Herbicidal method using 2-sulfinyl or 2-sulfonyl pyridine N-oxide derivatives

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 4019893
  • Patent Number
    4,019,893
  • Date Filed
    Monday, March 17, 1975
    50 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, April 26, 1977
    48 years ago
Abstract
Preemergence or postemergence control of weeds is effected by applying certain 2-sulfinyl or 2-sulfonyl pyridine N-oxide derivatives, e.g., 2-(4-chlorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide.
Description

Certain substituted 2-sulfinyl and 2-sulfonyl pyridine N-oxides disclosed herein are claimed as new compositions in our copending application Ser. No. 559,196 filed of even date herewith, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,960,542, issued June 1, 1976, and hereby incorporated herein by reference.
This invention relates to a method of controlling weeds.
W. Walter et al., Liebig's Ann., 695, 77 (1966), disclose 2(phenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide (also called 2-benzylsulfinylpyridine N-oxide) and 2-(phenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide (also called 2-benzylsulfonylpyridine N-oxide), but no utility for these chemicals is disclosed.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,107,994, Rawlings et al., Oct. 22, 1963, discloses certain herbicidal 2-(alkenylthio)pyridine N-oxides, while U.S. Pat. No. 3,155,671, D'Amico, Nov. 3, 1964, discloses certain herbicidal benzyl 2-thiopyridine N-oxides.
The state of the art is further illustrated by such references as E. Shaw et al., JACS 72, 4362 (1950) and U.S. Pat. No. 3,772,307, Kaminsky et al., Nov. 13, 1973.
Weeds compete with crops for light, moisture, nutrients and space. Thus, weeds inhibit the production of foliage, fruit or seed of agricultural crops. The presence of weeds may also reduce the quality of the harvested crop and reduce harvesting efficiency. Weed control is essential for maximum production of many agronomic and horticultural crops including soybeans (Glycine max L.), peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), flax (Linum usitatissium L.), and cotton (Gossypium sp.).
In accordance with the invention, the undesirable effects of weeds are controlled by applying, to a locus at which weed control is desired, a herbicidally effective amount of a 2-sulfinyl or 2-sulfonyl pyridine N-oxide of the formula ##STR1## LWHERE
N IS 1 OR 2
R.sub.1 is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or phenyl;
R.sub.2 has one of the following values when R.sub.1 is hydrogen;
CYCLOHEXYL, 2,2-DICHLOROCYCLOPROPYL, 2,2-DICHLORO-1-METHYLCYCLOPROPYL, PROPENYL, BENZYL, STYRYL, CYANO, NAPHTHYL, METHYLNAPHTHYL, PYRIDYL, BENZOTHIAZOLYL, PHENYL, SUBSTITUTED PHENYL WITH 1 TO 5 SUBSTITUENTS WHICH MAY BE THE SAME OR DIFFERENT AND SELECTED FROM ALKYL HAVING 1 TO 3 CARBON ATOMS, HALOGEN, NITRO, CYANO, ALKOXY HAVING 1 OR 2 CARBON ATOMS, METHYLENEDIOXY, 2,2-DICHLOROCYCLOPROPYL AND TRIFLUOROMETHYL;
R.sub.2 has one of the following values when R.sub.1 is other than hydrogen:
ALKYL HAVING 1 TO 4 CARBON ATOMS, NAPHTHYL, THIENYL, PHENYL, SUBSTITUTED PHENYL WITH 1 TO 3 SUBSTITUENTS WHICH MAY BE THE SAME OR DIFFERENT AND ARE SELECTED FROM ALKYL HAVING 1 TO 2 CARBON ATOMS, HALOGEN, NITRO, AND METHYL-SULFONYL; AND
R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may be connected together as a chain of methylene groups to form a cyclic aliphatic ring containing 5 to 7 carbon atoms.
Of particular interest in many cases are compounds of the above-defined class in which R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl.
Also of special value are compounds of the above-defined formula in which R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, phenyl substituted with from 1 to 3 methyl groups, phenyl substituted with from 1 to 3 halogens, and 2-naphthyl.
Particular mention may be made of compounds as defined above in which R.sub.1 is hydrogen and R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl substituted with from 1 to 3 methyl groups and phenyl substituted with from 2 to 3 chlorines.
In another aspect the invention is directed to the use of chemicals of the class defined above in which R.sub.1 is methyl and R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, phenyl substituted with 1 or 2 methyl groups, monohalophenyl, and 2-naphthyl.
Preferred pyridine N-oxide derivatives employed as herbicides in accordance with the invention include
2-(2,5-dimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(2,6-dichlorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(2,4-dichlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(2,6-dichlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(1-[4-methylphenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(2,3,6-trichlorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(2-methylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(1-[4-fluorophenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(1-[2,5-dimethylphenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(2,3,6-trichlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(1-phenylethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(1-[2-napthyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-[1-[4-chlorophenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(1-[4-bromophenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(2,3,6-trimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide, and
2-(2,3,6-trimethylphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide.
Particularly preferred are
2-(2,5-dimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(2,6-dichlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(1-[2,5-dimethylphenyl]ethylsulfonyl)-pyridine N-oxide,
2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(1-[2-naphthyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(1-[4-chlorophenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
2-(1-[4-methylphenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide, and
2-(2,3,6-trimethylphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide.
The herbicidally effective pyridine N-oxide derivatives described herein are useful for both preemergence and postemergence control of weeds, and are furthermore remarkable for their ability to selectively control weeds without injury to desirable crops. Excellent control of weeds such as quackgrass [Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv.] fromm seed, Texas panicum (Panicum texanum Buckl.), giant foxtail (Setaria faberi Herrm.), yellow foxtail [Setaria lutescens (Weigel) Hubb.], green foxtail [Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv.], barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv.] and wild oats (Avena fatua L.) can be achieved with such chemicals as 2-(2,5-dimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl) pyridine N-oxide, without injury to such crops as flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), cotton (Gossypium sp.) soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.).
Surprisingly, the herein described 2-sulfinyl and 2-sulfonyl pyridine N-oxide herbicides are unexpectedly more effective than their corresponding sulfide precursors.
The procedures for using the present 2-sulfinyl and 2-sulfonyl pyridine N-oxide derivatives may be in accordance with conventional agricultural practice. The chemicals are ordinarily applied as formulations containing a carrier and/or surface-active agent. The formulation may contain more than one of the described pyridine N-oxide derivatives if desired; other active herbicides may be included in the formulation as well.
Thus, the chemical may be impregnated on finely divided or granular inorganic or organic carriers such as attapulgite clay, sand, vermiculite, corn cobs, activated carbon or other granular carriers known to the art. The impregnated granules may then be spread on the soil. Furthermore, the chemical may be formulated as a wettable powder by grinding it into a fine powder and mixing it with an inactive powdered carrier to which a surface active dispersing agent has been added. Typical powdered solid carriers are the various mineral silicates, e.g., mica, talc, pyrophyllite and clays. The wettable powder may then be dispersed in water and sprayed on the soil surface or weeds. Similarly, an emulsifiable concentrate may be prepared by dissolving the chemical in a solvent such as benzene, toluene, or other aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon to which a surface active dispersing agent has been added. The emulsifiable concentrate may then be dispersed in water and applied by spraying. Suitable surface active agents are well known to those skilled in the art and reference may be had to McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers, 1970, Allured Publishing Corp., Ridgewood, New Jersey; or Hoffman et al. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,614,916, cols. 2 to 4 and 2,547,724, cols. 3 and 4, for example of appropriate surface active agents. The concentration of active chemical in the formulation may vary widely, e.g., from 1 to 95%. The concentration of active chemical in dispersions applied to the soil or foliage is almost invariably from 0.002% to 75%. The chemical is frequently applied at rates of 0.10 to 25 pounds per acre. For use as a preemergence herbicide, the chemical is applied to soil which contains weed and crop seed (either to the surface of the soil or incorporated into the upper one to three inches of soil).
