Abstract:
The novel compounds of formula I: ##STR1## (R 1 , R 2  and Hal are defined in the specification) show selective fungicidal activity. The new compounds are processed with carriers and adjuvants to fungicidal compositions.

Description:
This application claims priority from copending provisional application Ser. No. 60/043,816 filed on Apr. 14, 1997. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to certain triazolopyrimidine compounds, a process for their preparation, compositions containing such compounds, a method for combating a fungus at a locus comprising treating the locus with such compounds and their use as fungicides. 
     EP-A-0071792 claims compounds of the general formula ##STR2## in which R 1  represents alkyl, halogen, alkoxy, cyano, cycloalkyl, aryl, aryloxy, arylthio, aralkyl, arylthio, arylalkyl, arylalkyloxy or arylalkylthio each optionally substituted by halogen or alkoxy; or (R 1 ) n  represents a benzene, indane or tetrahydronaphthalene ring fused with the phenyl ring, aromatic moieties in the above groups being optionally substituted by alkyl, alkoxy, halogen or cyano; n is 1 or 2; R 2  and R 3  are each hydrogen, alkyl or aryl, A represents a nitrogen atom or a CR 4  group, and R 4  is as R 2  but can also be halogen, cyano or alkoxycarbonyl or together with R 3  can form an alkylene chain containing up to two double bonds. The compounds are said to be active against various phytopathogenic fungi, especially those of the phycomycete class. However evidence of fungicidal activity is only provided for these compounds against Plasmopara viticola, a member of the oomycete class of fungi. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,996 embraces compounds of the general formula ##STR3## in which R 1  represents an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl, cycloalkyl, bicycloalkyl or heterocyclyl group; R 2  represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; or R 1  and R 2  together with the interjacent nitrogen atom represent an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring; R 3  represents an optionally substituted aryl group; and R 4  represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or a group --NR 5  R 6  where R 5  represents a hydrogen atom or an amino, alkyl, cycloalkyl or bicycloalkyl group and R 6  represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. Thus, compounds in which R 3  is a trifluorophenyl group are generally covered by this patent application. These compounds are said to be active against fungi which are members of the ascomycetes class such as Venturia inaequalis and of the hyphomycetes class such as Alternaria solani and Botrytis cinerea. However, there is no single compound disclosed in which R 3  is a 2,4,6-trifluorophenyl group. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a compound of formula I ##STR4## in which R 1  and R 2  each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkadienyl, haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, bicycloalkyl, tricycloalkyl or heterocyclyl group, or 
     R 1  and R 2  together with the interjacent nitrogen atom represent an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring, 
     Hal represents a halogen atom, 
     the new compounds show an excellent selective fungicidal activity in various crops. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide novel, selective fungicidal compounds. 
     It is also an object of the invention to provide methods for controlling an undesired fungus by contacting said plants with a fungicidally effective amount of the new compounds. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide selective fungicidal compositions containing the new compounds as active ingredients. 
     These and other objects and features of the invention will be more apparent from the detailed description set forth hereinbelow, and from the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     It has surprisingly been found that the compounds of formula I ##STR5## in which R 1 , R 2  and Hal have the meaning given above for formula I show an excellent fungicidal activity against a broad range of fungi. 
     In general terms, unless otherwise stated, as used herein the term halogen atom may denote a bromine, iodine, chlorine or fluorine atom, and is especially a bromine, chlorine or fluorine atom, in particular a chlorine atom. 
     Hal represents preferably a fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine atom, in particular a chlorine atom. 
     Optionally substituted moieties may be unsubstituted or have from one up to the maximal possible number of substituents. Typically, 0 to 2 substituents are present. 
     In general terms, unless otherwise stated herein, the terms alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkadienyl as used herein with respect to a radical or moiety refer to a straight or branched chain radical or moiety. As a rule, such radicals have up to 10, in particular up to 6 carbon atoms. Suitably an alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 3 carbon atoms. A preferred alkyl moiety is an ethyl or especially a methyl group. Suitably an alkenyl moiety has from 2 to 6 carbon atoms. A preferred alkenyl moiety is allyl or especially a 2-methylallyl group. 
     In general terms, unless otherwise stated herein, the term aryl, as used herein with respect to a radical or moiety refers to an aryl group having 6, 10 or 14 carbon atoms, preferably 6 or 10 carbon atoms, in particular phenyl being optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms, nitro, cyano, alkyl, preferably C 1-6  alkyl, alkoxy, preferably C 1-6  alkoxy. 
     In general terms, unless otherwise stated herein, the term heteroaryl, as used herein with respect to a radical or moiety refers to a heteroaryl group having 5 or 6 ring atoms selected from carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, at least one of which being nitrogen, oxygen or sulphur. 
     In general terms, unless otherwise stated herein, the term cycloalkyl, as used herein with respect to a radical or moiety refers to a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably 5 to 7 carbon atoms, in particular cyclohexyl being optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms, nitro, cyano, alkyl, preferably C 1-6  alkyl, alkoxy, preferably C 1-6  alkoxy. 
