ISONICOTINIC ACID DERIVATIVES AND RELATED SPIRO COMPOUNDS WITH HERBICIDAL ACTION

Abstract: Isonicotinic acid derivatives and related furo-, thieno- and pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridin-1(3H)-one, -thione and -imine compounds having formula (a) or (I), wherein R is (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f), Q is O, S or NR<7>; Y is O, S or NR<8>; L is COOR<9>, CONR<10>R<11>, C(=S)NR<10>R<11>, CN, or a radical of formula (g); the acceptable addition salts, the stereochemically isomeric forms and the N-oxides thereof, having herbicidal properties, compositions containing the same and methods for controlling weeds.

Description: ISONICOTINIC ACID DERIVATIVES AND RELATED SPIRO COMPOUNDS WITH HERBICIDAL ACTION Background of the invention In J. Chem. Research (S), 1986, 18-19 there are disclosed 3,3-diphenyl-3H-furo- [3,4-c]pyridin-l-one and 3-(diphenylhydroxymethyl)-N, N-bis(l-methylethyl)-4- pyridine carboxamides as end products in a study of new organolithium reagents for use in synthesis. The present invention is concerned with novel herbicidally active isonicotinic acid derivatives and related furo-, thieno- and pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridine-l(3H)-one, -thione and -imine compounds, compositions containing these compounds as active ingredients, and a method for controiing weeds, preferably selectively in crops of useful plants. Further the invention also relates to a process for making these novel compounds. Description of the invention The present invention is concerned with herbicidally active isonicotinic acid derivatives and related furo-, thieno- and pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridin- 1 (3H)-one, -thione and -imine compounds having the formula the acceptable addition salts, the stereochemically isomeric forms and the N-oxides thereof, wherein R is attached to the pyridinyl group by a single bond or by a spiro- bond, and R has the formula wherein R ' is hydrogen, fluoro, hydroxy or a spiro-bond; Ri and R*^ arc each independentiy hydrogen, C^aU yl or R* and R-2 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected form a spiro C3_gcycloalkyl group; or R r and R^ form an extra bond; R3 and R^ are each independently hydrogen or C^galkyl; R-5 and are each independently hydrogen, halo, C * _4alkyl, Cι_4alkyloxy, C]_4haloalkyIoxy, Cι_4haloalkyl, C3_7 lkenyl, amino, carbonyl, nitro, methoxycarbonyl or aminocarbonyl; Q is O, S or NR 7 ; X is CH 2 , O, S, SO or NR8; Y is O, S orNR 8 ; n is O, l or 2; E is O, S or NR 8 ; RJ is l,l-^iimethyl-2-hydroxyethylor 2-methyI-2-fluoropropyl; R- is hydrogen, C _ -alkyl or l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl; ~ 9 is hydrogen, C^aUcyl, C3_galkenyl, C3_salkynyl, C2-i6alkyloxy alkyl or C3-7cycIoalkyl; RIO is hydrogen, C^alkyl or l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl; R*l is hydrogen, C * _3alkyl or phenyl; and R 2 and R-3 each independently are hydrogen or methyl. The isonicotinic acid derivatives and the related furo-, thieno- and pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridin- l(3H)-one, -thione and -imine compounds of formula (I) are novel, except for 3,3-diphenyl-3H-furo[3,4-c]pyridin-l-one and 3-(diphenylhydroxymethyl)-N,N-bis- (l-methylethyl)-4-pyridinecarboxamide described in J. Chem. Research (S), 1986, p.18-19. Surprisingly, the compounds of formula (I) exhibit strong herbicidal properties and are therefore useful to control weeds. This property gains importance by the fact, that some crops of useful plants are not damaged, or are only slightly harmed at high dosages when treated with compounds of formula (I). Consequently, the compounds of formula (I) are valuable selective herbicides in crops of useful plants, such as sugar beet, rape, soybeans, cotton, sunflower, cereals, especially wheat, barley, rye and oats, rice, both upland rice and paddy rice, and maize. Especially in rice crops a broad range of application rates can be employed, preferably if the rice crops are transplanted rice crops, and if the compounds of formula (I) are applied after transplantation. The active ingredients (a.i.) of formula (I) are usually applied at application rates of 0.01 to 5.0 kg of active ingredient per hectare in order to achieve satisfying results. Sometimes, depending on the environmental conditions, the application rates may exceed the above designated limitations. However, the preferred application rates are between 0.05 kg and 1.0 kg a.i. per hectare. As used in the foregoing definitions alkyl denotes straight or branch chained saturated hydrocarbon radicals, e.g. methyl, ethyl, n.propyl, isopropyl, the butyl, pentyl, hexyl or heptyl isomers; alkyloxy defines methyloxy, ethyloxy, propyloxy or the four butyloxy isomers, with methyloxy, ethyloxy or isopropyloxy being preferred; halo is generic to fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo, with fluoro and chloro being preferred; alkenyl defines e.g. ethenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-methylethenyl, 3-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 1-butenyl, 1-propenyl, methyl-2-propenyl or 3-methyl-2-butenyl, with ethenyl, 2-propenyl and methyl-2-propenyl being preferred; alkynyl denotes e.g. ethynyl, 1-propynyl, propargyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl or 3-butynyl, with ethynyl or propargyl being preferred; cycloalkyl defines cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl, with cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl being preferred. Radicals that can be obtained from combination of groups defined hereinabove e.g. haloalkyl, alkyloxyalkyl or haloalkylcarbonyl are defined by the combination of the corresponding group member definitions. Important examples thereof are trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, 2,2,2,-trifluoroethyl, methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl or ethoxyethyl. The Rl and R radicals are attached to the same carbon atom. Hence, R and R^ together with this carbon atom may form a spiro-ring structure. A typical example of such spiro-rings are cyclopropane, cyclopentane, cyclohexane and cycloheptane. The invention also comprises the salts which the compounds of formula (I) are able to form with organic or inorganic bases such as amines, alkali metal bases and earth alkaline metal bases, or quaternary ammonium bases, or with organic or inorganic acids, such as mineral acids, sulfonic acids, carboxylic acids or phosphorus containing acids. Examples of salt-forming mineral acids are hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, chloric