3-KETO-4-(4'-AROMATICALLY SUBSTITUTED-PHENOXY) COMPOUNDS, THEIR 3- ALKYLATED ENOL AND 2,3-HYDROGENATED DERIVATIVES AND THE USE THEREOF FOR THE CONTROL OF WEEDS

Abstract: The invention provides weed-controlling compounds of the formula forms. The 1-2 terminally unsaturated derivative form of (B′) is also included. Compounds of particular interest are those where W is -S- N-O- and Q is --OR³, wherein X and Y includes inter alia halogen and halogenated alkyl, R¹ may be H or lower alkyl R² is lower alkyl, and R³ includes inter alia H, Na, K, alkyl and haloalkyl.

Description: 3-KETO-4-(4'-AROMATICALLY SUBSTITUTED-PHENO COMPOUNDS, THEIR 3- ALKYLATED ENOLAND 2,3 HYDROGENATED DERIVATIVES AND THE USE THER@ FOR THE CONTROL OF WEEDS. The novel compounds of the present invention are represented by the following formulas A', B', C', and D' EMI1.1 W is 0, S, NH or CH2; each of X and Y is independently selected from hydrogen, broad, chloro, fluoro, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkoxycarbonyl, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl, chlorodifluoromethyl, fluoromethyl, chloromethyl, difluoromethoxy; n is 1 or 2; each of X' and X" is independently selected from hydrogen, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, trifluoromethyl, methoxy or nitro, provided that both X' and X" cannot be trifluoromethyl, methoxy or nitro; R1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R2is lower alkyl; Q is EMI2.1 - CH2 - X3 or -CH2 -OR6 in which, R3 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl, lower cyanoalkyl, lower alkenyl, lower haloalkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower alkoxyalkyl, lower dialkyaminoalkyl, lower alkylthioalkyl, lower alkylsulfinyalkyl, lower alkylsulfonylalkyl, tetrahphofuranylmethyl, tetrahydropyranylmethyl, benzyl, halobenzyl, lower alkylbenzyl, lower alkoxybenzyl, phenyl, halophenyl, lower alkoxyphenyl, lower alkylphenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkalkyl, N- alkyliaeneamino, sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium; each of R4 and R5 is independently selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower hydroxyalkyl, lower alkoxyalkyl or lower alkysulfonyl; @ is broad, chloro, fluoro or iodo; and R6 is hydrogen or acyl. In the description and claims hercinafter, each of R-R6, n, Q, W, X, X', X", X and Y is as defined above, unless otherwise specified. The compounds of formula (A1) wherein Q is EMI3.1 can be produced by the reaction of a phenol of formula (I). EMI3.2 with a 4-halo compound of formula (II) in the presence of a base such as--alkali metal hydroxide or alkali metal carbonate. The reaction is generally conducted at about room temperature to reflux temperature in an organic solvent such as dimethylformamide (nMF), acetone, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dinethylacetamide (DMA), dimethylsufoxide (DMsO), or the like using about equimolar amounts of base, à phenol of formula (I) and a 4-halo compound of formula (II). x2 represents bromo, chloro or iodo. The thio compounds of formula (A') can be prepared starting with an acid of formula (A') which is converted into the acid halide and then reacted with a mercaptan. Alternatively, a phenol of formula (I) is reacted with a 4-halo thiolester of the general formula (II) above in the presence of base. An amide of formula (A') can be prepared by the reaction of an acid halide of an acid of formula (A') with the appropriate amine. An alcohol of formula (A') wherein Q is - CH2-OR6 can be prepared by reduction of an acid or ester of formula (A') using, for example, lithium borohydride or lithium aluminuinhydride in ether or THF at a low temperature. Esters of an alcohol of formula (A') can be prepared by the reaction of an acyl halide or acyl anhydride in pyridine at about room temperature or lower. A halide of the present invention of formula (A') wherein Q is -CH2- 3 can be prepared by reaction of an alcohol of formula (A') wherein Q is -CH2- OH with phosphorus tribromide, phosphorus trichloride, or triphenylphosphine dihalide in acetonitrile. In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided 3-oxo derivatives of formula (B') which can be derived from the novel compounds of formula (A'). The compounds of formula (B') are useful for the control of weeds. EMI4.1 A compound of formula (B') can be prepared by the reaction of a 3-alkoxy compound of formula (A') such as a 3-methoxy compounds of formula 'L') with an acid such as dilute perchloric acid or acetic acid in