     In general terms, unless otherwise stated herein, the term heterocyclyl, as used herein with respect to a radical or moiety refers to a saturated heterocyclyl group having 5 or 6 ring atoms selected from carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, at least one of which being nitrogen, oxygen or sulphur being optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms, nitro, cyano, alkyl, preferably C 1-6  alkyl, alkoxy, preferably C 1-6  alkoxy, in particular pyrrolodinyl, pyrrazolidin, piperidinyl, piperazinyl or morpholin-4-yl. 
     The invention especially relates to compounds of the general formula I in which any alkyl part of the groups R 1  or R 2 , which may be straight chained or branched, contains up to 10 carbon atoms, preferably up to 9 carbon atoms, more preferably up to 6 carbon atoms, any alkenyl or alkynyl part of the substituents R 1  or R 2  contains up to 10 carbon atoms, preferably up to 9 carbon atoms, more preferably up to 6 carbon atoms, any cycloalkyl part of the substituents R 1  or R 2  contains from 3 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably from 3 to 8 carbon atoms, more preferably from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and any aryl part of the substituent R 1  or R 2  contains 6, 10 or 14 carbon atoms, preferably 6 or 10 carbon atoms, and in which each optionally substituted group independently is substituted by one or more halogen atoms or nitro, cyano, hydroxy, alkyl, preferably C 1-6  alkyl, cycloalkyl, preferably C 3-6  cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, preferably C 3-6  cycloalkenyl, haloalkyl, preferably C 1-6  haloalkyl, halocycloalkyl, preferably C 3-6  halocycloalkyl, alkoxy, preferably C 1-6  alkoxy, haloalkoxy, preferably C 1-6  haloalkoxy, trialkylsilyl, preferably tri-C 1-4  alkylsilyl, phenyl, halo- or dihalo-phenyl or pyridyl groups. Any alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group may be linear or branched. A 4- to 6-membered heterocyclic group may be any heterocyclic group with 4 to 6 ring atoms, interrupted by one or more heteroatoms selected from sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen, preferably oxygen. A halogen atom suitably denotes a fluorine, chlorine or bromine atom. 
     The invention especially relates to compounds of the general formula I in which R 1  represents a straight-chained or branched C 1-10  alkyl, in particular a branched C 3-10  alkyl group, a C 3-8  cycloalkyl, a C 3-8  cycloalkyl-C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-10  alkoxy-C 1-6  alkyl, a C 1-10  haloalkyl or a phenyl group being optionally substituted by one to three halogen atoms or C 1-10  alkyl or C 1-10  alkoxy groups. 
     The invention especially relates to compounds of the general formula I in which R 2  represents a hydrogen atom, a C 1-10  alkyl or a C 1-10  haloalkyl group, in particular a hydrogen atom. 
     If R 1  denotes a C 1-10  haloalkyl group, preferably a polyfluorinated alkyl group, in particular a 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, a 2-(1,1,1-trifluoropropyl) or a 2-(1,1,1-trifluorobutyl) group, R 2  preferably represents a hydrogen atom. 
     If R 1  denotes an optionally substituted C 3-8  cycloalkyl group, preferably a cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl group, R 2  preferably represents a hydrogen atom or C 1-6  alkyl group. 
     The invention especially relates to compounds of the general formula I in which R 1  and R 2  together with the interjacent nitrogen atom form an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring, preferably an optionally substituted C 3-7  heterocyclic ring, in particular a pyrollidine, piperidine, tetrahydropyridine, in particular 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine or azepane ring which is optionally substituted by one or more C 1-10  alkyl groups. 
     Included in the scope of the present invention are (R) and (S) isomers of compounds of general formula I having an chiral center and the racemates thereof, and salts, N-oxides and acid addition compounds. 
     Particularly interesting activity has been found in (S)-isomer compounds of general formula I wherein R 1  represent a chiral group of formula --CH*(R&#39;)R&#34;, wherein R&#39; and R&#34; represent different alkyl or haloalkyl groups. 
     The compounds according to general formula I are oils, gums, or, predominantly crystalline solid materials. They are superior through their valuable fungicidal properties, in particular their enhanced systemicity and enhanced fungicitoxity against rice diseases and powdery mildews. For example, they can be used in agriculture or related fields for the control of phytopathogenic fungi such as Alternaria solani, Botrytis cinerea, Cercospora beticola, Cladosporium herbarum, Corticium rolfsii, Erysiphe graminis, Helminthosporium tritici repentis, Leptosphaeria nodorum, Micronectriella nivalis, Monilinia fructigena, Mycosphaerella ligulicola, Mycosphaerella pinodes, Pyricularia grisea f sp. oryzae, Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Uncinula necator, in particular for the control of Uncinula necator. The compounds of general formula I according to the invention possess a high fungicidal activity within a wide concentration range and may be used in agriculture without any difficulties. 
     Moreover, the compounds according to the invention show enhanced residual control of fungi, in particular of grape powdery mildew compared with conventional fungicides. 
     Good results in terms of control of phythopathogenic fungi are obtained with a compound as defined in formula I wherein: 
     Hal represents a chloro atom, and 
     R 2  represents a hydrogen atom. 
     Especially good results in terms of control of phytopathogenic fungi are obtained by using, for example, the following compounds of formula I: 