acid, perchloric acid or phosphoric acid. Preferred salt-forming sulfonic acids are toluenesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid or trifluoromethane sulfonic acid. Preferred salt-forming carboxylic acids are acetic acid, trifluσroacetic acid, benzoic acid, chloroacetic acid, phthalic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid and citric acid. Phosphorus containing acids are the various phosphonous acids, phosphonic acids and phosphinic acids. Preferred salt-forming alkali metal hydroxides and earth alkaline metal hydroxides are the hydroxides of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium, most preferably those of sodium or potassium. Examples of suitable salt-forming amines are primary, secondary and tertiary aliphatic and aromatic amines such as methylamine, ethylamine, propylamine, isopropylamine, the four butylamine isomers, dimethylamine, diethylamine, diethanolamine, dipropylamine, diisopropylamine, di-n-butylamine, pyrrolidine, piperidine, morpholine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, quinuclidine, pyridine, quinoline and isoquinoline. Preferred amines are ethylamine, propylamine, diethylamine or triethylamine, with isopropylamine, diethanolamine and l,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane being most preferred. Examples of quaternary ammonium bases are, in general, the cations of haloammonium salts, e.g. the tetramethylammonium cation, the trimethylbenzylammomum cation, the triethylbenzylammonium cation, and also the ammonium cation. The invention also comprises all stereoisomers of the compounds of formula (I). Unless otherwise mentioned or indicated, the chemical designation of compounds denotes the mixtures of all stereochemically isomeric forms. These mixtures contain all diastereomers and enantiomers of the basic molecular structure. Pure isomeric forms of these compounds can be separated from the mixtures by conventional separation methods. Enantiomers, for example, can be separated by liquid chromatography over a chiral stationary phase. Interesting compounds arc those compounds of formula (I), wherein R 1 and R 2 are each independently hydrogen, Ci^alkyl or R 1 and R 2 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected form a spiro C3-6cycloalkyl group; Q is O or S; n is 0 or 1; L is COOR 9 , CONR-^R 11 , CN, or a radical of formula R 8 is hydrogen or Ci^alkyl; R 10 is hydrogen or Ci-3alkyl; R 11 is hydrogen or Cι_3alkyl; and R 3 is hydrogen. Preferred compounds are those compounds of formula (I) wherein R represents wherein R' is hydrogen, fluoro, hydroxy or a spiro-bond; R- and R-2 are each independently hydrogen, C^galkyl or R\ and R-2 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected form a spiro C3_6cycloalkyl group; or R' and R form an extra bond; R~ and R^ are each independently hydrogen or Cι_galkyl; R^ and R^ are hydrogen; Q is O, S or NR 7 ; X is CH2, 0 or S; Y is O or NR 8 ; n is 0 or 1; L is COOR 9 , CONRWR 1 1 or C(=S)NR 10 R 1 R 7 is l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl or 2-methyl-2-fluoropropyl; R- is hydrogen, Cj.galkyl or l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl; R 9 is hydrogen or C^alkyl; R 0 is hydrogen, C^alkyl or l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxy- ethyl; and R*l is hydrogen, C^al yl or phenyl. Particularly preferred compounds are those preferred compounds wherein R' is hydrogen or a spiro-bond; R 1 and R^ are each, independently hydrogen or Ci-4alkyl; R3 and R^ are each independently hydrogen or C _4alkyl; Q is O; X is CH2 or O; Y is O or NH; L is COOR 9 or CONR 1 ^ 1 -; R 9 is hydrogen or Ci^alkyl; RlO is hydrogen or C1.3a.kyl; and R^ is hydrogen or Cι. ~~ lkyL The most preferred compounds are those compounds wherein R represents wherein R 1 is hydrogen or a spiro-bond; R- and R-2 are each independently hydrogen or Cι_4alkyl; R^ and R^ are each independently hydrogen or Ci^alkyl; Q is O; X is CH^ Y is O orNH; and L is COOCH3. The most interesting compound of formula (I) is methyl 3-(2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl- lH-inden-l-yl)-4-pyridinecarboxylate. The compounds of formula ® comprise the isonicotinic acid derivatives of formula (I-a) wherein R is a radical of the formula and wherein R' is hydrogen, fluoro or hydroxy, and X, n, L, and R- to R 9 are as defined under formula (I). Typical examples are e.g. 3-(2,2-dimethyl-l-indanyl)isonicotinic acid, 3-(2,2-dimethyl- l-indanyl)isonicotinic acid methyl ester, 3-(2,2-dimethyl-l-indanyl)isonicotinic acid (l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)amide, 3-(2,2-dimethyl-l-indanyl)isonicotinic acid (l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)amide hydrochloride, 3-[2,2-dimethyl-l-(l^,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl)]isonicotinic acid methyl ester, 3-[2,3-dimethyl-l-(3,4-dihydronaphthyl)]isonicotinic acid methyl ester, 3-diphenylmethyl-isonicotinic acid, 3-diphenylmethyl-isonicotinic acid methyl ester, and 3-diphenylmethyl-isonicotinic acid (l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)amide. The compounds of formula (I) also comprise furo- and thieno[3,4-c]pyridin- 1 (3H)-one, -thione and -imine derivatives having the formula (I-b) wherein Q and R are as defined under formula (I) and Y is O or S . Preferred compounds represented by formula (I-b) are : spirof 1 -(2-2-dimethyl)indanyl]- 1,3'( 1 , H)-furo[3,4-c]pyridin-2'-one; spiro[l-(2,2-dimethyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl)]-l,3'(l , H)-furo[3,4-c]pyridin-2'- one; spiro[ 1 -(2,2-dimethyl)indanyl]- 1 ,3'( rH)-furo[3,4-c]pyridin-2'-one, N-oxide; spiro[l-(2,2-^memyl)inα , ωyl]-l,3 , (lH)-furo[3,4-c]pyridin-2-(2-methyl-2- fluoropropyI)imine; and spiro[l-(2,2-dimethyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl)]-l,3'(rH)-furo[3,4-c]pyridin- 2'-(2-methyl-2-fluoropropyl)imine. Further, the compounds of formula (I) comprise thepyτrolo[3,4-c]pyridin-l(3H>one derivatives having the formula (I-c) wherein Q, R and R 8 are as defined under formula (L). Preferred compounds represented by formula (I-c) are : spiro[l-(2,2-ώmethyl)indanyl]-l,3 l l)-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridin-2 , -one and spiro[l-(2,2-dimethyl)indanyl]-l,3 rHJ-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridin-r-methyl-2'-one. The compounds of formula (I) can be prepared from 4-(4',4'-dimethyloxazolin- 2'-yl)pyridine of the formula which is known from J. Org. Chem.4 ~ (13), 2633 (1982). Said starting compound is treated with LiCH3 in a reaction-inert organic solvent at a temperature as low as -78°C and the reaction mixture is allowed