The most suitable rate of application in any given case will depend on such factors as soil type, soil pH, soil organic matter content, the quantity and intensity of rainfall before and after treatment, the air and soil temperature, light intensity and light duration per day. All of these factors can have an influence on the efficacy of the chemicals for use as herbicides.
The herbicidal use may include selective weed control in crops such as soybeans, cotton, flax and peanuts.
The 2-sulfinyl and 2-sulfonyl pyridine N-oxide derivatives employed as herbicides in this invention may be prepared from known compounds (see A. R. Katritsky, J. Chem. Soc., 191 [1957], U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,107,994 and 3,155,671 referred to above, and the E. Shaw et al. and W. Walter et al. articles referred to above). The parent 2-thiopyridine N-oxides are prepared by either of two procedures: (1) the reaction of 2-chloropyridine N-oxide with the appropriate mercaptan in the presence of an acid acceptor such as an alkaline earth hydroxide; (2) reaction of the sodium salt of 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide with a suitable halide preferentially of the benzyl type but not limited to. The yields of the two procedures are comparable.
An alternate and useful synthetic route involves the oxidation of a 2-thiopyridine prepared by methods described in the literature. The oxidation involves the conversion of both the sulfur and nitrogen to their higher oxidative states in a single preparative step. In this case the products are sulfones as the sequence of oxidation proceeds from sulfide .fwdarw. sulfoxide .fwdarw. sulfone .fwdarw. sulfone N-oxide. The oxidant most generally employed, but not limited to, is 30 - 50% hydrogen peroxide in glacial acetic acid. In excess of three equivalents of peroxide is necessary.
The conversion of the 2-thiopyridine N-oxide to the analogous sulfinyl or sulfonyl compound is accomplished by employing one or two equivalents of an oxidizing agent selected from, but not necessarily limited to, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and the aromatic peroxy acids. The ratio of peroxide to substrate varies with the desired product. A general outline of routes and equivalents involved can be depicted as follows: ##STR2##
The solvents employed vary with the oxidant as described in the literature (Katritsky and Lagowski, Chemistry of the Heterocyclic N-Oxides, Academic Press, 1971). Glacial acetic acid and water are preferred when hydrogen peroxide is used and a nonpolar solvent such as chloroform with the aromatic peroxy acids. When water is employed as a solvent a catalyst of the nature of a tungsten, vanadium, zirconium or molybdenum salt (U.S. Pats. No. 3,005,852, Freyermuth et al., Oct. 24, 1961), U.S.. Pat. No. 3,006,962, Schultz et al., Oct. 31, 1961, U.S. Pat. No. 3,006,963, Buc et al., Oct. 31, 1961 and British Pat. No. 1,335,626, Eastman Kodak Co., Oct. 31, 1973) is generally used. Temperature and time are a function of the sulfide employed and with the range varying from 50.degree. to reflux in the case of water and acetic acid to 0.degree. to 40.degree. with chloroform.
Compounds of the invention may be used for selective control of various grasses and broadleaved weeds including pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) and purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) in diverse crops including flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), cotton (Gossypium sp.), soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). Application may be in aqueous solutions or suspensions which may be sprayed onto the soil surface prior to weed and crop emergence and before or after the crop seed is sown. The soil may receive a shallow tilling (less than 3 inches) after application of the chemical, but this is not required as it is with some preemergence herbicides. The compounds of this invention may also be applied by broadcast of a granular formulation prior to weed and crop emergence.
Various weeds such as crabgrass [Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Muhl.] may be controlled by postemergence application of compounds of this invention.
Compounds of this invention may be added as a "tank mix" to other herbicide solutions so that the number of different weed species controlled in a single application will be increased. The formulations of invention compounds may also include other herbicides so that the spectrum of weeds controlled by spray or granular application may be increased.
The following examples will serve to illustrate the practice of the invention in more detail. The examples summarized in Table I illustrate preparation of chemicals useful in the invention while subsequent examples illustrate control of weeds with the chemicals. In the examples the melting points are uncorrected. In Table I, the symbol IR in the Analysis column indicates that infrared data for the compound are given in Table II. The infrared data were obtained on a Perkin-Elmer Infracord (trademark). In the examples illustrating use of the chemicals, each chemical is identified by the example number assigned to the chemical in Table I.





EXAMPLE 1
2-(2,5-Dimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide.
To a stirred solution of 792 gms (2.2 mole) (40% aqueous solution) 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide, sodium salt in 1400 ml of ethanol is added 344 gms (2.2 mole) 2,5-dimethylbenzylchloride over a period of 15 minutes. The mixture is brought to reflux for 15 minutes, filtered hot, and treated with 5 liters of cold water. The product is filtered off and oven dried to 533 gms of 2-(2, 5-dimethylphenylmethylthio)pyridine N-oxide. Yield 97%. Melting point 140.degree. - 142.degree. C.
A. To a vigorously stirred solution of 74 gms (0.3 mole) of the thio compound in 250 ml of glacial acetic acid at 45.degree. - 50.degree. C is added 75 ml of 30% hydrogen peroxide over a period of 15 minutes. The temperature is raised to 70.degree. C and after 30 minutes increased again to 80.degree. - 90.degree. and held for 3 hours. The reaction mixture is lowered to ambient temperature and added slowly to two to 3 times its volume of vigorously agitated cold water. The pale yellow solid separates and is filtered off. Recrystallizes from ethanol to yield 74.5 gms of fine crystals melting at 156.degree. - 158.degree. C (IR N--O 1275 cm.sup..sup.-1 SO.sub.2 1140, 1315 cm.sup..sup.-1). Yield 89% theory.
Analysis: Calc. for C.sub.14 H.sub.15 NO.sub.3 S. C 60.63; H 5.45; N 5.05; S 11.54. Found C 60.66; H 5.56; N 5.18; S 11.81.
B. To a heated (80.degree. - 90.degree.) vigorously stirred slurry of 30 gms (0.12 mole of thio compound in 150 ml of water containing 10 gms of acetic acid and 0.2 gms of sodium tungstate dihydrate is slowly added 26 ml of 30% hydrogen peroxide. The addition is exothermic and the temperature is maintained at 80.degree. - 90.degree. C for the first 14 ml then allowing it to rise to the 95.degree. - 105.degree. C range for the remaining 12 ml.
The initial slurry becomes quite thin at the sulfoxide stage and again separating at the sulfone stage. Overall reaction time is about one hour. The reaction mixture is filtered, washed with water and air dried. Melting point 156.degree. - 158..degree. Mixed m.p. with authentic sample shows no depression. Yield 32.8 gms (quantitative).
EXAMPLE 2
2-(2,4,6-Trimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide.