     5-chloro-7-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N,N-diethylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-ethyl-N-2-methylallylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(2-methylpiperidin-1-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-isopropylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-cyclopentylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-but-2-ylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(thiomorpholino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(azepan-1-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-allyl-N-ethylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-norborn-2-ylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(8-aza-1,5-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecan-8-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]-pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-2,2,2-trifluoroethylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyrid-1-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]-pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-2-methylpropylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine; 5-chloro-7-(N-methyl-N-2-allylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine; 5-chloro-7-(N-ethylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine; 5-chloro-7-(N-1,2,2-trimethylpropylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine; 5-chloro-7-(N-ethyl-N-isopropylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-allyl-N-1-methylpropylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]-pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-1,2-dimethylpropylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-isopropyl-N-2-methylpropylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]-pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-2-methylpropyl-N-1-methylpropylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-2-methylpropyl-N-2,2,2-trifluoroethylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5trifluoroethylamino-methyl-N-2,2,2-trifluoroethylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-[N-2-(1,1,1-trifluoropropyl)-amino]-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-1-phenylethyl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-ethyl-N-2-methylpropylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-but-2-yl-N-methylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-cyclopentyl-N-methylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-[N-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-N-(trimethylsilylmethyl)amino]-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(3-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(3-hydroxypyrollidin-1-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-[N-(2-(3-fluorophenyl)-ethyl)-amino]-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-[N-(1-(4-methylphenyl)-ethyl)-amino]-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-4-tert-butylcyclohexylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(tetrahydropyrid-1-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrid-1-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-2-hydroxypropylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(4-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(4-hydroxymethylpiperidin-1-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-[N-(1-phenyl-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-amino]-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-[N-2-(1,1,1 -trifluorobutyl)-amino]-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-[N-(3-methylbutyl)-N-methylamino]-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-[N-2-(3-methyl-1,1,1-trifluorobutyl)-amino]-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutylamino)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-[3-(2-methylhexyl)-amino]-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-[2-(5-methylhexyl)-amino]-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 5-chloro-7-(N-3-chlorotricylo[2.2.1.0 2 ,6 ]hept-5-ylaminio)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine. 
     The present invention further provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula I as defined above which comprises 
     treating a compound of the general formula II ##STR6## in which Hal is as defined for formula I; 
     with an amine of the general formula III ##STR7## in which R 1  and R 2  are as defined for formula I, 
     to produce a compound of formula I 
     Compounds of formula II are novel and and are conventionally prepared by reacting 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole with 2-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl) substituted malonic acid ester of formula IV, ##STR8## wherein R represents alkyl, preferably C 1-6  alkyl, in particular methyl or ethyl, under alkaline conditions, preferably using high boiling tertiary amines as for example tri-n-butylamine. 
     The resulting 5,7-dihydroxy-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)triazolopyrimidine is subsequently treated with a halogenating agent, preferably with a brominating or chlorinating agent, such as phosphorus oxybromide or phosphorus oxychloride, neat or in the presence of a solvent. The reaction is suitably carried out at a temperature in the range from 0° C. to 150° C., the preferred reaction temperature being from 80° C. to 125° C. 
     Accordingly, the invention relates to the novel intermediates of formula II, in particular 5,7-dichloro-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, and formula IV and to the novel 5,7-dihydroxy-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine. 
     The reaction between the 5,7-dihalo-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)triazolopyrimidines of formula II and the amine of formula III is preferably carried out in the presence of a solvent. Suitable solvents include ethers, such as dioxane, diethyl ether and, especially, tetrahydrofuran, halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane and aromatic hydrocarbons, for example toluene. The reaction is suitably carried out at a temperature in the range from 0° C. to 70° C., the preferred reaction temperature being from 10° C. to 35° C. It is also preferred that the reaction is carried out in the presence of a base. Suitable bases include tertiary amines, such as triethylamine, and inorganic bases, such as potassium carbonate or sodium carbonate. Alternatively, an excess of the compound of formula III may serve as a base. 
     Due to excellent activity, the compounds of formula I may be used in cultivation of all plants where infection by phytopathogenic fungi is not desired, e.g. cereals, solanaceous crops, vegetables, legumes, apples, vine. 
     The compounds of general formula I have been found to have fungicidal activity. Accordingly, the invention further provides a fungicidal composition which comprises an active ingredient, which is at least one compound of formula I as defined above, and one or more carriers. A method of making such a composition is also provided which comprises bringing a compound of formula I as defined above into association with the carrier(s). Such a composition may contain a single active ingredient or a mixture of several active ingredients of the present invention. It is also envisaged that different isomers or mixtures of isomers may have different levels or spectra of activity and thus compositions may comprise individual isomers or mixtures of isomers. 
     A composition according to the invention preferably contains from 0.5% to 95% by weight (w/w) of active ingredient. 