an organic solvent such as methylenedichioride, tetra chloride or THF. The reaction is usually conducted at about room temperature or lower. In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided compounds of formula (C') which can De prepared by selective reduction of a compound of for- ¯mull (B') using sodium borohydride in alcohol at low temperature. EMI5.1 The alcohols of formula (C') and carboxylic esters thereof are useful for the control of weeds. In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided compounds of formula (D') which are useful for the control of weeds. EMI5.2 The compounds of formula (D') can be prepared by treating an alcohol of formula wherein Q is -CH2-OH with par- chloric acid. Carboxylic esters of formula (B') wherein Q is EMI5.3 can be prepared by the following outlined method also: EMI6.1 The following terms have the meaning indicated as used herein and the appended claims. The term "lower alkyl". refers to an alkyl group of one to six carbon atoms. The term "lower alkoxy" refers to an alkoxy group of one to six carbon atoms. The term "lower alkoxycarbonyl" refers to an alkoxyarbonyl group of two to six carbon atomS. The term "acyl', refers to a carboxylic acyl group such as lower aliphatic acyl group of one to six carbon atoms or aryl acyl group of six to twelve carbon atoms. Typical acyl groups include acetyl, benzoyl, p-chlorobenzoyl, and the like. The term "lower alkenyl" refers to an alkenyl group of two to six carbon atoms with mono-unsaturation such as allyl and n-but-2-enyl. The term "lower alkynyl" refers to an alkynyl group of two to six carbon atoms with monounsaturation such as propargyl. The term "cycloalkyl" refers to a cycloalkyl group of three to six carbon atoms. The term "cycloalkyl" refers to a cycloalkalkyl group of four to seven carbon atoms. The term "halo" refers to a bromo, chloro or fluoro group. The compounds of formula A', B', C', D' are use ful for the control of weeds using pre- and/or post-emergent treatments. The compounds can be applied in the form of dusts, granules, solutions, emulsions, wettable powders and suspentions. Application of a compound of the pre sent invention is made according to conventional pro cedure using from about one-half or less to ten pounds per acre. The application of a compound of the present invention to the "locus" of the weeds includes application to the seeds, the plant (weed) or parts of the plant, or the soil. Methods of preparing herbicidal formulations which can be used with a compound of the present invention are described in the literature along with suitable liquid and solid carrier materials such as in U.S. Patent 4,192,669 and 4,163,661 which are incorporated herein by reference. Wnile some of the compounds of the present invention have activity on broad leaf plants, the compounds, in general, demonstrate a higher level of herbicidal activity on the grass weeds, The optimum usage of a compound of the present invention is readily determinable by one of ordinary skill in the art using routine testing such as greenhouse testing and small plot testing. The term "herbicize", as used herein, refers to an active ingredient which modifies the growth of plants because of phytotoxic or plant growth regulating properties so as to retard the growth of the plant or damage the plant sufficiently to kill it. The compounds of the present invention demonstrate selective activity as herbicides against grass weeds. Crops such as cotton, suÅaar beet, soybeans and squash show excellent tolerance. The compounds of the present invention, in general, show higher level of herbicidal activity when the postemergent method of application is used. Grass plant (weed) species on which the com pounds of the present invention show effective herbi cidal activity include shattercane, crabgrass, sprangle top, wild oats, bermudagrass, tall fescue, rice, wheat, barley, corn, blue panicum, foxtails, rough bluegrass, winter rye, annual -ryegrass, watergrass and Johnsongrass. It appears to be most effective to apply the active compound prior to the heading stage of the grass weed. The compounds of the present invention,in view of their broadspectrum grass weed herbicidal activity, can be advantageously combined with broadleaf weed herbicides for broadspectrum postermergence weed control in most broadleaf crops. Examples of herbicides which can be combined with a compound of the present invention include glyphosate, bentazone, diuron, paraquat, 