to warm up to about 0°C. After cooling again to about -78°C, the keto form of a radical R as described hereinabove is added. Said keto compounds have the formula wherein n, R- to R^ and X are as defined under formula (I). The thus formed tertiary carbinol intermediate, which is not isolated, rearranges to a spiro-iminolactone of formula (I-d) wherein R is as defined under formula (I). An example of such a compound is, e.g. sp o[l-(2,2-αιmethyl)indan]-l,3'(ri furo[3,4-c]pyridin-2'-(l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxy- ethyl)imine, the synthesis of which is described in Example 1. Reactions of this type are described in, e.g. J. Org. Chem. 42 (13), 2633 (1982) and Tetrahedron 3_, 337 (1978). Surprisingly, the compound of formula (I-d) wherein R represents spiro[l-(l,2,3,4- tetrahydronaphthyl)], said compound being represented by formula (I-d-1) further rearranges to the amide of formula (I-d-2). c -άrl) d-d-2) Alternatively, the compounds of formula (I) can also be prepared from H, H-dϋsopropyl pyridin-4-carboxamide of the formula CH 3 which is known from Terr. Lett. 21, 4739 (1980). Said starting compound is treated with lithium N-(l-methylethyl 2-propanamide (prepared firom butyl lithium andH-(l-n e hylethyl 2-propanamine) in a reaction-inert organic solvent at a temperature as low as -78°C and subsequently the keto form of a radical R as described hereinabove is added. Thus, a compound of formula (I-e) is formed wherein R(OH) represents R with R 1 being hydroxy The isonicotinic acid derivatives of formula (I-a) wherein L is l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxy- ethylaminocarbonyl, said compound being represented by formula (I-f), can be prepared by catalytically hydrogenolyzing an iminolactone compound of formula (I-d) in a reaction-inert solvent These compounds of formula (I-f) can be converted in an acid aqueous environment at an elevated temperature into the isonicotinic acid derivative of formula (I-g) which can further be esterified following art-known procedures with an alcohol of formula HOR 9 " a (II), wherein R 9 ~ a is defined as R 9 but other than hydrogen, to an ester of formula (I-h). The carboxylic acids of formula (I-g) can also be prepared from the corresponding spiro-lactone of formula (I-b-1) by catalytic hydrogenolysis in a reaction-inert solvent. "* ~ M Furo[3,4-c]pyridin-l(3H)-one and -thione compoimds of formula (I-b-1) can be obtained by reacting an iminolactone compound of formula (I-d) in an acid aqueous environment at an elevated temperature following art-known procedures. In some instances, the (thio)lactone of formula (I-b-1) may further rearrange to a (thio)carboxylic acid derivative wherein R' and R 1 form an extra bond. Interestingly, treatment of an iminolactone compoimd of formula (I-d) in a concentrated acid, e.g. concentrated hydrochloric acid results in the formation of a lactam of formula (I-c-1). The compounds of formula (I-b-1) can also be obtained by reacting a compound of formula (I-e) wherein R(OH) is as defined hereinabove, in an acid aqueous environment at an elevated temperature following art-known procedures. The spiro-lactam and spiro-thiolactam compounds of formula (I-c) can be prepared by reacting spiro-lactone and spiro-thiolactone compounds of formula (I-b), with ammonia or an amine of the formula NH2-R 8 , wherein R 8 is as defined under formula (I) at a temperature between 250°C and 300°C, according to a method described in J. Am. Chem. Soc.21, 896 (1949). The said reaction is preferably conducted in a closed reaction vessel, e.g. in a sealed thick-walled glass tube, in the presence of an excess of the amine compound. In some instances the desired spiro-lactam and spiro-thiolactam compounds of formula (I-c) are accompanied by (thio)amides of formula (I-a-1), which can be separated from one another following art-known purification procedures. The spiro-thiolactone or the spiro-thiolactam compounds of formula (I-c) wherein Q is S, and the thioamides wherein L represents C(=S)NR10R1 - can be obtained by reacting the corresponding compound wherein Q is O or L represents C(=O)NR10R1 L , with Lawesson's reagent in methylbenzene at an elevated temperature, preferably under reflux conditions. The preparation of the iminolactone compounds of formula (I-d) is very particular, since the addition of the methyl lithium to the 4-(4',4 , -dimethyloxazolin-2'-yl)pyridine at a temperature of -78°C has to be done in a completely waterfree solvent and with the exclusion of any moisture. Reaction-inert solvents are here e.g. dry ethers, which dissolve methyl lithium but do not react with it, for example, diethyl ether, dipropyl ethyl, 2,2'-oxybispropane, dioxane or tetrahydrofuran. In order to reach the required reaction temperature for addition of CH3Li, the reaction mixture can be cooled in a CX>2 (dry ice) / 2-propanone bath. The catalytic hydrogenolysis of the compounds of formula (I-d) or (I-b-1) is performed by hydrogenation using native hydrogen. The latter is preferably prepared in a reaction- inert solvent, in the presence of a catalyst, by introduction of hydrogen. Said hydrogenolysis reaction is performed in a reaction-inert solvent such as, for example an alcohol or an ether, e.g. methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, dimethyl ether, 2,2'-oxybis- propane, dioxane or tetrahydrofuran. The said catalyst is, for example, palladium-on- charcoal or platinum-on-charcoal. Both the reaction of the iminolactone compounds of formula (I-d) to furo[3,4-c]- pyridine-l(3H)one compounds of formula (I-b) and the reaction of the l,l-dimethyl-2- hydroxyethylisonicotinic acid amide compounds of formula (I-f) to the corresponding isonicotinic acid derivatives of formula (I-g) are saponifications known in the art. The said saponification reactions are conducted in the presence of a strong 4-6 N mineral acid, at an elevated temperature. Examples of suitable mineral acids are hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid and the like. In order to reach the required elevated temperature, it is sufficient e.g. to boil the reaction mixture, preferably under reflux conditions. The compounds of formula (I-b) (Q = NR 7 ) with fluorine in the iminoalkyl part can be prepared from the corresponding iminolactone alcohol of formula (I-d). The iminolactone alcohol is dissolved in a reaction-inert organic solvent, preferably a chlorohydrocarbon, and then mixed with an equimolar quantity of diethylaminosulf ur- trifluoride (DAST). When the slightly exothermic reaction has ceased, stirring is continued for a few more hours and the fluorinated