     A carrier in a composition according to the invention is any material with which the active ingredient is formulated to facilitate application to the locus to be treated, which may for example be a plant, seed, soil, or water in which a plant grows, or to facilitate storage, transport or handling. A carrier may be a solid or a liquid, including material which is normally a gas but which has been compressed to form a liquid. 
     The compositions may be manufactured into e.g. emulsion concentrates, solutions, oil in water emulsions, wettable powders, soluble powders, suspension concentrates, dusts, granules, water dispersible granules, micro-capsules, gels, tablets and other formulation types by well-established procedures. These procedures include intensive mixing and/or milling of the active ingredients with other substances, such as fillers, solvents, solid carriers, surface active compounds (surfactants), and optionally solid and/or liquid auxiliaries and/or adjuvants. The form of application such as spraying, atomizing, dispersing or pouring may be chosen like the compositions according to the desired objectives and the given circumstances. 
     Solvents may be aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g. Solvesso® 200, substituted naphthalenes, phthalic acid esters, such as dibutyl or dioctyl phthalate, aliphatic hydrocarbons, e.g. cyclohexane or paraffins, alcohols and glycols as well as their ethers and esters, e.g. ethanol, ethyleneglycol mono- and dimethyl ether, ketones such as cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, or γ-butyrolactone, higher alkyl pyrrolidones, e.g. n-octylpyrrolidone or cyclohexylpyrrolidone, epoxidized plant oil esters, e.g. methylated coconut or soybean oil ester and water. Mixtures of different liquids are often suitable. 
     Solid carriers, which may be used for dusts, wettable powders, water dispersible granules, or granules, may be mineral fillers, such as calcite, talc, kaolin, montmorillonite or attapulgite. The physical properties may be improved by addition of highly dispersed silica gel or polymers. Carriers for granules may be porous material, e.g. pumice, kaolin, sepiolite, bentonite; non-sorptive carriers may be calcite or sand. Additionally, a multitude of pre-granulated inorganic or organic materials may be used, such as dolomite or crushed plant residues. 
     Pesticidal compositions are often formulated and transported in a concentrated form which is subsequently diluted by the user before application. The presence of small amounts of a carrier which is a surfactant facilitates this process of dilution. Thus, preferably at least one carrier in a composition according to the invention is a surfactant. For example, the composition may contain at two or more carriers, at least one of which is a surfactant. 
     Surfactants may be nonionic, anionic, cationic or zwitterionic substances with good dispersing, emulsifying and wetting properties depending on the nature of the compound according to general formula I to be formulated. Surfactants may also mean mixtures of individual surfactants. 
     The compositions of the invention may for example be formulated as wettable powders, water dispersible granules, dusts, granules, tablets, solutions, emulsifiable concentrates, emulsions, suspension concentrates and aerosols. Wettable powders usually contain 5 to 90% w/w of active ingredient and usually contain in addition to solid inert carrier, 3 to 10% w/w of dispersing and wetting agents and, where necessary, 0 to 10% w/w of stabilizer(s) and/or other additives such as penetrants or stickers. Dusts are usually formulated as a dust concentrate having a similar composition to that of a wettable powder but without a dispersant, and may be diluted in the field with further solid carrier to give a composition usually containing 0.5 to 10% w/w of active ingredient. Water dispersible granules and granules are usually prepared to have a size between 0.15 mm and 2.0 mm and may be manufactured by a variety of techniques. Generally, these types of granules will contain 0.5 to 90% w/w active ingredient and 0 to 20% w/w of additives such as stabilizer, surfactants, slow release modifiers and binding agents. The so-called &#34;dry flowables&#34; consist of relatively small granules having a relatively high concentration of active ingredient. Emulsifiable concentrates usually contain, in addition to a solvent or a mixture of solvents, 1 to 80% w/v active ingredient, 2 to 20% w/v emulsifiers and 0 to 20% w/v of other additives such as stabilizers, penetrants and corrosion inhibitors. Suspension concentrates are usually milled so as to obtain a stable, non-sedimenting flowable product and usually contain 5 to 75% w/v active ingredient, 0.5 to 15% w/v of dispersing agents, 0.1 to 10% w/v of suspending agents such as protective colloids and thixotropic agents, 0 to 10% w/v of other additives such as defoamers, corrosion inhibitors, stabilizers, penetrants and stickers, and water or an organic liquid in which the active ingredient is substantially insoluble; certain organic solids or inorganic salts may be present dissolved in the formulation to assist in preventing sedimentation and crystalization or as antifreeze agents for water. 
     Aqueous dispersions and emulsions, for example compositions obtained by diluting the formulated product according to the invention with water, also lie within the scope of the invention. 
     Of particular interest in enhancing the duration of the protective activity of the compounds of this invention is the use of a carrier which will provide slow release of the pesticidal compounds into the environment of a plant which is to be protected. 
     The biological activity of the active ingredient can also be increased by including an adjuvant in the spray dilution. An adjuvant is defined here as a substance which can increase the biological activity of an active ingredient but is not itself significantly biologically active. The adjuvant can either be included in the formulation as a coformulant or carrier, or can be added to the spray tank together with the formulation containing the active ingredient. 
     As a commodity the compositions may preferably be in a concentrated form whereas the end user generally employs diluted compositions. The compositions may be diluted to a concentration down to 0.001% of active ingredient. The doses usually are in the range from 0.01 to 10 kg a.i./ha. 
     Examples of formulations according to the invention are: 
     Emulsion Concentrate (EC) 
     