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, diquat, eothal,dinoseb, dicamba, norflurazon, nitrofen, cyanozine, methazole, mefluidide, metribuzin, cycloate, fluometuron, linuron, dalaponvbifenox and alachlor for controlling a broad spectrum of weeds. -- The compounds of the present invention are useful for application: to sugarcane in order to increase the sucrose content of the sugarcane. - --- The following examples are provided to illustrate the practice of the present invention. Temperature is given in degrees centigrade. All parts are by weight unless otherwise indicated. RT means room temperature. EXAMPLE 1 A mixture of 4-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenol (1.16 g), ethyl 4-bromo-3-methoxy-2-pentenoate (1,74 g) and potassium carbonate (0.73g) in DMF (5 ml.) is heated at about 130 for 2 hours. Thereafter, DMF is removed. The residue is filtered and washed with methylene dichloride. The filtrate is washed, dried and evaporated to dryness. The oily residue is subjected to prep. thin layer chromatography using 20% ethylacetate/hexane to yield the ethyl ester of 4- [4- (2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenoxyj-3-methoxy-2-pentenoic acid, MS m/e 444 (M+). EXP&commat;2LE 2 A mixture of 4-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenol (6.9 mmol.), methyl 4-bromo-3-methoxy-2-pentenoate (8.9 ramol.) and potassium carbonate (1.5 equis.) in acetone (15 ml.) is refluxed for 48 hours. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated and the residue chromatographed on silica gel using 20% ethylacetate/hexane to give the methyl ester of 4-[4-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy]-3methoxy-2-pentenoic acid. Some compounds of formula A' which are prepared according to the procedure of the foregoing examples are as follows (Table I and II). TABLE I EMI10.1 X Y RÚ Rê R H CF3 Me Me Me H CF3 Et Me Me Cl CF3 Et Me Me Cl CF3 Me Et Me H OCF3 Me Me Me Cl OCF3 Me Me Me Cl Cl Me Me Et NO2 CF3 Me Me Me H Br Me Me Et Me OMe Me Me Me TABLE II EMI11.1 # # X Y RÚ Rê R Cl Cl Me Me Me H CF3 Me Me Me Cl CF3 Me Me Me H CHF2 Me Me Me H CClF2 Me Me Me Me CF3 Et Me Et F CF3 Me Me Me H Br Me Me Me Cl Cl Me Et Et Cl Cl Et Et Et EXAMPLE 3 A mixture of the methyl ester of 4-[4-(2-chloro-4trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenoxyl-3-methoxy-2-pentenoic acid (0.5 g), 35% aqueous perchloric acid (5 ml.) and methylene dichloride (5 ml.) is stirred at RT for 4 days. Then the solution is extracted with methylene dichloride. The combined extracts are washed, dried-and- evaporated. The residue is purified by prep. thin layer chromatography using 208 ethyl acetate/hexane to yield methyl 4-l4-(2- chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenoxy-3- oxopentanoate. The product of Example 1 is treated with aqueous perchloric acid as above to yield ethyl 4-[4-(2-chldro-4- trifluoromethylphenoxy0 phenoxy]-3-oxopentanoate, @@@@@@@ MS m/e 430 (M+) By use of the foregoing procedure, each of the compounds of Tables I and II are converted into the corresponding 3-oxocompound of formula (F) such as methyl 4-[4-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy]-3-oxopentanoate, methyl 4-[4-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenoxy)phenoxy]-3-oxopentanoate, ethyl 4-[4-(2,4dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy]-3-oxopentanoate, Ms m/e 396 (M+), methyl (3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)phenoxy]-3-oxopentanoate a methyl 4 [4-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)phenoxy]-3-oxopentanoate and methyl 4-[4-(5-trifluoromethylpyridyloxy)phenoxy]-3-oxopentanoate. EXAMPLE 4 A mixture of ethyl 4-bromo-3-methoxy-2-pentenoat phenol (9.36 mm)., ethyl 4-bromo-3-methoxy-2-pentenoate (12 mm.) and R2C03 (14 mm.) in acetone (20 ml.) is refluxed for 24 hours. After filtration, the filtrate is concentrated and the oily residue chromatographed on silica gel to yield ethyl 4-j4-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxyl-3- methoxy-2-pentenoate. A solution of the above ethyl ester in 35% perchloric acid and water is stirred at RT for 3 days and then worked up to give ethyl 4-[4-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenoxy-3-oxopentanoate. EXAMPLE 5 To a mixture of lithium aluminum hydride (200 mg) and anhydrous ether (5 ml.) is added dropwise at 0 , a mixture of ethyl 4[4-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy]-3 methoxy-2-pentenoate (400 mg) and ether (5 ml.).