reaction product can be isolated from the reaction mixture by procedures known in the art. Similarly, the hydroxy group in the compounds of formula (I-e) can be converted into fluorine following the above described procedure, thus yielding a compound of (I-i) wherein R' is fluoro and the radical R may be represented as R(F) and L represents -CO-N(iPr)2- The esterification of the nicotinic acid derivatives of formula (I-g) to the ester of formula (I-h) can be conducted by procedures known in the art, e.g. by boiling the acid with an excess of the required alkanol of formula (HO in the presence of an acid, e.g. concentrated hydrochloric or sulfuric acid; or by converting the nicotinic acid derivative of formula (I-g) into an acyl halide, e.g. the acyl chloride, followed by reaction of the latter with the alkanol of formula (II). The N_-oxide forms of the compounds of formula Q can conveniently be prepared by N-oxidation with an appropriate organic or inorganic peroxide such as, for example, hydrogen peroxide, perbenzoic acid, 3-chloroperbenzoic acid, tbutyl hydroperoxide and the like. Suitable solvents for said N-oxidation reactions are, for example, water, alkanols, e.g. methanol, ethanol and the like, halogenated hydrocarbons, e.g. dichloromethane, trichloromethane and the like. The compounds of formula (I) are stable compounds and no precautionary measures arc required for handling them. The selective herbicidal action of the compounds according to the present invention is observed both when used pre- and postemergence of the weeds. Therefore, these compounds can be applied successfully for both preventive and curative selective control of weeds in crops of useful plants. The compounds of formula (I), however, are preferably used preventively. The invention also relates to herbicidal compositions containing one or more inert carriers and, if desired, other adjuvants and as active ingredient a herbicidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I) as defined hereinabove. Further the invention relates to methods of controlling weeds by the application of the novel compounds to said weeds or to the locus thereof. In the method for controiing weeds according to the invention the compounds of formula (I) are used in unmodified form or, preferably, together with the adjuvants conventionally employed in the art of formulation. They are therefore formulated following art-known procedures to emulsifiable concentrates, directly sprayable or dilutable solutions, dilute emulsions, wettable powders, soluble powders, dusts, granulates, and also encapsulations in e.g. polymer substances. Depending on the nature of the compositions, the methods of application, such as spraying, atomising, dusting, scattering or pouring, are chosen in accordance with the intended objectives and the prevailing circumstances. The formulations, i.e. the compositions, preparations or mixtures containing the compound (active ingredient) of formula (I) and, where appropriate, a solid or liquid adjuvant, are prepared in known manner, e.g. by homogeneously mixing and/or grinding the active ingredients with extenders, e.g. solvents, solid carriers and, where appropriate, surface-active compounds (surfactants). Suitable solvents are aromatic hydrocarbons, preferably the fractions containing 8 to 12 carbon atoms, such as, alkylbenzene mixtures, e.g. dimethylbenzene mixtures or alkylated naphthalenes, aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbons such as paraffins, cyclohexane or tetrahydronaphtalene, 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, dimethylsulfoxide or water, vegetable oils and their esters, such as rape, castor or soybean oil, possibly also silicon oil. 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 materials such as 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. Suitable anionic surfactants can be both water-soluble soaps and water-soluble synthetic surface-active compounds. Suitable soaps are the alkali metal salts, earth alkaline metal salts or unsubstituted or substituted ammonium salts of higher fatty acids {C\ ~ -C ~~ ). 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. In addition, there may also be mentioned fatty acid methyltaurin salts. More frequently, however, so-called synthetic surfactants are used, especially fatty sulfonates, fatty sulfates, sulfonated benzimidazole derivatives or alkylarylsulfonates. The fatty sulfonates or sulfates are usually in the form of alkali metal salts, earth alkaline metal salts or unsubstitued or substituted ammonium salts and contain a C ~ -C22 ~ ^ ~ Y- radical which also includes the alkyl moiety of acyl radicals, e.g. the sodium or calcium salt of lignosulfonic acid, of dodecylsulfate or of a mixture of fatty alcohol sulfates obtained from natural fatty acids. These compounds also comprise the salts of sulfuric acid esters and sulfonic acids of fatty alcohol/ethylene oxide adducts. The sulfonated benzimidazole 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 dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, dibutylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, or of a naphthalenesulfonic acidformaldehyde condensation product Also suitable are corresponding phosphates, e.g. salts of the phosphoric acid ester of an adduct of p-nonylphenol with 4 to 14 moles of ethylene oxide, or phospholipids. Non-ionic surfactants are preferably polyglycol ether derivatives of aliphatic or cycloaliphatic alcohols, or saturated or unsaturated fatty acids and alkylphenols, said derivatives containing 3 to 10 glycol ether groups and 8 to 20 carbon atoms in the (alifatic) 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 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 nonylphenolpolyethoxyethanols, castor oil polyglycol ethers, polypropylene/polyethylene oxide adducts, tributyl- phenoxypolyethoxyethanol, polyethylene glycol andoctylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol. Fatty acid esters of polyethylene sorbitan, such as 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 -C22al yl radical and, as further substituents, unsubstituted or halogenated lower alkyl, benzyl or hydroxy-lower alkyl radicals. The salts are preferably in the form of halides, methylsulfates or ethylsulfates, e.g. stearyl- trimethylammonium chloride or benzyldi(2-<:Moroethyl)ethylammonium bromide. The surfactants customarily employed in the art of formulation are described e.g. in the following publications: "McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual", MC Publishing Corp., Ridgewood, New Jersey, 1981; H. Stache, "Tensid-Taschenbuch", 