         ______________________________________Active Ingredient     Compound of Example 2                         30%     (w/v)  Emulsifier(s) Atlox ® 4856 B/Atlox ® 4858 B .sup.1) 5% (w/v)                                   (mixture containing calcium alkyl   aryl sulfonate, fatty alcohol   ethoxylates and light aromatics /   mixture containing calcium alkyl   aryl sulfonate, fatty alcohol   ethoxylates and light aromatics)  Solvent Shellsol ® A .sup.2) to 1000 ml   (mixture of C.sub.9 -C.sub.10 aromatic   hydrocarbons)______________________________________ 
    
     Suspension Concentrate (SC) 
     
         ______________________________________Active Ingredient      Compound of Example 2                         50%     (w/v)  Dispersing agent Soprophor ® FL .sup.3) 3% (w/v)   (polyoxyethylene polyaryl phenyl   ether phosphate amine salt)  Antifoaming agent Rhodorsil ® 422 .sup.3) 0.2% (w/v)   (nonionic aqueous emulsion of   polydimethylsiloxanes)  Structure agent Kelzan ® S .sup.4) 0.2% (w/v)   (Xanthan gum)  Antifreezing agent Propylene glycol 5% (w/v)  Biocidal agent Proxel ® .sup.5) 0.1% (w/v)   (aqueous dipropylene glycol   solution containing 20%   1,2-benisothiazolin-3-one)  Water  to 1000 ml______________________________________ 
    
     Wettable Powder (WP) 
     
         ______________________________________Active Ingredient     Compound of Example 2                          60%    (w/w)  Wetting agent Atlox ® 4995 .sup.1) 2% (w/w)   (polyoxyethylene alkyl ether)  Dispersing agent Witcosperse ® D-60 .sup.6) 3% (w/w)   (mixture of sodium salts of condensed   naphthalene sulfonic acid and   alkylarylpolyoxy acetates  Carrier/Filler Kaolin 35% (w/w)______________________________________ 
    
     Water Dispersible Granules (WG) 
     
         ______________________________________Active Ingredient      Compound of Example 2                          50%    (w/w)  Dispersing/ Witcosperse ® D-450 .sup.6) 8% (w/w)  Binding agent (mixture of sodium salts of   condensed naphthalene sulfonic acid   and alkyl sulfonates)  Wetting agent Morwet ® EFW .sup.6) 2% (w/w)   (formaldehyde condensation product)  Antifoaming agent Rhodorsil ® EP 6703 .sup.3) 1% (w/w)   (encapsulated silicone)  Disintegrant Agrimer ® ATF .sup.7) 2% (w/w)   (cross-linked homopolymer of   N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)  Carrier/Filler Kaolin 35% (w/w)______________________________________ .sup.1) commercially available from ICI Surfactants .sup.2) commercially available from Deutsche Shell AG .sup.3) commercially available from RhonePoulenc .sup.4) commercially available from Kelco Co. .sup.5) commercially available from Zeneca .sup.6) commercially available from Witco .sup.7) commercially available from International Speciality Products 
    