- After addition is complete, the mixture is stirred for about minutes. Wet ether and water is added to destroy excess hydride. Filtration and evaporation of filtrate gives 4-[4-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy]-3-methoxy 2-penten-1-ol. EXAMPLE 6 - A mixture of ethyl 4-(4-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethyl- phenoxy)phenoxy]-3-methoxy-2-pentenoate (10 mmol), ethanol (20 ml.) and IN Na OH (20 ml.) is prepared and then heated at reflux for a few hours to complete the reaction. Removal of solvent gives the sodium salt of 4-[4-(2-chloro-4trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy]-3-methoxy-2-pentenoic acid. The free acid is obtained by acidification of the salt using dilute H2SO41 and extraction with methylene dichloride and evaporation. Other acid salts can be prepared by titrating the free acid with an organic solution of the base, e.g., methanolic solution of potassium methoxide and the like. EXAMPLE 7 Thionyl chloride (20 ml.) is added to 4-[4-(2-chloro 4-trifluorornethylphenoxy) phenoxyl -3-methoxy-2-pentenoic acid (10 mm.) in anhydrous ether (10 ml.). The mixture is refluxed for a few hours. Then, ether and excess thionyl chloride is removed by vacuum to yield 4-[4-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethyl- phenoxy)phenoxy]-3-methoxy-2-pentenoyl chloride. EXAMPLE 8 To a mixture of 4-[4-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenoxy]-3-methoxy-2-pentenoyl chloride (10 mm.) and ether (10 ml.) is added iethyl mercaptan (12 mm.) and pyridine (1 ml.) at about 200. The mixture is stirred for about 30 minutes and then allowed to rise to about 0 and stand for about 2 hours. The mixture is then diluted with ether and water and the ether phase separated, washed, dried and solvent removed to give the methylthiol ester of 4-[4-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenoxy] -3-methoxy-2-pentenoic acid. EXAMPLE 9 A mixture of 4-[4-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenoxy-3-methoxy-2-pentenoyl chloride (15 mm) and THF (15 ml.), at 00, is prepared and then slight excess of methylamine-introduced. The reaction mixture is allowed to stand under nitrogen for about one hour. Then the reaction is allowed to rise to RT and solvent removed. The residue is taken up in methylene dichloride, washed, dried and solvent removed under vacuum to yield N-methyl 4-[4-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenoxyl-3-methoxy-2-pentenamide. EXAMPLE 10 A mixture of ethyl 3-oxopentanoate (20 g) and trimethylformate (5 eq.,94 ml.) in the presence of 6 g of Amberlyst-15 (tradomark of Rohm & Haas Corp.) is stirred at AT overnight. After filtration, the filtrate is con centrated and then distilled to give ethyl 3-methoxy-2pentenoate (19.5 g). A mixture of the above ethyl ester, N-bromosuccinimide (26.3 g), benzoyl peroxide (0.3 g.) and carbon tetr2chloriRe (100 ml.) is heated to reflux and irradiated with 150 watt floo lamp until substantially clear solution is obtained. Thereafter, the reaction is filtered and the filtrate then concentrated and distilled (78 /2mm) to give ethyl 4-bromo-3 rnethoxy-2-pentenoate. EXAMPLE 11 (A) Following the procedure of Example 1, 4-(2-nitro-4trifluoromethylphenylamino) phenol is reacted with ethyl 4-bromo 3-methoxy-2-pentenoate to give ethyl 4-[4-(2-nitro-4-trifluoro- methylchenylamino)phenoxy]-3-m.eìhoxy-2-pentenOate, (B) Following the procedure of Example 3, the product of part (A) is treated with aqueous perchloric acid to give ethyl 4-[4-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethylphenylamino)phenoxyl]3 oxopentanoate, MS m/c 512 (M+). In the same way, there is prepared methyl t-14-(2- nitro-4- chlorophenylamino)phenoxy)-3-methoxy-2-pentenoate and methyl 4-[4-(2-nitro-4-chlorophenylamino)phenoxy]-3oxopentanoate starting with 4-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenylamino) phenol and methyl 4-bromo-3-methoxy-2-pentenoate EXAMPLE 12 A spray solution of water/acetone (1:1) and surfactant (18) was prepared containing (1) the compound of Example 1 (Compound 1) and (2) the second compound of Example 3 (Compound 2) and sprayed (equivalent to 10 1b/acre) on seedlings of foxtail (Setaria viridis) and watergrass (Echinochlou crusgalli). Observation two weeks after spraying Compound 1 and 2 showed 100% herbicidal activity for each of test Compounds 1 and 2. Testing of Compounds 1 and 2 showed no injury to soybeans at 10 lb/acre. Pre-emergent herbicidal activity of Compound 2 was tested on foxtail, watergrass, shattercane, and wild oats. The average activity was 86% for the four species. EXAMPLE 13 To a slurry of LiAIH (100 mg) in anhydrous ether (20 ml) is added dropwise at 00, a solution of ethyl 4-[4-(4-trifluoro methylphenoxy)phenoxy] -3-methoxy-2-pentenoate (500 mg) in ether. After addition is complete, the reaction mixture is stirred for about 20 minutes. Excess of the hydride is decomposed using wet ether and water. Filtration and evaporation of filtrate gives the C-l alcohol, 4-[4-(4-trifluoro- methylphenoxy) phenoxy] -3-methoxy-2-penten-l-ol, MS m/e 440 + EXAMPLE 14 To a slurry of LiAlH4 (200 mg) in anhydrous ether (15 ml) is added at 0 a solution of othyl 4-[4-(4-trifluoro methylphenoxy)phenoxy]-3-oxopentanoate(400 mg) in ether (5 ml). After addition is complete, the reaction mixture is stirred at RT for about one hour. Excess of the hydride is decomposed using wet ether and water, the mixture is filtered and filtrate concentrated. The oily product is purified by prep. thin layer chromatography to give 4-[4-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy]-pentane-1,3-diol, MS m/e 500 (M ). EXAMPLE 15 To a solution of ethyl 4-[4-(2-nitro-4-chlorophenoxy) phenoxyy]-3-oxopentanoate (600 mg) in absolute ethanol (10 ml) is added at 00, NaBH4 (300 mg). After addition is complete, the reaction mixture is stirred for about 20 minutes. Then the solution is taken up in CH2C12, washed with brine, dried and evaporated to give ethyl 4-14-(2-nitro-4-chlorophenoxy) phenoxyl-3-hydroxypentanoate. EXAMPLE 16 To a slurry of LiAlH4 (400 mg) in anhydrons ether (20 ml) is added dropwise at 0 , a solution of ethyl 4-[4-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy]-3-methoxy-2-pentenoate (1.2 g) in ether (10 ml). After addition is complete, the reaction mixture is stirred for about 10 minutes. Excess hydride is decomposed with wet ether and water. After filtration, the filtrate is concentrated to give the alcohol, 4-[4-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenoxy]-3-methoxy-2-penten-1-ol The alcohol (600 mg) is stirred with 5 ml of 35% HC104 in CH2C12 (5 ml) for about 20 minutes. The solution is then extracted with CH2Cl2 followed by washing, drying and evaporation. The product is then purified by prep. thin layer chromatography to give 4-[4-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy]-3- oxo-l-pentene, MS m/e 336 (M+). EXAMPLE 17 To a solution of ethyl 4-[4-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenoxyj-3-oxopentanoate (450 mg) -in ethanol (5 ml) is added NaBH4 (150 mg) at 00. The resulting mixture is then stirred at 0 for about 10 minutes. The mixture is diluted with CH2 Cl2, washed with saturated NaCl solution, dried and eva porated to dryness to give ethyl 4-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl- phenoxy)phenoxy]-3-hydroxypentanoate, in-quantitative yield, MS m/e 398 EXAMPLE 18 The process of Example 17 is repeated using ethyl 4 [4- (2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenoxy) -3-oxopentanoate (400 mg) and NaBH4 (100 mg) to give ethyl 4-[4-(2-chloro-4 trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy]-3-hydroxypentanOate, MS m/e 432 (M+) EXAMPLE 19 To a slurry solution of LiAlH4 (200 mg) in anhydrous ether (5 ml) is added dropwise at 00, a solution of ethyl 4 [4-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy]-3-methOxy-2- pentenoate (400 mg) in anhydrous ether ( 5 ml). After addition is complete, the reaction mixture is stirred at 0 for about 10 minutes. Excess hydride is decomposed with wet ether and water. The mixture is filtered and filtrate washed, dried and evaporated to give 4-[4-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenoxy]-3-methoxy-2-penten-1-ol. The foregding alcohol (380 mg) is reacted with 35% HC104 (4 ml) in CH2C12 (4 ml) at RT for 24 hours. The mixture is then extracted with CHiC12 and the combined extracts washed, dried and concentrated to dryness. The product is purified by prep. thin layer chromatography to give 4-[4-(2-chloro 4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy]-3-oxo-l-pentene, MS m/e 396 (M+) EXAMPLE: 20 A solution of 2-[4-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy]propionyl chloride (1.5 g) and methylene chloride (5 ml) is added dropwise at 0 to a solution of 2,2-aimethyl-1,3- dioxane-4,6-dione (680 mg) in methylene chloride (20 ml) containing pyridine (0.7 ml). The resulting mixture is stirred at RT for 2 hours. The reaction mixture is then poure into water, acidified with dilute lICl and extracted with methylene chloride. The combined extracts are mashed with brine, dried and evaporated to give 