A mixture of 17 gms (0.05 mole) 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide, sodium salt (40% aqueous solution) and 8.5 gms (0.05 mole) .alpha..sup.2 chloroisodurene in 50 ml of ethanol is brought to reflux for 15 minutes. The volatiles are removed and the residue extracted with 150 ml of boiling chloroform, filtered and dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation and trituration of the residue with a few drops of acetone induce crystallization. A yield of 11.5 gms of 2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylmethylthio)pyridine N-oxide is obtained. Melting point 137.degree. - 138.degree. C. Structure confirmed by IR and NMR.
To a well cooled (0.degree. - 10.degree. C) solution of 15 gms (0.06 mole) of thio compound in 200 ml of chloroform is slowly added with vigorous stirring 25 gms (0.12 mole) meta chloroperoxybenzoic acid (MCPBA) (85%) in 400 ml of chloroform. Upon completion of the addition the temperature is permitted to rise to ambient and stirring is continued 24 hours. The reaction mixture is washed thoroughly with 300 ml of saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and water then dried over magnesium sulfate. Evaporation of the chloroform, and crystallization of the solid residue from methanol yields 15 grams (86% theory) of product. Melting point 173.degree. - 175.degree. (IR N-O 1275 cm.sup..sup.-1, SO.sub.2 1310, 1140 cm.sup..sup.-1)
Analysis: Calc. for C.sub.15 H.sub.17 NO.sub.3 S. C 61.90; H 5.84; N 4.81. Found: C 61.97; H 6.06; N 4.79.
EXAMPLE 3
2-(2,6-Dichlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)-pyridine N-oxide
A mixture of 37 gms (0.1 mole) 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide, sodium salt (40% aqueous solution) and 19.5 gms (0.1 mole) 2,6-dichlorobenzylchloride in 200 ml of ethanol is warmed to 65.degree. - 70.degree. for thirty minutes, cooled and filtered. The filter cake is washed thoroughly with water and finally with 40 ml of acetone. The dry cake (25.3 gms) represents a 92% yield of 2-(2,6-dichlorophenylmethylthio)pyridine N-oxide. Melting point 240.degree. - 241.degree. C. Structure confirmed by IR and NMR.
A solution of 5.8 gms (0.02 mole) of thio compound in 100 ml of chloroform is cooled to 0.degree. - 10.degree. C. Four (4) gms (0.02 mole) MCOBA (85%) is added with good stirring. After twenty four hours at ambient temperature the reaction mixture is washed thoroughly with sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and evaporated. Crystallization from hot ethyl acetate yielded 4.3 gms (71% theory) of product. Melting point 135.degree. - 137.degree. C (IR N-O 1260 cm.sup..sup.-1 SO 1050 cm.sup..sup.-1).
Analysis: Calc. for C.sub.12 H.sub.9 Cl.sub.2 NO.sub.2 S. C 47.65; H 2.98; N 4.64. Found C 47.25; H 2.95; N 4.29.
EXAMPLE 4
2-(1-[4-Chlorophenyl]ethylsulfonyl)-pyridine N-oxide
The intermediate 2-(1-[4-chlorophenyl]ethylthio)-pyridine N-oxide is prepared from 1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethylchloride and 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide, sodium salt by the procedure described in Example 2. Melting point 106.degree. - 108.degree. C. Structure confirmed by IR and NMR.
The thio compound (0.02 mole) is oxidized with MCPBA (0.04 mole) and isolated in the manner previously described in Example 2. Yield 78% theory. Melting point 188.degree. - 191.degree. C (IR N-O 1300 cm.sup..sup.-1 SO.sub.2 1340, 1160 cm.sup..sup.-1).
Analysis: Calc. for C.sub.13 H.sub.12 CINO.sub.3 S. C 52.44; H 4.06; N 4.71. Found: C 52.09; H 4.11; N 4.61.
EXAMPLE 5
2-(1-[4-Methylphenyl]ethylsulfonyl)-pyridine N-oxide
The intermediate compound 2-(1-[4-methylphenyl]ethylthiol)pyridine N-oxide is prepared from 1-(4-methylphenyl)ethyl chloride and 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide, sodium salt by the procedure described in Example 2. Melting point 83.degree. - 85.degree. C. Structure confirmed by IR and NMR.
The thio compound (0.02 mole) is oxidized with MCPBA (0.04 mole) and isolated in the manner described in Example 2. (IR N-O 1275 cm.sup..sup.-1 SO.sub.2 1315, 1140 cm.sup..sup.-1)
Analysis: Calc. for C.sub.14 H.sub.15 NO.sub.3 S. C 60.35; H 5.45; N 5.02. Found C 61.18; H 5.70; N 5.22.
EXAMPLE 6
2-(1-[2,5-Dimethylphenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide
The intermediate 2-(1-[2,5-dimethylphenyl]ethylthio)pyridine N-oxide is prepared from 1-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)ethyl chloride and 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide, sodium salt by the procedure described in Example 2. Melting point 118.degree. - 120.degree. C. Structure confirmed by IR and NMR.
The thio compound (0.05 mole) is oxidized with MCPBA (0.1 mole) and isolated in the manner described in Example 2. Yield 83% theory. Melting point 160.degree. - 163.degree. C. (IR N-O 1275 cm.sup..sup.-1, SO.sub.2 1315, 1145 cm.sup..sup.-1)
EXAMPLE 7
2-(1-[2-Naphthyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide
The intermediate 2-(1-[2-naphthyl]ethylthio)pyridine N-oxide is prepared from 1-(2-naphthyl)ethyl chloride and 2-mercapto pyridine N-oxide, sodium salt by the procedure described in Example 2. Melting point 112.degree. - 115.degree. C. Structure confirmed by IR and NMR.
The thio compound (0.02 mole) is oxidized with MCPBA (0.04 mole) and isolated in the manner described in Example 2. Crystallization from ethanol yielded 73% product. Melting point 144.degree. - 146.degree. C. (IR N-O 1275 cm.sup..sup.-1, SO.sub.2 1310, 1140 cm.sup..sup.-1)
EXAMPLE 8
2-(2,3,6-Trimethylphenylmethylsulfinyl)-pyridine N-oxide
The intermediate 2-(2,3,6-trimethylphenylmethylthio)pyridine N-oxide is prepared from .alpha..sup.2 -bromoprehnitene with 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide, sodium salt by the procedure described in Example 2. Yield 50% theory. Melting point 108.degree. - 110.degree. C. Structure confirmed by IR and NMR.
The thio compound (0.03 mole) is oxidized with MCPBA (0.03 mole) and isolated in the manner described in Example 2. Yield 50% theory. Melting point 72.degree. - 75.degree. C. (IR N-O 1250 cm.sup..sup.-1, SO 1050 cm.sup..sup.-1)
EXAMPLE 9
2-(1-Phenylethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide
To a well stirred, cold (0.degree. - 10.degree.) solution of 46.3 gms (0.2 mole) of 2-(1-phenylethylthio)pyridine N-oxide in 400 ml of chloroform is slowly added a solution of 80 gms (0.4 mole) MCPBA in one liter of chloroform. After three hours at 0.degree. - 10.degree. the temperature was allowed to become ambient and stand for twenty-four hours. After washing with saturated sodium bicarbonate to remove all traces of acid the chloroform solution was dried and evaporated. Yield 47 gms (90% theory). Melting point 141.degree. - 143.degree. C. (IR N-O 1260 cm.sup.-.sup.1, SO.sub.2 1300, 1140 cm.sup.-.sup.1)
Analysis: Calc. for C.sub.13 H.sub.13 NO.sub.3 S. C 59.40; H 4.95; N 5.32. Found C 59.03; H 4.90; N 5.35.