2nd Edition, C. Hanser Verlag, Munich & Vienna, 1981, M. and J. Ash, "Encyclopedia of Surfactants", Vol. I-m, Chemical Publishing Co., New York, 1980-81. The herbicidal compositions which are preferably employed in the method of the invention usually contain 0.1 to 99%, preferably 0.1 to 95% of a compound of formula (I), 1 to 99% of a solid or liquid adjuvant, and 0 to 25% preferably 0.1 to 25% of a surfactant The commercial forms of said herbicidal compositions are advantageously concentrates which can easily be diluted by the end user. The compositions can also contain further additives, such as, stabilizers, e.g. optionally epoxidized vegetable oils (epoxidized coconut rape or soybean oil), defoamers, e.g. silicon oil, conservatives, viscosity regulators, binding materials, fillers and dung or other materials for special purposes. Preferred formulations are composed in particular of the following constituents (% = percentage by weight) : Emulsifiable concentrates active ingredient 1 to 9%, preferably 2 to 5 % surfactant : 5 to 30% preferably 10 to 20% liquid carrier 5 to 94% preferably 70 to 85% Dusts active ingredient : 0.1 to 10%, 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% surfactant 1 to 40%, preferably 2 to 30% Wettable powders active ingredient 0.5 to 90%, preferably 1 to 80% surfactant 0.5 to 20%, preferably 1 to 15% solid carrier 5 to 95%, preferably 15 to 90% Granulates active ingredient : 0.5 to 30%, preferably 3 to 15% solid carrier : 99.5 to 70%, preferably 97 to 85% The following examples are intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the present invention. Experimental part 10.56 g of 2 , -(4-pyridyl)-4',4 , -dimethyloxazoline (prepared as described in J. Org. Chem.47 (13), 2633, 1982) and 120 ml of tetrahydrofuran (dried over a molecular sieve) were cooled to -78°C in an Cθ2 acetone bath.50 g of methyl lithium (1.6 N in diethyl ether) were brought in a drop funnel by means of a syringe. The methyl lithium was added to the tetrahydrofuran solution over a few minutes, which caused the reaction solution to become orange. The solution was stirred for 1 hour at -78°C and then warmed to 0°C in an ice/salt bath. The reaction solution became dark brown. The solution was stirred for 1 hour at 0°C and cooled again to -78°C. A solution of 28.8 g of 2,2-dimethylindanone in 10 ml of tetrahydrofuran was added dropwise over 5 minutes. After stirring for 15 minutes at -75°C, the solution was warmed to room temperature in a water bath and was then poured in an aqueous saturated ammonium chloride solution. The water phase was extracted with ether and the combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated, yielding 44.1 g of dark brown product. The latter was purified by column chromatography (silica gel ; CH3COOC2H5 ), yielding 7.06 g (35%) of the iminolactone (comp. 1.001). The -1H and ^C NMR results and those of elementary analysis confirmed the expected iminolactone alcohol structure. Example 2 : Preparation of : 5.50 g of the iminolactone compound (comp. 1.001) was hydrogenated in 150 ml of methanol at room temperature and normal pressure in the presence of palladium-on- charcoal catalyst 5%. The catalyst was filtered off over diatomaceous earth and the filtrate was evaporated, yielding 5.60 g of red crystals. These were recrystallized from a mixture of methanol and ether, yielding 3.40 g (63%) of white crystals of N-(2- hyciroxy-2,2-^memylethyl)-3-(2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimemyl-lH-inden-l-yl)-4-pyridine- carboxamide (comp. 3.024), mp. 112-116°C. Example 3 : Preparation of : To a cooled (-80°C) and stirred solution of 5.25 g of H-(l-methylethyl)-2-propanamine in 500 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran there were added 20 ml of butyl lithium (2.5 M in hexane) and, after stirring for 1 hour at -80°C, 10.3 g of £LN-bis(l-methylethyl)-4- pyridinecarboxamide (prepared as described in Tetr. Lett 2_L 4739, 1980). Stirring at -80°C was continued for 3 hours and then there were added 9.3 g of 2,2-dimethyl- acenaphthylen-l(2H)-one. The whole was stirred for 18 hours at room temperature and was then poured into water. The product was extracted with ether and the extract was dried, filtered and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (silica gel ; CH2CI2 / CH3OH 95:5). The eluent of the desired fraction was evaporated, yielding 4.2 g (20.9%) of (±)-3-(l,2-dihydro-l-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-l- acenaphthylenyl)-N, N-bis(l-methylethyl)-4-pyridinecarboxamide (comp. 5.006) Example 4 : Preparation of : 3.20 g of the iminolactone compound (comp. 1.001) were dissolved in 14.3 ml hydrochloric acid 4.5 N. After stirring for 18 hours at reflux temperature, the reaction mixture was filtered and the clear, brown filtrate was brought to pH 4 with a sodium carbonate solution. The water phase was extracted with ether. The organic phase was washed with water and brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to 2.37 g (95%) of a brown oil, which crystallized upon standing, yielding 2\3'*--dihydro-2\2--dimethyI- spiro[furo[3,4-c]pyridin-3(lH), l'[lH]-inden]-l-one; mp. 84°C (comp. 4.001). Example 5 : Preparation of : A mixture of 4.2 g of compound (5.006) and 100 ml of hydrochloric acid 2N was stirred for 12 hours at reflux temperature. After cooling, the reaction mixture was neutralized with a sodium carbonate solution. The product was extracted with ether and the extract was dried, filtered and evaporated. The residue was converted into the hydrochloride salt in ether by addition of 2-propanol saturated with HC1. The salt was filtered off, dried and purified by column chromatography (HPLC ; silica gel ; CH2CI2 / CH3OH 95:5). The eluent of the desired fraction was evaporated, yielding 0.4 g (11 %) of 2,2-dimethyl-spiro-[acenaphthylene-l(2H ,3 i'H)-furo[3,4-c]pyridin]-r-one hydrochloride; mp. 157.2°C (comp. 4.018). Example 6 : Preparation of : 2.90 g of compound (3.024) were dissolved in 100 ml hydrochloric acid 6N and stirred for 14 hours at reflux temperature. A clear solution was formed which was evaporated to yield violet crystals. These were stirred in ether, filtered off, washed with ether and dried, yielding 3.2 g of 3-(2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-lH-inden-l-yl)-4-pyridine- carboxylic acid monohydrochloride; mp. 160-164°C. According to gas chromatography the product is contaminated with 19% of 2-amino-2-methyl-l-propanol. Example 7 : Preparation of : 3.18 g of compound (3.027) were dissolved in 160 ml of methanol. 