2-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl- phenoxy)phenoxy]-propionyl meldrum acid, an oil. The above meldrum acid is treated with n-butanol (20 ml) at 1200 for about 4 hours. After aqueous worn, the oily concentrate is purified by prep. thin layer chromatography on silica gel to give n-butyl 4-[4-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenoxy]-3-oxopentanoate, MS m/e 424 (N ). EXAMPLE 21 A mixture of 2-nitro-3-trifluoromethyl-4'-hydroxydiphenyl-, amine (1 g), ethyl 4-bromo-3-methoxy-2-pentenoate (990 mg) and potassium carbonate (694 mg) in acetone (10 ml) is refluxed for 24 hours. After filtration and concentration, the crude product is purified by prep. thin layer chromatography on silica gel to give ethyl 4-[4-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethyl- anilino)phenoy]-3-methoxy-2-pentenoate which is treated with 35% HC104 in methylene chloride to give ethyl 4-14-(2-nitro 4-trifluoromethylanilino)phenoxy]-3-oxopentanoate, MS m/e 440 (M ). EXAMPLE 22 Post-emergence activity on the grasses (GR) greenfoxtail, watergrass, shattercane and wild oats was tested for the compound of Examples 13, 14, 17, 18, 20 and 21 (compounds No. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, respectively) and on the broadledfs (BL) annual morningglory, sesboria, soybean and velvet leaf by spraying at a rate equivalent to 10 lb/acre. The average score is given in percent control. Compound No. GR BL 3 - 100 14 4 96 8 5 100 11 6 100 3 7 100 7 8 100 0 EXAMPLE 23 An emulsifiable concentrate was prepared having the following composition (components in percent by weight). (VI) Compound B 27.78 Igepol CO-530 2.67 Tween 21 2.67 Tween 81 2.67 Corn oil 64.21 Compound B is ethyl 4-{4-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy3 -3-oxopentanoate (90% purity). Tween 21 is non-ionic surfactant, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate and Tween 81 is polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. Tween is a trademark of ICI Americas. Igepal CO-530 is a non-ionic surfactant [nonylphenoxypoly(ethleneoxy)ethanol] of GAF, Inc. (VII) Compound C 29.3 Toximol S 6.4 Atlox 8916 TF 1.6 Tenneco 500-100 62.7 Compound C is ethyl 4-[4-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenoxy] -3-hydroxypentanoate (90% purity). A spray solution was prepared using 30 parts of concentrate VII, 950 parts of water and 28 parts of nonphytotoxic crop oil and applied to young Johnson grass at the rate of 1.0 lb. per acre. The test plots were observed after two weeks. The application gave 100% control of the Johnson grass. (VIII) Compound B 27.8 Toximol R 3.0 Toximol S ¯ 9.0 Tenneco 500-100 60.2 Concentrate VIII was diluted in water and applied at the rate of 2.0 Ib. per acre to test specimens, in a¯areen- house, of watergrass, green foxtail, shattercane, blue panicum, tallfescue, sprangletop, annual ryegrass, downy brome, wild oats,-crabgrass, milo, corn, probred wheat and barley. The average herbicidal acitivity of two or more evaluations of each of the foregoing grass species was 80% or greater. Toximol R and S are surfactants of the Stepan Chemical Corporation, Illinios. Atlox 8916F in a surfuctant of ICI Americas, Delaware. Tenneco 500-100 is an aromatic solvent of the Tenneco Corporation. EXAMPLE 24 Flowable formulations were prepared having the following compositions, percent by weight. (XI) (A) Compound B 3.00 Toximol 360A 3.00 Sun 7N (oil) 30.00 (B) water 60.85 Gelvatol 20/30 3.00 Relzan 0.15 Premix (A) was dispersed in high speed blender for about one minute and then Premix (B) was poured into Premix (A) while stirring at high speed. After addition of Premix (B) stirring was continued about 5 minutes. (X) (A) Compound C 3.00 Toximol 360A 3.00 Sun 7N- 30.00 (B) Water 60.85 Gelvatol 20/30 3.00 Darvan No. 1 0.15 Premix (A) and (B) were combined as described for flowable IX above. Concentration of active ingredient 2.7%. Sun 7N is a non-phytotoxic oil of the Sun Chemical Company. Gelvatol 20/30 is a polyvinyl alcohol, molecular weight about 1000Q of the Monsanto COmpany. Kelzan is a thickener agent (xanthum gum). Darvan No. 1 is a dispersant of the RT Vanderbilt Company. Example 25 The compound, 2-[4-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-phenoxy] propionyl meldrum acid (V : W is oxyen, R is 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, and RÚ is methyl) is reacted with the alcohol R -OH using the procedure of Example 20 to prepare the respective ester under Table III. TABLE III EMI24.1 R -CH2-CN -CH2-CH=CH2 -CH2-CH=C Cl2 -CH2-C#CH -CH2-CH2-O-CH3 EMI24.2 EMI25.1 EXAMPLE 26 Following the procedure of Example 17, each of the 3-oxo esters under Table III is reduced using sodium borohydride to yield the respective 3-hydroxy esters of the following formula: EMI25.2 EXAMPLE 27 Ethyl 4-[4-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy]-3-hydro oxypentanoate is reacted with 1.1 equivalent of acetyl chloride and 1.0 equivalent of pyridine in benzene to yield ethyl 4-[4-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy]-3-acetoxypentan oate. Similarly, using n-propanoyl chloride and isopropanoyl chloride yield the respective 3-n-propanoate and 3-isopro panoate. Carbonates of the 3-hydroxy compounds of formula C' are prepared using the above procedure and 1.1 equivalents of, for example, ethyl chloroformate or methyl chloroformate. The 3-carbonates are useful herbicides for grass weeds also In the preparation of the 3-hydroxy compounds of formula C', in addition to reduction of the respective 3-oxo compound of formula B', the 3-hydroxy compounds such as the esters can be prepared by the following outlined method. EMI26.1 The compounds of the present invention include the isomeric forms and mixtures thereof. Thus, the invention includes the optically active isomers and racemic mixtures. Unless otherwise specified herein, the compounds described in the examples are racemic mixtures, EXAMPLE 28 Each of the compounds; methyl 4-[4-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy) phenoxy]-3-oxopentanoate and methyl-4-[4-(5 trifluoromethylpyridyloxy)phenoxy]-3-oxopentanOate is reacted with NaBH4 by the procedure of Example 17 to yield methyl 4-[4-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)phenoxy]-3- hydroxypentanoate and methyl 4-[4-(5-triEluoromethyZpyridy- loxy)phenoxy]-3-hydroxypentanoate, respectively. EXAMPLE 29 The process of Example 20 is repeated with the exception of using 2-[4-(6-chloro-2-quinolinyloxy)phenoxy]- propionyl chloride as the starting material in place of 2-[-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy]-propionyl chloride to yield as the final product, n-butyl 4-[4-(6-chloro-2 guinolinyloxy)phenoxy]-3-oxopentanoate. By using 2-[4-(6-fluoro-2-quinolinyloxy)phenoxy]propionyl chloride as the starting material and ethyl alcohol in place of n- butyl alcohol in the process'of Example 20, there is obtained ethyl 4-[4-(6-fluoro-2-quinlinyloxy) phenoxy]-3-oxopentanoate which is reduced using NaBH4 in alcohol to yield ethyl 4-[4-(6-fluoro-2-quinolinyloxy) phenoxy] -3-hydroxypentanoate. EXAMPLE 30 The compound1 6-fluoro-2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy) quinoxaline, is used as the starting material in Example 1 in place of 4-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenol to yield ethyl 4-[4-(6-fluoro-2-quinoxalyloxy)phenoxy]-3-methoxy 2-pentenoate which is reacted with aqueous perchloric acid by the process of Example 3 to yield ethyl 4-[4-(6 fluoro-2-quinoxalyloxy) phenoxy] -3-oxopentanoate. The 3-oxo ester on reduction with NaBH4 yield the 4-hydroxy ester, ethyl 4-[4- (6-fluoro-2-quinoxalyloxy)phenoxy]-3- hydroxypentanoate.

Claims: CLAIViS: 1. A compound selected from those of the following formulas A' , B' , C' and D': EMI28.1 wherein, R is EMI28.2 W is 0, S, NH or CH2; each of X and Y is independently selected from hydrogen, bromo, chloro, fluoro, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkoxycarbonyl, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl, chloro difluoromenthyl, fluoromethyl, chloromethyl, difluoro methoxy and difluoromethoxy; n is 1 or 2; each of X' and X" is independently selected from hydrogen, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo , trifluoromethyl, methoxy or nitro, provided that both X' and X" cannot be trifluoromethyl, methoxy or nitro; R1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R2 is lower alkyl; Q is EMI29.1 -CH2 - X or -CH2 -OR6 in which, R3 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl, lower cyanoalkyl, lower alkenyl, lower haloalkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower alkoxyalkyl, lower dialkylaminoalkyl, lower alkylthioalkyl, lower alkylsulfinylalkyl, lower alkylsulfonylalkyl, tetrahydrofuranylmethyl, tetrahydropyranylmethyl, pyridylmethyl, benzyl, halobenzyl, lower alkylbenzyl, lower alkoxybenzyl, phenyl, halophenyl, lower alkoxyphenyl, lower alkylpenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkalkyl,N- alkylideneamino, sodium, potassium, magnesium or calc g m; ; each of R4 and R5is independently selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower hydroxyalkyl, lower alkoxyalkyl or lower alkysulfonyl ; is bromo, chloro, fluoro or iodo; and R6 is hydrogen or acyl. 2. A compound of the formula EMI30.1 according to Claim 1. 