EXAMPLE 10
2-(2,4-Dichlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)-pyridine N-oxide
A well stirred solution of 5.8 gms (0.02 mole) of 2-(2,4-dichlorophenylmethylthio)pyridine N-oxide in 50 ml of chloroform is treated at 0.degree. - 10.degree. with 4 gms (0.02 mole) MCPBA (85%) in 50 ml of chloroform. The mixture is allowed to rise to ambient and held for 16 hours. The reaction mixture is washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate, dried and evaporated to 5.5 gms (89% theory) of product. Melting point 138.degree. - 141.degree. C. Structure confirmed by IR and NMR. (IR N-O 1240 cm.sup.-.sup.1, SO 1050 cm.sup.-.sup.1)
EXAMPLE 11
2-(2-Methylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide
The intermediate 2-(2-methylphenylmethylthio)pyridine N-oxide is prepared by the procedure described in Example 2 from .alpha.-chloro o-xylene and 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide sodium salt. Melting point 134.degree. -136.degree. C. Yield 85% theory. Structure confirmed by IR and NMR.
A slurry of 14 gms (0.06 mole) thio compound, 100 ml water, 0.5 gms sodium tungstate dihydrate, and 4 ml of glacial acetic acid is heated to 75.degree. C. Twelve (12) ml hydrogen peroxide (30%) (0.12 mole) is added portionwise and with only a slight exotherm until 6 ml is consumed. The remaining 6 ml is added at steam bath temperature in three (3 ) 2 ml portions at a rate controlled by testing the mixture with potassium iodide-starch paper to assure consumption of the previous peroxide. The final temperature was 97.degree. after one hour. Cool, filter and wash cake with water and a small amount of cold ethanol. After drying the product 15.4 gms (99% theory) is obtained. Melting point 159.degree. - 160.5.degree. C. Structure confirmed by IR.
Analysis: Calc. for C.sub.13 H.sub.13 NO.sub.3 S. C 59.31; H 4.98; N 5.32. Found: C 59.30; H 5.21; N 5.31.
Example 12
2-(2,2-Dichloro-1-methylcyclopropylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide
To a well stirred solution of 62.5 gms (0.25 mole) 2-(2,2-dichloro-1-methylcyclopropylmethylthio)pyridine in 250 ml of glacial acetic acid at ambient temperature 90 gms (0.8 mole) of 30% hydrogen peroxide is slowly added. The temperature is increased to 80.degree. over a period of two hours and held for 12 hours. An additional 10 ml of peroxide is added and heating continued for 4 hours.
The reaction mixture was reduced to approximately one-third its volume with a rotary evaporator and the residue slowly poured into a vigorously stirred four fold volume of cold water. The separated product is filtered off and vacuum dried to 31.5 gms. Yield 42% theory. Melting point 93.degree. - 94.degree. C (IR N-O 1280 cm.sup.-.sup.1, SO.sub.2 1315, 1140 cm.sup.-.sup.1)
Analysis: Calc. for C.sub.10 H.sub.11 Cl.sub.2 NO.sub.3 S. C 40.50; H 3.72; Cl 23.95; N 4.72. Found: C 40.36; H 3.77; Cl 24.15; N 4.63.
EXAMPLE 13
2-(2,3,6-Trichlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide
The intermediate 2-(2,3,6-trichlorophenylmethylthio)pyridine N-oxide is prepared from 2,3,6-trichlorobenzylchloride and 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide sodium salt by the procedure employed in Example 3. Melting point 232.degree. - 234.degree. C. Yield quantitative. Structure confirmed by IR and NMR.
A slurry of 6.4 gms (0.02 mole) of thio compound in 50 ml of chloroform is cooled to 5.degree. - 10.degree. C and solution of 4 gms (0.02 mole) MCPBA in 100 ml of chloroform is slowly added. The reaction mixture is allowed to rise to room temperature, stirred for 16 hours, washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and dried over sodium sulfate. The dry solution is evaporated to dryness and crude product refluxed in ethanol, cooled and filtered. Yield of product 65% theory. Melting point 168.degree. - 170.degree. C. (IR N-O 1350 cm.sup.-.sup.1, SO 1050 cm.sup.-.sup.1)
Analysis: Calc. for C.sub.12 H.sub.8 Cl.sub.3 NO.sub.2 S. C 42.82; H 2.39; N 4.16; S 9.54. Found: C 41.01; H 2.32; N 4.18; S 9.74.
EXAMPLE 14
2-(2,6-Dichlorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide
A mixture of 37 gms (0.1 mole) of (40% solution) 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide, sodium salt and 19.5 gms (0.1 mole) 2,6-dichlorobenzylchloride in 200 ml ethanol is warmed to 65.degree. for thirty minutes, cooled and filtered. The filter cake is washed thoroughly with water and finally with 40 ml of acetone. Vacuum drying of the cake yields 25.3 gms (92% theory) of product, 2-(2,6-dichlorophenylmethylthio)pyridine N-oxide. Melting point 240.degree. - 241.degree. C. Structure confirmed by IR.
A slurry of 29 gms (0.1 mole) of the thio compound in 300 ml of chloroform at 10.degree. is treated slowly with 40 gms (0.2 mole) MCPBA (85%) in 450 ml of chloroform. The mixture is permitted to rise to ambient temperature resulting in a clear solution which is held sixteen hours. The solution is washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The residue is slurried in 400 ml of boiling methanol, cooled and filtered to yield 28 gms (89% theory) of product. Melting point 214.degree. - 215.5.degree. C.
Analysis: Calc. for C.sub.12 H.sub.9 Cl.sub.2 NO.sub.3 S. C 45.32; H 2.83; N 4.40. Found: C 45.67; H 2.89; N 4.55.
EXAMPLE 15
2-(2,3,6-Trichlorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide
The compound 2-(2,3,6-trichlorophenylmethylthio)pyridine N-oxide is prepared from 2,3,6-trichlorobenzylchloride and 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide sodium salt by the procedure employed in Example 1. Melting point 232.degree. - 234.degree. C. Yield quantitative. Structure confirmed by IR and NMR.
A slurry of 6.4 gms (0.02 mole) of thio compound in 50 ml of chloroform is cooled to 5.degree. - 10.degree. C and a solution of 8 gms (0.04 mole) MCPBA in 100 ml of chloroform is slowly added. The reaction mixture is allowed to rise to room temperature, stirred for 16 hours, washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and dried over sodium sulfate. The dry solution is evaporated to dryness and crude product refluxed in ethanol, cooled and filtered. Yield of product 6.7 gms (95% theory). Melting point 194.degree. - 196.degree. C. Structure confirmed by IR and NMR.
EXAMPLE 16
2-(1-[4-Fluorophenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide
The compound is prepared from 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide sodium salt and 1-(4-fluorophenyl)ethylchloride in the manner described in example 4. The 2-(1-[4-fluorophenyl]ethylthio)pyridine N-oxide is obtained in 40% yield. Melting point 95.degree. - 97.degree. C. Structure confirmed by IR and NMR.
