

Table Bl: Preemergence action

Test plant: Setaria Sinapis Solanum Stellaria

Compound no.

1.027 1 1 1 1

The same results are obtained when the compounds of formula I are formulated in accor¬ dance with Examples Fl, F2 and F4 to F8.

Example B2: Postemergence herbicidal action (contact herbicide) Monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous test plants are grown in a greenhouse in plastics pots containing standard soil and are sprayed in the 4- to 6-leaf stage with an aqueous suspension of the test compounds of formula I prepared from a 25 % wettable powder (Example F3, b)), corresponding to a rate of application of 2 kg a.iVha (5001 water/ha). The plants are then grown on in the greenhouse under optimum conditions. About 18 days later, the test is evaluated using a scale of nine ratings (1 = total damage, 9 = no action). Ratings of from 1 to 4 (especially from 1 to 3) indicate good to very good herbicidal action.

In this test too, the compounds of formula I according to the examples in Tables 1 to 11 exhibit pronounced herbicidal activity.

An example of the good herbicidal activity of the compounds of formula I is given in Table B2.

Table B2: Postemergence action

Test plant: Setaria Sinapis Solanum Stellaria

Compound no.

1.027 1 1 1 1

The same results are obtained when the compounds of formula I are formulated in accordance with Examples Fl, F2 and F4 to F8.