6.4 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid was added dropwise and the solution was refluxed for 3 days, yielding a dark brown, clear solution. The latter was evaporated and the residual oil was neutralized with an aqueous sodium carbonate solution. The product was extracted with dichloromethane and the extract was washed with a diluted sodium carbonate solution and brine, dried over Na2Sθ4 and evaporated, yielding 2.80 g of a dark brown oil. The oil was filtered over silica gel, yielding 2.00 g (83.6 %) of methyl 3-(2,3-dihydro-2,2- dimethyl-lH-inden-l-yl)-4-pyridinecarboxylate (comp. 3.001). Example 8 : Preparation of : 3.70 g of compound (1.001) were dissolved in 30 ml of dichloromethane. 1.77 g of diemylaminosulfur trifluoride (D AST) were added dropwise over 5 minutes at room temperature while stirring (slightly exothermic reaction). The reaction mixture was stirred for 18 hours at room temperature. The brown reaction solution was cooled to 0°C and mixed with 60 ml of ice-water. The product was extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was washed with water and NaHCO3 (sat), dried over Na2CO3 and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (silica gel ; CH3COOC2H5). The eluent of the desired fraction was evaporated, yielding 2.29 g (66.3 %) of yellowish crystals of ^-(Z.S'-dihydro- ^'-dimethylspiroEfuroP^-c]- pyridin-3(lH), l , [lHJ-inden]-l-ylidene)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropanamine ; mp.90-92°C (comp. 2.001). Example 9 : Preparation of : 2.66 g compound (4.001) and 2 g of methanamine were heated for 5 hours at 280°C in a sealed thick-walled glass tube. After cooling, the reaction mixture was poured into 100 ml of dichloromethane and the whole was washed with water, dried over Na2SO 4 and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (silica gel ; CH3COOC2H5). The eluent of the desired fraction was evaporated, yielding 0.70 g of a viscous oil, being 2,3-dihydro-2,2,2'-trimethylsp o[lH-indene-l,3'[3HIp * yrrolo- [3,4-c]pyridin]-l'(2Η)-one) (comp. 4.019). Another fraction yielded the reduced 3-(2,3-dmydro-2,2-dimethyl-IH-inden-l-yl)-N- methyl-4-pyridinecarboxamide, mp. 146-148°C (comp. 3.002), of formula The ratio of title product to the reduced 4-pyridine-carboxamide is 1 to 4. Example 10 : Preparation of : A mixture of 4 g of compound (4.016) in 100 ml of ammonium hydroxide was stirred in a sealed thick- walled glass tube at 240°C or 18 hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture was poured into water. The product was extracted with dichloromethane and the extract was dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated. The residue was recrystallized from diisopropylether and dried, yielding 2.7 g (67%) of spiro[9H-fluorene-9,3'[3fflpyrrolo- [3,4-c]pyridin]-l * (2Η)-one; mp. 208.5°C (comp. 4.028). Example 11 : Preparation of : To a stirred and cooled (-78°C) solution of 26.4 g of 4-(4,5-dihydro-4,4-dimethyl-2- oxazolyl)pyridine in 200 ml of tetrahydrofuran (distilled over LiAlH4) there were added 70 ml of methyl Hthium under a nitrogen atmosphere. Stirring was continued for 2 hours at 0°C. At -78°C, there was added a solution of 22 g of 3,4-dihydro-l(2H naphthalenone in 50 ml of tetrahydrofuran. After stirring overnight at room temperature, the reaction mixture was poured into a saturated NH4CI solution. The product was extracted with diethyl ether and the extract was dried, filtered and evaporated. The residue was recrystallized from acetonitrile, yielding 8.5 g (17.6%) of 3-(3,4-dihydro-l- naphthalenyl)-N-(2-hydroxy-l,l- iimethylemyl)- -pyrid e(»rbo mp. 156.8°C (comp. 3.031). Example 12 : Preparation of : A mixture of 5 g of compound (1.017) and 25 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid was refluxed for 48 hours. The reaction mixture was purified by column chromatography (silica gel ; CH2CI2 / CH3OH 95:5). The eluent of the desired fraction was evaporated and the residue was recrystallized from acetonitrile, yielding 0.7 g (14%) of 2'-(2- hydroxy-l,l-dimethylethyl)sp o[9H-fluorene-9,3T3HIpyπOlo[3,4-c]pyriα π]-i 2 , H)- one; mp. 194.9°C (comp.4.030). Example 13 : Preparation of : A mixture of 2.0 g of compound (3.002), 3.5 g of Lawesson's reagent and some methylbenzene were stirred and heated for 1 hour. After cooling, the reaction mixture was partitioned between dichloromethane and NaHCO3 (1M). The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (silica gel ; CH3COOC2H5). The eluent of the desired fraction was evaporated, yielding 1.8 g (85%) of M- ethyl-3-(2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-lH-inden- l-yl)-4-pyridine thiocarboxamide; mp. 187-189°C (comp. 3.029). Example 14 : Preparation of : A mixture of 53 g of compound (4.001) and 500 ml of tetrahydrofuran was hydrogenated at normal pressure and room temperature in the presence of 10 g of palladium-on-charcoal catalyst 5%. After the calculated amount of hydrogen was taken up, the catalyst was filtered off and washed with tetrahydrofuran. The combined filtrates were evaporated, yielding 51.6 g (97%) of 3-(2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-lH-inden-l- yl)-4-pyridinecarboxylic acid; mp. 254-257°C (comp. 3.027). Example 15 : Preparation of : To a solution of 3.66 g of compound (5.001) in 30 ml of dichloromethane there were added 1.61 g of diethylaminosulfur trifluoride and the whole was refluxed overnight. The reaction mixture was washed with water, dried, filtered and evaporated, yielding 2.4 g (65%) of N, N-bis(l-methylethyl)-3-(2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-l-fluoro-lH- inden-l-yl)-4-pyridinecarboxamide (amorphous) (comp. 5.007). Example 16 : Preparation of : To a cooled (0°C) solution of 1.0 g of compound (4.001) in 6 ml of dichloromethane there was added dropwise a solution of 0.72 g of 3-chloroperbenzoic acid in 6 ml of dichloromethane. After stirring for 22 hours at room temperature, the reaction mixture was filtered through 40 g of basic alox (AI2O3) and the filtrate was evaporated, yielding 0.8 g (75%) of 2 3'-a^ydro-2 2-dimemyl-spfro[furo[3,4-c]pyridin-3(lH), 1'[1HJ- inden]-l-one, N-oxide; mp. 150-153°C (comp. 4.031). Example 17 : Preparation of : A solution of 2.9 g of compound (1.010) in hydrochloric acid (4.5 N) was refluxed overnight The reaction mixture was basified to pH 8 with cone. Na2CO3 solution. The product was extracted with dichloromethane in a Kutscher-Steudel apparatus and the extract was dried, filtered and evaporated. The residue was filtered over silica gel, yielding 3-(3,4-dmydro-2,3-dimethyl-l-naphthyl)-4-pyridinecarboxylic acid. The latter was esterified with methanol in the presence of sulfuric acid, yielding methyl 3-(3,4-dihydro-2,3-dimethyl-l-naphthyl)-4-pyridinecarboxylate as an oil (comp. 3.009). Example 18 : Separation into the pure enantiomers of : 0.164 g of compound (4.020) (prepared following the procedure described in example 10) were separated into the pure enantiomers by preparative column chromatography (Chiralcell OD ® ; hexane / C2H5OH 85: 15). The eluent of the separated fractions was evaporated, yielding resp. 0.050 g (30.5%) of A enantiomer, mp.233.8°C (e.e. = 97%) (comp.4.032) and 0.050 g (30.5%) of B enantiomer, mp. 223.5°C (e.e. = 96%) (comp. 4.033). All compounds listed in tables 1-5 were prepared following methods of preparation described in examples 1-18, as is indicated in the column Ex. No. Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Co. Ex. R Physical data No. No. 3.012 COOCH3 3.013 COOCH3 3.014 COOCH3 3.015 COOCH3 3.016 COOCH3 3.017 COOCH3 3.018 COOCH3 3.019 COOCH3 3.020 COOCH3 3.021 COOCH3 HCl / mp. 139.9°C Table 5 COMPOSITION EXAMPLES Example 19 : Composition examples for liquid active ingredients of formula (D (percentages are by weight) Emulsions of any required concentration could be produced from such concentrate by dilution with water. These solutions were suitable for application in the form of microdrops. c) Granulates compound of formula (I) kaolin highly dispersed silicic acid attapulgite The active ingredient was dissolved in methylene chloride, the solution was sprayed onto the carrier, and the solvent was subsequently evaporated off in vacuo. d) Dusts compound of formula (T) highly dispersed silicic acid talcum kaolin - 90% Ready-for-use dusts were obtained by intimately mixing the carriers with the active ingredient Example 20 : Composition examples for solid compounds of formula (T) (percentages are by weight) a) Wettable powders compound of formula (I) sodium lignosulfonate sodium laurylsulfate sodium diisobutylnaphthalensulfonate octylphenol polyethylene glycol ether (7-8 moles of ethylene oxide) highly dispersed silicic acid kaolin The active ingredient was thoroughly mixed with the adjuvants and the mixture was thoroughly ground in a suitable mill, affording wettable powders which could be diluted with water to give suspensions of the desired concentration. Emulsions of any required concentration could be obtained from this concentrate by dilution with water. c) Dusts compound of formula (I) talcum kaolin d) Extruder granulate compound of formula (I) sodium lignosulfate carboxymethylcellulose kaolin The active ingredient was mixed and ground with the adjuvants, and the mixture was subsequently moistened with water. The mixture was extruded and dried in a stream of air. e) Coated granulate a) compound of formula (I) 3% polyethylene glycol (mol. wt 200) 3% kaolin 94% The finely ground active ingredient was uniformly applied, in a mixer, to the kaolin moistened with polyethylene glycol. Non-dusty coated granulates were obtained in this manner. The finely ground active ingredient was intimately mixed with the adjuvants, giving a suspension concentrate from which suspension of any desired concentration could be obtained by dilution with water. BIOLOGICAL EXAMPLES Example 21 : Preemergence herbicidal action In a greenhouse, immediately after sowing the test plants in seed dishes, the surface of the soil was treated with an aqueous dispersion of the test compounds, obtained from a 25% emulsifiable concentrate. Several concentration series of test compound per hectare were used. The seed dishes were kept in the greenhouse at 22-25°C and 50-70% relative humidity and the test was evaluated 3 weeks later. The herbicidal action is evaluated by means of a nine-step rating (1 = total destruction of the test plants, 9 = no herbicidal action on the test plants) in comparison with an untreated control group. Degrees 1 to 4 (in particular from 1 to 3) point to a good to very good herbicidal action. Degrees 6 to 9 (in particular from 7 to 9) point to a high tolerance (in particular with cultivated plants). The data obtained using the compounds 1.003 and 3.001 are summarized in Table 6. Table 6 Example 22 : Postemergence herhici l actio (contact herbicide) A large number of plants, both monocotyle and dicotyle were sprayed postemergence (in the 4 to 6 leaf stage) with an aqueous active ingredient dispersion in rates of 1000 and 500 g of test compound per hectare and kept at 24-26°C and 45-60% relative humidity. The test was evaluated 15 days after treatment in accordance with the same rating as employed in the preemergence test In this test, the compounds of formula (I) were also most effective against the tested weeds whereas the cultivated plants remained unaffected. The data obtained using the compounds 1.003 and 3.001 are summerized in Table 7. Table 7 were sown in a plastic container (60 cπfi surface, 500 ml volume). The container is then filled with water up to the soil surface. After 3 days, the container was watered to such an extent that a water layer of 3-5mm covered the surface. Then, an aqueous emulsion of the test substance was squirted on the crops. The applied dosage corresponded to an amount of active material of 0.5 to 4 kg a.i. per hectare (amount of solution corresponds to 5501/ ha). The plant container is then kept in the greenhouse in optimum circumstances for growing the rice weeds : 25-30°C and high relative humidity. The evaluation of this test was made 3 weeks later. The tested compounds were found to damage the weeds but not the rice. The data obtained using the compounds 1.003 and 3.001 are summarized in Table 8. Table 8

Claims: Oaims 1. A compound having the formula an acceptable addition salt, a stereochemically isomeric form or a ££-oxide thereof, wherein R is attached to the pyridinyl group by a single bond or by a spiro-bond, and R has the formula wherein R' is hydrogen, fluoro, hydroxy or a spiro-bond; R- and - are each independently hydrogen, Cι_ -alkyl or R* and R^ together with the carbon atom to which they are connected form a spiro C3_6cycloalkyl group; or R! and R form an extra bond; R3 and R^ are each independently hydrogen or C^alkyl; Rβ andR^ are each independently hydrogen, halo, Cι_4alkyl, C _4alkyloxy, C * _4haloalkyloxy, Cμ4haloalkyl, C3_7alkenyl, amino, carbonyl, nitro, methoxycarbonyl or aminocarbonyl; Q is O, S orNR 7 ; X is CH 2 , O, S, SO or NR»; Y is O. S or NRS; n is 0, 1 or 2; L is COOR 9 , CONRiOR 11 , C(=S)NR 10 R U , CN, or a radical of formula E is O, S or NR 8 ; R 7 is l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl or 2-methyl-2-fluoropropyl; R 8 is hydrogen, C j .6alkyl or l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl; R9 is hydrogen, C j . alkyl, C3_galkenyl, C3_galkynyl, C2_i6alkyloxyalkyl or C3-7cycloalkyl; RlO is hydrogen, C-^alkyl or l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl; R- - is hydrogen, or phenyl; and R*2 and R 3 each independently are hydrogen or methyl. except for : 3,3-diphenyl-3H-furo[3,4-c]pyridin- 1-one and 3-(diphenylhydroxymethyl)-HJi-bis(l-methylethyl)-4-pyridinecarboxamide. 