Oxidation of the thio compound (0.04 mole) with 0.08 mole) MCPBA and isolation procedure are the same as employed in example 7. Yield 83%. Melting point 142.degree. - 144.degree. C.
Analysis: Calc. for C.sub.13 H.sub.12 FNO.sub.3 S. C 55.50; H 4.30; N 4.98. Found: C 55.47; H 4.61; N 5.07.
EXAMPLE 17
2-(1-[4-Bromophenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide
The compound 2-(1-[4-bromophenyl]ethylthio)pyridine N-oxide is prepared from 1-(4-bromophenyl)ethylchloride and 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide sodium salt by the procedure described in Example 1. The melting point is 113.degree. - 115.degree. C. Structure is confirmed by IR and NMR.
The thio compound (0.05 mole) is oxidized with MCPBA (0.1 mole) and isolated in the manner previously described in Example 9. Yield 85%. Structure confirmed by IR and NMR.
Analysis: Calc. for C.sub.13 H.sub.12 BrNO.sub.3 S. C 45.63; H 3.45; N 4.09. Found: C 45.04; H 3.32; N 4.15.
In accordance with the same procedure the chemicals listed in Table I may be prepared. Table I summarizes the foregoing preparations as well as additional similar preparations; Table II gives infrared data. The numbers assigned to the preparations in Table I are used to identify the chemicals in the subsequent examples. Compound 44 in Table I also contained a minor amount of the 4-ethylphenyl isomer.
Table I__________________________________________________________________________Herbicidal Chemicals Analysis-Calc/FoundEx. Name m.p. C H N S__________________________________________________________________________12 2-(2,2-Dichloro-1-methylcyclopropylmethylsulfonyl) 93-95.degree. 40.50 3.72 4.73 10.81 pyridine N-oxide 40.51 3.87 4.59 10.9438 2-(2,2-Dichlorocyclopropylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine 103-105 IR N-oxide24 2-(1-Naphthylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 183-186 IR20 2-(Phenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 126-128 IR21 2-(3,4-Dimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 165-167 60.63 5.45 5.05 11.54 60.77 5.73 5.03 11.7122 2-(4-Methylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 149-151 IR23 2-(4-Chlorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 154-155 IR1 2-(2,5-Dimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 156-158 60.63 5.45 5.05 11.54 60.66 5.56 5.18 11.8126 2-(4-Nitrophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 215-215 IR11 2-(2-Methylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 159-161 59.31 4.93 5.32 59.30 5.21 5.3114 2-(2,6-Dichlorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 214-216 45.37 2.83 4.40 45.67 2.89 4.552 2-(2,4,6-Trimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 173-175 61.90 5.84 4.81 61.97 5.06 4.7933 2-([3-trifluoromethylphenyl]methylsulfonyl)pyridine 125-127 49.10 3.16 4.41 N-oxide 48.86 2.73 4.2034 2-(2,4-Dichlorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 154-156.degree. IR9 2-(1-Phenylethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 141-143 59.40 4.95 5.32 59.03 4.90 5.3535 2-(4-Methoxyphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 131-133 IR31 2-(2-Chlorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 151-152 IR37 2-(Diphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 204-205 66.40 4.61 4.31 66.26 4.71 4.4036 2-([2-Methoxy-5-nitrophenyl]methylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 226-227 IR42 2-(2-Fluorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 151-153 54.00 3.74 5.24 54.03 3.79 5.3141 2-[(3,4-Dioxymethylene-6-chlorophenyl)methylsulfonyl]- pyridine N-oxide 179-180 47.60 3.06 4.28 46.87 2.83 4.2344 2-(2-Ethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide -- IR55 2-(3-Methylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 171-173 IR48 2-(2-Cyanophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 188-190 56.90 3.65 10.21 57.14 3.98 10.2262 2-(3-Fluorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 138-140 IR64 2-(4-Fluorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 136-138 IR40 2-(Cinnamylthio)pyridine N-oxide 122-124 61.00 4.72 5.09 60.32 4.57 5.034 21[1-(4-Chlorophenyl)ethylsulfonyl]pyridine N-oxide 188-191 IR38 2-(Isopropenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide oil IR39 2-(Phenylethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 99-100 IR43 2-(1-Ethylpentylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide oil IR45 2-(Cyclohexylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 135-138 IR49 2-(2-Propylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 110-114 47.75 5.51 6.96 47.86 5.57 6.7847 2-(Cycloheptylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 103-107 56.50 6.66 5.50 57.14 6.80 5.553 2-(2,6-Dichlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 135-137.degree. 47.65 2.98 4.64 47.25 2.95 4.2546 2-(2-5-Dimethylphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 142-144 64.80 5.64 5.26 64.43 5.67 5.1354 2-(3-Methylphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 67-71 63.20 5.26 5.66 63.14 5.71 5.7310 2-(2,4-Dichlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 138-141 IR52 2-(4-Methoxyphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 140-143 IR53 2-(Phenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 119-122 IR51 2-[(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)methylfulfinyl]pyridine 104-108 51.80 3.34 4.65 52.13 3.35 4.7556 2-(2,4,6-Trimethylphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 164-166.degree. 65.50 6.18 5.09 66.11 6.49 5.1557 2-(2-Chlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 124-127 53.65 3.73 5.22 53.91 4.11 5.2558 2-(3,4-Dimethylphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 123-126 64.43 5.75 5.36 64.89 6.08 5.4059 2-(2-Methylphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 99-102 63.14 5.30 5.66 12.96 62.66 5.31 5.45 12.5760 2-(2-Cyanophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 158-161 60.45 3.90 10.84 60.03 3.86 10.5761 2-(4-Methylphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 101-103 63.14 5.30 5.66 12.96 63.57 5.43 5.48 13.2963 2-(4-Fluorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 100-103 IR65 2-(3-Fluorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 70-74 IR29 2-Ethylsulfinyl pyridine N-oxide 94-96.degree. IR32 2-Cyanomethylsulfinyl pyridine N-oxide 164-165 IR66 2-(2-Fluorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 110-113 57.40 3.98 5.57 57.43 3.95 5.6867 2-(Diphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 188-191 IR27 2-(Cyclohexylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 144-145.degree. IR68 2-(2-Methoxy-5-methylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 115-118 IR69 2-(2-Bromo-5-methoxyphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 157-158 IR70 2-(Pentachlorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 235-238 IR15 2-(2,3,6-Trichlorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 194-196 IR72 2-(4-Cyanophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 215-217 IR30 2-(2-Benzothiazolylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 175-176 50.95 3.27 9.15 20.9 49.9 3.54 11.03 18.857 2-[1-(2-Naphthyl)ethylsulfonyl]pyridine N-oxide 144-146 IR74 2-(2,5-Diisopropylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 120-123 64.84 6.95 4.20 64.10 6.89 4.3176 2-(1-Phenylbutylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 145-148 61.83 5.88 5.05 61.53 5.85 4.955 2-[1-(4-Methylphenyl)ethylsulfonyl]pyridine N-oxide 158-160 60.35 5.45 5.05 61.18 5.70 5.2278 2-[1-(2-Thienyl)ethylsulfonyl]pyridine N-oxide 147-149 49.05 4.12 5.20 48.90 4.39 5.2116 2-[1-(4-Fluorophenyl)ethylsulfonyl]pyridine N-oxide 142-144 55.50 4.30 4.98 55.47 4.61 5.076 2-[1-(2,5-Dimethylphenyl)ethylsulfonyl]pyridine N-oxide 160-163 IR17 2-[1-(4-Bromophenyl)ethylsulfonyl]pyridine N-oxide 193-195.degree. 