     The compositions of this invention can also comprise other compounds having biological activity, e.g. compounds having similar or complementary pesticidal activity or compounds having plant growth regulating, fungicidal or insecticidal activity. These mixtures of pesticides can have a broader spectrum of activity than the compound of general formula I alone. Furthermore, the other pesticide can have a synergistic effect on the pesticidal activity of the compound of general formula I. 
     The other fungicidal compound can be, for example, one which is also capable of combating diseases of cereals (e.g. wheat) such as those caused by Erysipha, Puccinia, Septoria, Gibberella and Helminthosporium spp., seed and soil borne diseases and downy and powdery mildews on vines, early and late blight on solanaceous crops, and powdery mildew and scab on apples etc. These mixtures of fungicides can have a broader spectrum of activity than the compound of general formula I alone. Furthermore, the other fungicide can have a synergistic effect on the fungicidal activities of the compound of general formula I. 
     Examples of the other fungicidal compounds are anilazine, azoxystrobin, benalaxyl, benomyl, bethoxazin, binapacryl, bitertanol, blasticidin S, Bordeaux mixture, bromuconazole, bupirimate, captafol, captan, carbendazim, carboxin, carpropamid, chlorbenzthiazon, chlorothalonil, chlozolinate, copper-containing compounds such as copper oxychloride, and copper sulfate, cycloheximide, cymoxanil, cypofuram, cyproconazole, cyprodinil, dichlofluanid, dichlone, dichloran, diclobutrazol, diclocymet, diclomezine, diethofencarb, difenoconazole, diflumetorim, dimethirimol, dimethomorph, diniconazole, dinocap, ditalimfos, dithianon, dodemorph, dodine, edifenphos, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, ethirimol, etridiazole, famoxadone, fenapanil, fenarimol, fenbuconazole, fenfuram, fenhexamid, fenpiclonil, fenpropidin, fenpropimorph, fentin, fentin acetate, fentin hydroxide, ferimzone, fluazinam, fludioxonil, flumetover, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flusulfamide, flutolanil, flutriafol, folpet, fosetyl-aluminium, fuberidazole, furalaxyl, furametpyr, guazatine, hexaconazole, imazalil, iminoctadine, ipconazole, iprodione, isoprothiolane, kasugamycin, kitazin P, kresoxim-methyl, mancozeb, maneb, mepanipyrim, mepronil, metalaxyl, metconazole, methfuroxam, myclobutanil, neoasozin, nickel dimethyldithiocarbamate, nitrothalisopropyl, nuarimol, ofurace, organo mercury compounds, oxadixyl, oxycarboxin, penconazole, pencycuron, phenazineoxide, phthalide, polyoxin D, polyram, probenazole, prochloraz, procymidione, propamocarb, propiconazole, propineb, pyrazophos, pyrifenox, pyrimethanil, pyroquilon, pyroxyfur, quinomethionate, quinoxyfen, quintozene, spiroxamine, SSF-126, SSF-129, streptomycin, sulfur, tebuconazole, tecloftalame, tecnazene, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, thifluzamide, thiophanate-methyl, thiram, tolclofosmethyl, tolylfluanid, triadimefon, triadimenol, triazbutil, triazoxide, tricyclazole, tridemorph, triflumizole, triforine, triticonazole, validamycin A, vinclozolin, XRD-563, zarilamid, zineb, ziram. 
     In addition, the co-formulations according to the invention may contain at least one compound of formula I and any of the following classes of biological control agents such as viruses, bacteria, nematodes, fungi, and other microorganisms which are suitable to control insects, weeds or plant diseases or to induce host resistance in the plants. Examples of such biological control agents are: Bacillus thuringiensis, Verticillium lecanii, Autographica californica NPV, Beauvaria bassiana, Ampelomyces quisqualis, Bacilis subtilis, Pseudomonas chlororaphis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Steptomyces griseoviridis and Trichoderma harzianum. 
     Moreover, the co-formulations according to the invention may contain at least one compound of formula I and a chemical agent that induces the systemic acquired resistance in plants such as for example nicotinic acid or derivatives thereof or BION. 
     The compounds of general formula I can be mixed with soil, peat or other rooting media for the protection of the plants against seed-borne, soil-borne or foliar fungal diseases. 
     The invention still further provides the use as a fungicide of a compound of the general formula I as defined above or a composition as defined above, and a method for combating fungus at a locus, which comprises treating the locus, which may be for example plants subject to or subjected to fungal attack, seeds of such plants or the medium in which such plants are growing or are to be grown, with such a compound or composition. 
     The present invention is of wide applicability in the protection of crop and ornamental plants against fungal attack. Typical crops which may be protected include vines, grain crops such as wheat and barley, rice, sugar beet, top fruit, peanuts, potatoes, vegetables and tomatoes. The duration of the protection is normally dependent on the individual compound selected, and also a variety of external factors, such as climate, whose impact is normally mitigated by the use of a suitable formulation. 
    