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R 1 and R 2 are each independently hydrogen, Ci^alkyl or R 1 and R 2 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected form a spiro C3-6cycloalkyl group; Q is O or S; n is 0 or 1; L is COOR 9 , CONRWR 11 , CN, or a radical of formula R 8 is hydrogen or Ci^alkyl; R 10 is hydrogen or Ci-3alkyl; R 11 is hydrogen or Ci-3alkyl; and R 13 is hydrogen. 3. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R represents wherein R' is hydrogen, fluoro, hydroxy or a spiro-bond; R 1 and R^ are each independently hydrogen, C^galkyl or R* and R^ together with the carbon atom to which they are connected form a spiro C3_6cycloalkyl group; or R' and R^ form an extra bond; R*^ and R^ are each independently hydrogen or Ci^alk l; R^ andR^ are hydrogen; Q is O, S or NR 7 ; X is CH^ O or S; Y is O or NR 8 ; n is 0 or 1; L is COOR 9 , CONR-WR 11 or C(=S)NR 10 R U ; R 7 is l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl or 2-methyl-2-fluoropropyl; R 8 is hydrogen, C^galkyl or l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl; R 9 is hydrogen or Ci.γalkyl; R\® is hydrogen, Cχ_3alkyl or l,l-dimethyl-2- hydroxyethyl; and R.H is hydrogen, C^alk l or phenyl. 4. A compound according to claim 3 wherein R' is hydrogen or a spiro-bond; R* and R^ are each independently hydrogen or Ci^alkyl; R^ and R^ are each independentiy hydrogen or Ci^alkyl; Qis O; Xis CH2orO; Yis O orNH; L is COOR 9 or CONR^OR 11 ; R 9 is hydrogen or Cι.4alkyl; R 10 is hydrogen or Ci^alkyl; and Rll is hydrogen or Cι_3alkyl. 5. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R represents wherein R 1 is hydrogen or a spiro-bond; R- and R-2 are each independently hydrogen or Cι_4alkyl; and R^ are each independently hydrogen or Ci^alkyl; Q is O; X is CH2; Y is O or NH; and L is COOCH3. 6. A compound according to claim 1 wherein the compound is methyl 3-(2,3-dihydro- 2,2- iimethyl-lH-inden-l-yl)-4-pyridinecarboxylate. 7. A method for controlling weeds, which method comprises applying to said weeds or to the locus thereof a herbicidally effective amount of a compound as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6. 8. A method according to claim 7 for selectively controlling weeds in crops of useful plants. 9. A herbicidal composition comprising one or more inert carriers and, if desired, other adjuvants, and as active ingredient a herbicidally effective amount of a compound as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6. 10. A process for preparing a compound as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, characterized bv a) reacting a compound of formula with L1CH3 at a temperature as low as -78°C in a solvent and subsequently adding the keto form of a radical R, said keto forms having the formula wherein n, R 1 to R 6 and X are as defined in claim 1; b) reacting a compound of formula CH 3 with lithium N-(l-methylethyl)-2-propanamide at a temperature as low as -78°C in a solvent and subsequently adding the keto form of a radical R as described in process variant a) hereinabove, thus yielding a compound of formula (I-e) wherein R(OH) represents R as defined in claim 1, with R' being hydroxy; c) catalytically hydrogenolyzing a compound of formula (I-d) in a solvent thus yielding a compound of formula (I-f) wherein R is as defined in claim 1; d) converting a compound of formula (I-f) in an acid aqueous environment at an elevated temperature into a compound of formula (I-g) wherein R is as defined in claim 1; e) esterifying a compound of formula (I-g) with an alcohol of formula HO-R 9*a (HI), wherein R " a is R 9 as defined as in claim 1, but other than hydrogen, to a compound of formula (I-h) wherein R is as defined in claim 1; f) catalytically hydrogenolyzing a compound of formula (I-b-1) in a solvent, thus yielding a compound of formula (I-g) wherein R is as defined in claim 1; g) reacting a compound of formula (I-d) in an acid aqueous environment at an elevated temperature, thus yielding a compound of formula (I-b- 1) wherein R and Q are as defined in claim 1; h) reacting a compound of formula (I-d) in a concentrated acid, thus yielding a compound of formula (I-c- 1) wherein R is as defined in claim 1. i) reacting a compound of formula (I-e) wherein R(OH) is defined as in claim process variant b) in an acid aqueous environment at an elevated temperature, thus yielding a compound of formula (I-b-1) wherein R and Q are as defined in claim 1; j) reacting a compound of formula (I-b) with ammonia or an amine of formula NH2-R 8 , wherein R 8 is as defined in claim 1, at a temperature between 250°C and 300°C, thus yielding a mixture comprising a compound of formula (I-c) and a compound of formula σ-a-1) wherein R, R 8 and Q are as defined in claim 1, and which can be separated from one another following art-known purification procedures; k) reacting a compound of either formula wherein R, R 8 , R 10 and R 1 - are as defined in claim 1, with Lawesson's reagent at an elevated temperature in a solvent thus yielding respectively a compound of formula wherein R, R 8 , R 10 and R 11 are as defined in claim 1; 1) reacting a compound of either formula with diethylaminosulfurtrifluoride (DAST) in a solvent, thus yielding respectively a compound of formula 7 wherein R(F) is R as defined in claim 1 with R ' being fluoro; m) separating the enantiomers of a compound of formula (I) by liquid chromatogragphy over a chiral stationary phase; n) converting a compound of formula (I) into its £f-oxide form with a peroxide in a solvent; o) converting a compound of formula () into a salt form by treatment with an acceptable acid or base; or conversely, converting the salt form into the free base or the free acid by treatment with alkali, respectively an acid; and/or preparing stereochemically isomeric forms thereof.

Inventors: SIPIDO VICTOR KAREL, VAN LOMMEN GUY ROSALIA EUGENE, WAESPE HANS-RUDOLF, SIPIDO, VICTOR, KAREL, VAN LOMMEN, GUY, ROSALIA, EUGENE, WAESPE, HANS-RUDOLF
Applicants: JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICA NV, JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICA N.V.
Application year: 1991
Main classification: A01N43
IPC codes: A01N43, C07D213, C07D405, C07D409, C07D471, C07D491