45.63 3.45 4.09 45.04 3.32 4.1581 2-[1-Phenylpropylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 144-146 60.63 5.45 5.05 60.57 5.39 5.1182 2-(3,4-Dichlorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 170-173 45.30 2.85 4.40 45.20 2.41 4.4925 2-(4-Chlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 104-107 IR71 2-(Pentachlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 213-215 IR13 2-(2,3,6-Trichlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 168-170 IR73 2-(4-Cyanophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 155-158 IR79 2-[1-(4-Fluorophenyl)ethylsulfinyl]pyridine N-oxide 98-101 58.85 4.56 5.28 54.94 5.08 5.3475 2-(2,5-Diisopropylphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 83-86 IR77 2-[1-(4-Methylphenyl)ethylsulfinyl]pyridine N-oxide 121-123 IR19 2-(2,2-Dichlorocyclopropylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide oil IR50 2-(Phenylethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide oil IR80 2-[1-(4-Bromophenyl)ethylsulfinyl]pyridine N-oxide 177-180 IR83 2-(3,4-Dichlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 133-135 47.70 3.00 4.64 47.44 2.92 4.7184 2-(3-Bromophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 145-147.degree. IR86 2-(1-[3,4-Dichlorophenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 129-134 IR88 2-(3,4-Methylenedioxyphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 163-165 IR91 2-(.alpha.-[4-Chlorophenyl]phenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine 165-168 IR18 2-(2,3,6-Trimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 155 IR85 2-(3-Bromophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 115-117 IR87 2-(3,4-Methylenedioxyphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 171-173 IR89 2-(2-Pyridylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 128-131 IR90 2-(.alpha.-[4-Chlorophenyl]phenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine 109-114 IR94 2-(2-Nitrophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 165-167 IR8 2-(2,3,6-Trimethylphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 72- 75 IR96 2-(2-Methyl-1-naphthylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 127-130 IR98 2-(2-Iodophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 160-163 IR101 2-(4-[2,2-Dichlorocyclopropyl]phenylmethylsulfinyl)- oil IR pyridine N-oxide103 2-(1-[1-Naphthyl]ethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 146-147 IR93 2-(2-Nitrophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 155-158 IR92 2-(1-[2,4,6-Trimethylphenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 172-175 IR95 2-(2-Methyl-1-naphthylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 195-198 IR97 2-(2-Iodophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 142-146 IR99 2-(1-[4-Nitrophenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 167-121 IR100 2-(4-[2,2-Dichlorocyclopropyl]phenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine oil IR N-oxide104 2-(.alpha.-[2-Methylphenyl]phenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine 122-125 67.24 5.05 4.13 N-oxide 66.52 5.29 4.13102 2-(1-[1-Naphthyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide wax IR.105 2-(1-[4-Methylsulfonylphenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine 237-239 IR106 2-(1-[4-Methylsulfonylphenyl]ethylsulfinyl)pyridine 149-150 IR107 2-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 133-135 IR108 2-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 159-161 IR109 2-(1-[2,5-Diethylphenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 124-127 IR110 2-(Cyclopentylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 107-109 IR111 2-(2,5-Dimethoxyphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 129-132 IR112 2-(2,5-Dimethoxyphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 136-138 IR113 2-(2-Ethoxyphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide 135-138 IR114 2-(2-Ethoxyphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 145-147 IR__________________________________________________________________________
Table II______________________________________Infrared Data Major Bands (cm.sup..sup.-1)Ex SO.sub.n n N-oxide______________________________________12 1315, 1140 2 1280, 84428 1320, 1145 2 1280, 84524 1320, 1155 2 1280, 84520 1320, 1150 2 1280, 84021 1310, 1140 2 1270, 84022 1320, 1140 2 1275, 84023 1320, 1145 2 1280, 8401 1310, 1130 2 1270, 83526 1320, 1150 2 1280, 84511 1310, 1130 2 1270, 84014 1320, 1120 2 1240, 8402 1310, 1140 2 1275, 84033 1320, 1155 2 1280, 84034 1310, 1140 2 1280, 8409 1300, 1140 2 1260, 84035 1310, 1150 2 1250, 84031 1320, 1160 2 1275, 83537 1320, 1140 2 1280, 84536 1320, 1140 2 1275, 83542 1310, 1120 2 1270, 84041 1320, 1140 2 1280, 84044 1320, 1150 2 1270, 84055 1320, 1120 2 1280, 84548 1320, 1150 2 1280, 85062 1330, 1130 2 1290, 84564 1340, 1160 2 1290, 8554 1340, 1160 2 1300, 85038 1320, 1120 2 1275, 84039 1310, 1125 2 1270, 84043 1310, 1140 2 1280, 84545 1310, 1130 2 1250, 84049 1310, 1150 2 1240, 85047 1300, 1140 2 1270, 8403 1050 1 1260, 84046 1055 1 1260, 83054 1040 1 1250, 83510 1050 1 1240, 84052 1040 1 1250, 83553 1050 1 1240, 83551 1060 1 1250, 84056 1050 1 1255, 84057 1050 1 1260, 84558 1055 1 1260, 84059 1060 1 1260, 84560 1055 1 1260, 84061 1050 1 1260, 84063 1060 1 1260, 84565 1050 1 1260, 84029 1040 1 1240, 83032 1050 1 1240, 84566 1065 1 1270, 85067 1065 1 1270, 84527 1300, 1130 2 1285, 84068 1310, 1140 2 1260, 84069 1320, 1140 2 1260, 84570 1330, 1130 2 1280, 85015 1325, 1125 2 1240, 85072 1310, 1140 2 1280, 85030 1330, 1155 2 1280, 8407 1310, 1140 2 1275, 85574 1320, 1140 2 1275, 84576 1320, 1145 2 1280, 8505 1315, 1140 2 1275, 84578 1320, 1155 2 1280, 85016 1310, 1140 2 1280, 8406 1315, 1145 2 1275, 84517 1310, 1140 2 1275, 84581 1320, 1150 2 1280, 85082 1335, 1150 2 1280, 85025 1050 1 1245, 84071 1050 1 1260, 84013 1040 1 1260, 82573 1045 1 1240, 84079 1025 1 1245, 84075 1040 1 1250, 84077 1030 1 1240, 84019 1050 1 1260, 84050 1050 1 1250, 84580 1055 1 1250, 84083 1045 1 1250, 84084 1320, 1130 2 1275, 84086 1320, 1140 2 1280, 84588 1310, 1120 2 1250, 84591 1310, 1140 2 1270, 84518 1315, 1150 2 1275, 84585 1045 1 1250, 84087 1040 1 1260, 82089 1050 1 1240, 83590 1045 1 1235, 84093 1330, 1140 2 1280, 84592 1310, 1140 2 1270, 84595 1320, 1130 2 1260, 84097 1320, 1130 2 1230, 84099 1320, 1140 2 1270, 845100 1320, 1120 2 1275, 845104 1320, 1145 2 1280, 850102 1310, 1140 2 1280, 84594 1050 1 1250, 8408 1045 1 1250, 84096 1040 1 1240, 83598 1040 1 1250, 835101 1050 1 1250, 840103 1050 1 1240, 840105 1140,1310 2 1270, 845106 1140-1300 2,1 1240, 890 (SO 1050)107 1040 1 1250,840108 1140,1320 2 1260,840109 1145,1320 2 1280,845110 1140,1300 2 1240,840111 1130,1315 2 1230,845112 1040 1 1230,840113 1050 1 1245,835114 1130,1315 2 1250,840______________________________________
EXAMPLE 115
To illustrate effectiveness of the described 2-sulfinyl and sulfonyl pyridine N-oxides as preemergent herbicides, 600 mg chemical is dissolved in 10 ml organic solvent (e.g. acetone) to which 30 mg conventional emulsifying agent (e.g. isooctyl polyethyoxyethanol, "Triton X100" [trademark]) is added. The solution is diluted to 100 ml with distilled water. Twenty milliliters of this 6000 ppm solution is diluted to 250 ppm with distilled water. The chemical is applied at the rate of 10 lbs/A (pounds per acre) by drenching 46 ml of the 250 ppm solution on the surface of soil in 41/2 inch diameter plastic pots which had been sown with the following weed seeds: rough pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) or jimsonweed (Datura stramonium L.), tall morningglory (Ipomea purpurea (L.) Roth), crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Muhl.), barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv.) and giant foxtail (Setaria faberi Herrm.). The percent control of the weeds compared to untreated checks is determined two weeks after treatment. Table III shows the results with the preemergence herbicides of the invention prepared in accordance with the above examples.