3. A compound according to Claim 2 wherein R1 is methyl and W is oxygen. 4. A compound according to Claim 3 wherein X is. hydrogen or chloro and Y is trifluoromethyl or chloro. 3 5. A compound according t9 Claim 4 wherein R is lower alkyl. 6. The methyl ester or ethyl ester of 4-[4-(4trifluoromethylphenoxy) phenoxy ] - 3- oxopentanoic acid, according to Claim 5. 7. A compound according to Claim 4 wherein R is hydrogen, sodium or potassium. 8. A compound according to Claim 4 wherein R3 is cyanomethyl, propargyl, methoxyethyl, 3- methoxy - 3 methylbutyl, 2- chlorethyl, N,N- dimethylaminomethyl, ethylthioethyl, ethylsulfinylethyl, ethylsulfonylethyl, benzyl, p-chlorophenyl, allyl, 3,3-dichloroprop-2-enyl, 2-tetrahyrofuranylmethyl, 2-tetrahydropyranylmethyl, N- isopropylideneamino or N-cyclohexylideneamino. 9. A compound according to Claim wherein W is NH, X is nitro, Y is trifluoromethyl, R1is methyl and R3 is hydrogen, sodium, potassium or lower alkyl. 10, A compound of the formula EMI31.1 according to Claim 1. 11. A compound according to Claim 10, wherein R is cyanomethyl, propargyl, methoxyethyl, 3-methoxy- 3methylbutyl, 2- chloroethyl, N, N- dimethylaminomethyl, ethylthioethyl, ethylsulfinylethyl, ethylsulfonylethyl, benzyl, p- chlorophenyl, allyl, 3, 3- dichloroprop - 2enyl, w- tetrahdrofuranylmethyl, 2- tetrahydropyranylmethyl, N- isopropylideneamino or N cyclohexylideneamino, R is methyl, B is oxygen, X is hydrogen or chloro and Y is trifluoromethyl or chloro. 12. A compound according to Claim 10, wherein W is NH, X is hydrogen or nitro, Y is trifluoromethyl, R1 is methyl and R3 is hydrogen, sodium, potassium or lover alkyl. 13. A compound according to Claim 10 wherein W is oxygen, X is hydrogen or chloro, Y is trifluoromethyl, RÚ is methyl and R is hydrogen, sodium, potassium, or lower alkyl. 14. A compound according to Claim 13 wherein R3 is methyl or ethyl -15. A compound of the formula EMI32.1 according to Claim 1, wherein each of RÚ and R2is methyl, w is oxygen, X is hydrogen or chloro and Y is trifluoromethyl or chloro. 16. The compound according to Claim 15 wherein each of X and R6 is hydrogen, 17.. A compound of the formula EMI32.2 according to Claim 1, wherein each of RÚ and Rê is methyl, R is hydrogen, sodium, potassium or lower alkyl, X is hydrogen, chloro or nitro and Y is trifluoromethyl or chloro. 18. A compound according to Claim wherein X is hydrogen or nitro and W is NH. 19. A compound according to Claim 17 wherein X is nitro. 20. A compound according to Claim 17 wherein X is hydrogen or chloro and W is oxygen. 21. A compound according to Claim 18 or Claim 20 wherein R3 is methyl or ethyl. 22. A compound of the formula EMI33.1 according to Claim 1, wherein R6 is hydrogen, RÚ is methyl, W is oxygen, X is hydrogen and Y is trifluoromethyl or chloro. 23. A compound of the formula EMI33.2 according to Claim 1. 24. A compound according to Claim 23 wherein W is oxygen, X is hydrogen, Y is trifluoromethyl, R1 is methyl and R3 is hydrogen, sodium, potassium, methyl or ethyl. 25. A compound according to Claim 23 wherein W is oxygen, X is chloro or bromo, Y is chloro, R is methyl and R3 is hydrogen, sodium, potassium, methyl or ethyl. 26. A compound of the formula EMI34.1 according to Claim 1. 27. A--compound according to Claim 26 wherein W is oxygen, X is hydrogen, Y is trifluoromethyl, R1 is methyl and R3 is hydrogen, potassium, sodium, methyl or ethyl. 8. A compound according to Claim 26 wherein W is oxygen, X is chloro or bromo, Y is chloro, R is methyl and R3 is hydrogen, potassium, sodium, methyl or ethyl. 29. A herbicidal composition which comprises a her bicidally effective amount of a compound of Claim 1 and a suitable carrier material. 30.. A herbicidal composition which comprises a her cidally effective amount of a compound of Claim 6 or Claim 12 and a suitable carrier material. 31.- A method for the control of weeds which comprises applying to the locus of said weeds a herbicidally effective amount of a compound of Claim 1. 32. A method for the control of weeds which comprises applying to the locus of said weeds a herbicidally effective amount of a compound of Claim 6 or Claim 12.

Inventors: LEE, SHY-FUH
Applicants: ZOECON CORPORATION
Application year: 1981
Main classification: C07C69
IPC codes: C07C45, C07C49, C07C205