    
     The following examples further illustrate the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited solely to the particular examples given below. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     1A Preparation of 5,7-dichloro-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)- 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5a]pyrimidine 
     A mixture of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (0.15 mol), diethyl 2,4,6-trifluorophenylmalonate (0.15 mol) and tributylamine (0.15 mole) is heated at 170° C. and ethanol formed during the reaction is distilled off. Subsequently, the reaction mixture is cooled to 130° C. and phosphorous oxychloride (0.45 mol) is added within 30 minutes. The reaction mixture is heated with reflux for 6 hours. A mixture of water and toluene (1.5 l, 6:5) is added slowly. The organic phase is separated, washed with dilute hydrochloric acid and water, dried an concentrated in vacuo to yield a brown viscous oil (45 g) which contains 85% of the title product. The title product is reacted without further purification. 
     1B 5-Chloro-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-7-(N,N-diethylamino)-1,2,4-triazolo[1.5a]pyrimidine 
     A mixture of N,N-diethylamine (1.4 mmoles), triethylamine (1.4 mmoles) and dichloromethane (10 ml) is added to a mixture of 5,7-dichloro-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazolo[1.5a]pyrimidine (1.4 mmoles) and dichloromethane (30 ml) under stirring. The reaction mixture is stirred 16 hours at room temperature, subsequently washed two times with 1 N hydrochloric acid and once with water. The organic layer is separated, dried with anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure. Treatment of the resulting light brown oil with tert.-butyl methyl ether (50 ml) yields beige crystals (79% of theory) having a melting point of 118° C. 
     EXAMPLES 2-60 
     The following examples (Table I; structure and melting point) are synthesized analogously to Example 1. ##STR9## 
     
         ______________________________________                              meltingpoint  Example R.sup.1 R.sup.2 (° C.)______________________________________ 2      --(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --CH(CH.sub.3)--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --                          155 3      2-methylallyl    ethyl     91-93 4      --CH(CH.sub.3)--(CH.sub.2).sub.4 --                          118-119 5      iso-propyl       H         foam   6 cyclopentyl H foam   7 2-butyl H  56 8      --(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --S--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --                          154-156   9 --(CH.sub.2).sub.6 -- 10910      allyl            ethyl     93-94  11 norbornyl H foam  12 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl H 19513      --CH.sub.2 --CH═CH--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --                          15514      but-2-yl         H          91  15 1-methylpropyl H 117  16 2-methylallyl methyl 170-171  17 ethyl H oil  18 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl H 131  19 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl allyl 104-105  20 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl ethyl 133-134  21 isopropyl ethyl 141  22 2-methylpropyl allyl  96  23 1,2-dimethylpropyl H 109  24 isopropyl H 196  25 2-methylpropyl methyl 105  26 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl 2-methyl- 133-134    propyl  27 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methyl 163  28 2-(1,1,1-trifluoropropyl) H 184-185  29 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl isopropyl 154-158  30 1-phenylethyl H 172  31 2-methylpropyl ethyl 87-91  32 cyclopentyl methyl 142  33 but-2-yl methyl 161  34 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl 2,2,2- 177-179    trifluoroethyl  35 trimethylsilylmethyl H 148-150  36 1,4-dimethylpentyl H 124-125  37 1,2-dimethylpropyl methyl 131-133  38 1-methylbutyl H oil  39 cyclopentyl methyl 142  40 trimethylsilylmethyl 2,2,2-  85    trifluoroethyl41      --CH.sub.2 --CH(OH)--(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --                           90  42 --CH.sub.2 --CH(OH)--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 -- 168-16943      2-(3-F--C.sub.6 H.sub.4)-ethyl                    H         162  44 1-(4-methyl-C.sub.6 H.sub.4)-ethyl H  62  45 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl H 20046      --CH═CH--(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --                          16547      2-hydroxypropyl  H         16748      --(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --CH(OH)--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --                          15049      hex-2-yl         H         oil50      --CH.sub.2 --CH═CH--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --                          154  51 --(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --CH(CH.sub.2 OH)--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 -- 19352      1-(C.sub.6 H.sub.5)-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl                    H          86  53 2-(1,1,1-trifluorobutyl) H 177  54 3-methylbutyl methyl  77  55 2-(3-methyl-1,1,1- H 104   trifluorobutyl)  56 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl H 128  57 3-(2-methylhexyl) H  79  58 2-(5-methylhexyl) H 12559      --(CH.sub.2).sub.4 --  13460      methyl           methyl    194______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLES 61 and 62 
     The following examples (Table II; structure and melting point) are synthesized analogously to Example 1. 
     