TABLE III______________________________________Herbicide activity of 2-Sulfinyl and 2-SulfonylPyridine N-oxidePercent Weed Control Purslane.sup.p or Tall Jimson- Morning- Barnyard- Crab- GiantEx. Pigweed weed glory grass grass Foxtail______________________________________19 50 O.sup.p 15 100 100 10012 15 90.sup.p 0 95 100 10020 25 100.sup.p 0 98 98 10021 100 10 90 100 100 10022 100 90 0 100 100 10023 100 75 0 98 100 10024 100 100 5 98 100 10025 100 98 25 98 100 1001 100 100 100 100 100 10026 20 0 0 90 100 9527 50 0 0 98 100 10028 98 0 0 98 100 9829 0 0 0 98 100 10030 95 0 0 60 90 9031 100 0 0 100 100 10011 85 80 25 98 100 10032 95 95 20 90 95 952 100 0 20 95 100 10019 100 80 80 95 100 10033 100 50 25 90 100 10034 100 20 0 95 100 1009 100 100 95 95 100 10035 100 0 0 95 100 10036 98 0 0 98 98 9537 0 0 0 90 90 7538 100 0 0 100 100 10039 0 25 0 85 85 858 100 0 94 100 100 10040 0 0 0 75 98 10041 100 0 0 95 100 10042 100 70 0 90 100 10043 75 0 0 95 98 9844 100 0 0 98 100 10045 80 0 0 90 90 9046 100 0 20 98 100 10047 95 0 0 98 98 9848 100 65 0 98 98 9849 100 50 0 98 98 9810 98 40 70 100 100 10050 98 0 0 95 98 9851 98 0 30 98 100 10052 95 0 10 98 98 9853 85 0 65 98 98 9854 40 0 15 98 98 9855 100 0 0 100 100 10056 100 0 50 98 98 10057 100 25 40 98 98 9858 100 20 0 95 98 9859 100 0 85 98 98 10060 100 0 85 98 98 10061 95 10 25 95 98 9862 100 0 35 95 98 9863 100 0 0 90 98 9864 100 0 0 85 85 9065 100 0 35 98 100 10066 100 0 50 95 98 10067 100 0 0 98 98 984 100 25 0 100 100 10068 100 0 0 100 100 10069 100 0 0 100 100 10070 95 -- -- 60 50 3071 100 0 0 100 100 10015 100 100 15 100 100 10013 100 75 100 100 100 10072 95 0 0 95 98 9873 100 0 0 98 98 9874 0 50 0 98 98 10075 0 0 0 98 98 9876 0 0 90 98 98 985 95 0 50 98 98 9877 -- -- -- 100 100 10078 0 0 0 98 98 9816 100 85 98 100 100 1006 95 80 95 100 100 10079 -- 25 -- 100 100 1007 -- 35 0 100 100 10080 0 0 0 98 100 10017 0 0 0 98 100 10081 0 0 0 98 100 10082 0 0 0 50 75 10083 100 0 0 100 100 10084 100 0 0 100 100 10085 100 0 0 98 100 10086 100 100 0 100 100 10087 100 0 0 98 100 10088 100 0 0 100 100 10089 -- -- -- 100 100 10090 0 0 0 80 80 8091 50 0 0 90 85 8518 100 30 100 100 100 10092 100 95 75 98 98 9893 100 95 65 98 98 9894 100 60 85 100 100 1008 100 0 100 100 100 10095 100 0 0 95 100 10096 100 0 0 100 100 10097 100 0 0 100 100 10098 100 0 50 100 100 10099 100 0 0 100 100 100100 100 0 0 95 100 100101 100 0 80 100 100 100102 100 100 100 100 100 100103 30 30 0 30 20 20104 0 0 0 30 10 10105 30 30 0 85 100 100106 0 0 0 70 100 100107 100 -- 0 95 100 95108 100 -- 0 95 98 98109 0 -- 95 50 95 95110 0 0 5 98 95 95111 90 0 62 95 95 95112 20 0 0 80 80 80113 0 0 25 95 95 95114 100 0 25 98 98 98______________________________________
EXAMPLE 116
Selectivity of a herbicide is desirable since it allows control of weeds growing among desirable crop plants. To illustrate the usefulness of the compounds of this invention as selective preemergence herbicides, 0.8 g chemical is dissolved in 50 ml organic solvent such as acetone containing 25 mg conventional emulsifying agent (e.g. isoctyl polyethoxyethanol, Triton X-100), and sprayed at the rate of 4 lbs active in 30 gallons of water per acre onto the surface of soil contained in 15 inch .times. 20 inch flats. Weed and crop seeds were sown into the soil prior to treatment. The percent weed control and crop injury were evaluated 3 weeks after treatment. Table IV illustrates the usefulness of these chemicals as selective preemergence herbicides.
TABLE IV__________________________________________________________________________Selective Preemergence Herbicide TestPercent Crop Injury Percent Weed Control Texas Giant Barn- Alf- Cot- Soy- Pea- Pig- Purs- Wild Pani- Fox- yard-Ex. Flax alfa ton beans nuts weed lane Oats cum tail grass__________________________________________________________________________1 0 10 0 0 0 98 100 100 100 100 10014 0 0 0 0 0 70 100 100 100 100 1009 50 10 0 75 0 100 100 100 100 100 100__________________________________________________________________________
EXAMPLE 117
To illustrate efficacy at 2 lb/A, 50 ppm solutions (Example 115) were drenched onto the soil surface at the rate of 46 ml per 41/2 inch diameter pot. The seeds of several weed species were sown into the soil of each pot prior to chemical application. The percent control of weeds compared to untreated checks was determined two weeks after emergence. Table V shows the results of efficacy tests at 2 lb/A.
TABLE V______________________________________Herbicide Activity at 2 Pounds per Acre Percent Weed Control Texas State Barn- Yellow Green or Fall of yard Fox- Crab- Fox- Wild Pani-Ex. Oxidation grass tail grass tail Oats cum______________________________________58 Sulfoxide 90 90 80 50 0 10021 Sulfone 100 100 90 75 100 10061 Sulfoxide 90 70 85 70 0 9522 Sulfone 100 100 100 100 90 10025 Sulfoxide 100 90 100 90 90 10023 Sulfone 95 100 100 100 90 10046 Sulfoxide 100 100 100 100 90 100 1 Sulfone 100 100 100 100 100 10059 Sulfoxide 95 95 95 95 0 10011 Sulfone 100 100 100 100 95 10056 Sulfoxide 100 100 100 95 50 100 2 Sulfone 100 100 100 100 85 10051 Sulfoxide 95 95 90 90 20 10033 Sulfone 90 95 95 60 40 10055 Sulfone 85 70 100 70 20 100______________________________________
TABLE VI______________________________________Herbicide Activity at 1/2 lb/A. Percent Weed Control Texas State Barn- Yellow Green or Fall of yard Fox- Crab- Fox- Wild Pani-Ex. Oxidation grass tail grass tail Oats cum______________________________________57 Sulfoxide 90 80 85 40 0 10031 Sulfone 90 95 100 50 30 100 3 Sulfoxide 100 100 100 100 90 10014 Sulfone 100 100 100 95 60 10010 Sulfoxide 95 100 100 85 20 10034 Sulfone 95 100 85 80 50 100______________________________________
EXAMPLE 118
Listed below are non-limiting examples of formulations which can be used in this invention.
______________________________________1. 9.6% active one lb/gallon emulsifiable concentratea. 2-(2,5-Dimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)- pyridine N-oxide 0.6 gmb. Blend of oil soluble sulfonates with polyoxyethylene ethers (Emcol N139-BU [trademark] Witco Chemical Corp.; e.g. nonylphenol polyoxyethylene plus calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate) 0.55 gmc. Chloroform 2.4 gmd. Benzaldehyde 2.7 gm2. 11.3% active one lb/gallon soluble concentratea. 2-(Phenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide 24.0 gmb. Blend of oil soluble sulfonates with poly- oxyethylene ethers (Emcol N5003 [trade- mark] Witco Chemical Corp.; e.g., sodium lignin sulfonate plus polycondensate of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and propylene glycol. 12.0 gmc. Phenol (90% aqueous solution) 178.5 gm3. 50% active wettable powdera. 2-(2,5-Dimethylphenylmethylslfonyl)- pyridine N-oxide 300 gmb. Alkylaryl polether alcohol OPE (octyl- phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol) (Trition X-120 [trademark], Rohm & Hass) 6 gmc. Sodium N-methyl-N-palmitoyl taurate (Igepon TN-74 [trademark] GAF Corp.) 6 gmd. Polymerized sodium salts of alkyl naptha- lene sulfonic acid [Daxed 11 [trademark] Dewey & Almy Chemical Company] 12 gme. Kaolinite clay (Dixie Clay [trademark]) 84 gmf. Hydrated amorphous silica (Hi Sil 233 [trademark]) 192 gm4. 5% active granulea. 2-(2-,5-Dimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)- pyridine N-oxide 1.0 gmb. Methylene chloride 9.0 gmc. Above solution sprayed onto hydrated magnesium aluminum Silicate 25/50 mesh (Attaclay [trademark]) 19.0 gm______________________________________
Claims
  • 1. A method of controlling weeds comprising applying, to a locus at which it is desired to control weeds, a herbicidally effective amount of a 2-sulfinyl or 2-sulfonyl pyridine N-oxide compound of the formula: ##STR3## where n is 1 or 2;
  • R.sub.1 is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or phenyl;
  • R.sub.2 has one of the following values when R.sub.1 is hydrogen:
  • benzyl, styryl, naphthyl, methylnaphthyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl with 1 to 5 substituents which may be the same or different and are selected from alkyl having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, halogen, nitro, cyano, alkoxy having 1 to 2 carbon atoms and trifluoromethyl;
  • R.sub.2 has one of the following values when R.sub.1 is other than hydrogen:
  • naphthyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl with 1 to 3 substituents which may be the same or different and are selected from alkyl having 1 to 2 carbon atoms, halogen, nitro, and methyl sulfonyl.
  • 2. A method as in claim 1 in which n is 1.
  • 3. A method as in claim 1 in which n is 2.
  • 4. A method as in claim 1 in which R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl.
  • 5. A method as in claim 1 in which R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, phenyl substituted with from 1 to 3 methyl groups, phenyl substituted with from 1 to 3 halogens and 2-naphthyl.
  • 6. A method as in claim 1 in which R.sub.1 is hydrogen and R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl substituted with from 1 to 3 methyl groups and phenyl substituted with from 2 to 3 chlorines.
  • 7. A method as in claim 1 in which R.sub.1 is methyl and R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, phenyl substituted with 1 or 2 methyl groups, monohalophenyl and 2-naphthyl.
  • 8. A method as in claim 1 in which the said compound is selected from the group consisting of
  • 2-(2,5-dimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(2,6-dichlorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(2,4-dichlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(2,6-dichlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(1-[4-methylphenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(2,3,6-trichlorophenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(2-methylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(1-[4-fluorophenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(1-[2,5-dimethylphenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(2,3,6-trichlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(1-phenylethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(1-[2-naphthyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(1-[4-chlorophenyl)ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(1-[4-bromophenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(2,3,6-trimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide, and
  • 2-(2,3,6-trimethylphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide.
  • 9. A method as in claim 1 in which the said compound is selected from the group consisting of
  • 2-(2,5-dimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(2,6-dichlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(1-[2,5-dimethylphenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(1-[2-naphthyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(1-[4-chlorophenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide,
  • 2-(1-[4-methylphenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide, and
  • 2-(2,3,6-trimethylphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide.
  • 10. A method as in claim 1 in which the said compound is 2-(2,5-dimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide.
  • 11. A method as in claim 1 in which the said compound is 2-(2,6-dichlorophenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide.
  • 12. A method as in claim 1 in which the said compound is 2-(1-[2,5-dimethylphenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide.
  • 13. A method as in claim 1 in which the said compound is 2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylmethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide.
  • 14. A method as in claim 1 in which the said compound is 2-(1-[2-naphthyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide.
  • 15. A method as in claim 1 in which the said compound is 2-(1-[4-chlorophenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide.
  • 16. A method as in claim 1 in which the said compound is 2-(1-[4-methylphenyl]ethylsulfonyl)pyridine N-oxide.
  • 17. A method as in claim 1 in which the said compound is 2-(2,3,6-trimethylphenylmethylsulfinyl)pyridine N-oxide.
US Referenced Citations (6)
Number Name Date Kind
3124447 Wineman et al. Mar 1964
3141907 Mark Jul 1964
3155671 D'Amico Nov 1964
3295946 D'Amico Jan 1967
3303209 Reifschneider et al. Feb 1967
3705170 Torba Dec 1972
Non-Patent Literature Citations (1)
Entry
Walter et al., "Oxydationsreaktionen an Thiolimed etc," (1966) Hebigs Ann. 695, pp. 77-86 (1966).