         ______________________________________                          melting point  Example Structure (°C.)______________________________________  61                            224R10##                          -225° C.   - 62                            193R11##______________________________________ 
    
     Biological Investigations 
     A. Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration by Test Compounds in the Serial Dilution Test with Various Phytopathogenic Fungi 
     The MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) value, which indicates the lowest concentration of the active ingredient in the growth medium which causes a total inhibition of myecelial growth, is determined by serial dilution tests using Microtiter plates with 24 or 48 wells per plate. The dilution of the test compounds in the nutrient solution and the distribution to the wells is carried out by a TECAN RSP 5000 Robotic Sample Processor. The following test compound concentrations are used: 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.39, 0.78, 1.56, 3.13, 6.25, 12.50, 25.00, 50.00 and 100.00 mg/ml. For preparation of the nutrient solution, V8 vegetable juice 332 ml) is mixed with calcium carbonate (4.95 g), centrifuged, the supernatant (200 ml) diluted with water (800 ml) and autoclaved at 121° C. for 30 min. 
     The respective inocula (Alternaria solani, ALTESO; Botrytis cinerea, BOTRCI; Leptosphaeria nodorum, LEPTNO; Phytophthora infestans, PHYTIN; Magnaporthe grisea f. sp. Oryzae, PYRIOR; Pyrenophora teres, PYRNTE; Rhizoctonia solani, RHIZSO;) are added into the wells as spore suspensions (50 ml; 5×10 5  /ml) or agar slices (6 mm) of an agar culture of the fungus. 
     After 6-12 days incubation at suitable temperatures (18-25° C.), the MIC values are determined by visual inspection of the plates (Table II; n. t.=not tested). 
     
                                           TABLE II__________________________________________________________________________Ex. No.    ALTESO    BOTRCI         LEPTNO              PHYTIN                   PYRIOR                        PYRNTE                             RHISZO__________________________________________________________________________ 2  0.04 0.1  6.25 100  0.04 0.2  n.t.   5 0.78 3.13 25 100 0.39 12.5 6.25  12 1.56 1.56 6.25 25 0.2 6.25 6.25  28 0.78 3.13 3.13 110 0.78 6.25 3.13  19 0.39 0.78 3.13 110 0.04 3.13 0.78  20 0.78 0.78 3.13 110 0.04 1.56 0.78  26 0.2 0.2 0.39 110 0.04 110 3.13  27 0.78 3.13 50 110 0.1 12.5 1.56  28 0.78 3.13 3.13 110 0.78 6.25 3.13  39 0.2 3.13 3.13 110 0.78 1.56 6.25  40 0.78 6.25 110 25 1.56 25 110  41 6.25 100 50 110 12.5 25 110  46 1.56 6.25 6.25 110 1.56 12.5 3.13  49 0.78 3.13 6.25 110 1.56 1.56 50  50 0.39 3.13 1.56 110 0.2 3.13 1.56  52 3.13 12.5 110 110 1.56 3.13 110  54 0.78 3.13 12.5 110 0.04 3.13 110  55 0.39 1.56 1.56 100 0.04 6.25 12.5  57 0.2 0.39 0.78 110 0.04 3.13 110__________________________________________________________________________ 
    
     B. Method for Evaluation of the compounds of formula I to control powdery mildew on grapes (Uncinula necator) 
     Test plants 
     Cuttings of cultivar Muller-Thurgau were grown in the greenhose at temperatures between 18° C. and 25° C. and 50 to 70% relative humidity. When 6 to 8 leaves had developed the plants were cut back to 3-4 equally sized leaves. Plants were cultivated in pots containing FLORAGAD as a substrate. 
     Application 
     Three to four plants per treatment were used. Application of the compounds of formula I was carried out 3 days before infection in the prophylactic tests. The test plants were sprayed to run off in a spray cabinett using 20 ml of spray wash. The compounds of formula I were dissolved in acetone at a concentration of 0.5%. The stock solution was diluted with water to give final the concentrations. Formulated fungicides were also diluted with water prior to application. 
     Infection 
     The plants were artificially infected with conidia of Uncinula necator by dusting spores from freshly sporulating grape leaves from the Uncinula necator stock culture over the test plants. The spores were allowed to settle on the leaves for 1 hour. The plants remained in the greenhouse without additional light at temperatures between 16° C. and 30° C. for 24 hours. 
     Evaluation 
     Evaluation carried out 21 days after infection by assessing the percentage of infected leaf area of each of the 4 treated leaves. The activity in % was calculated using the ABBOTT formula: ##EQU1## 
     The results of this evaluation are shown in Table II: 
     
                       TABLE II______________________________________      Concentration [ppm]Ex. No.      25.00  12.50      6.25 3.13______________________________________ 2           100    100        100  100   5 100 100 100 100  11 100 100 93 64  12 100 100 100 97  14 100 100 98 86  19 36 34 9 4  20 22 4 0 0  26 27 22 14 0  27 17 11 0 0  28 100 100 100 97  standard.sup.1 73 44 42 31  Penconazole 58 31 17 11  Fenarimol 99 95 75 31______________________________________ 
    
     5-chloro-7-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)-6-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,996 has been used as standard 1 .