Pesticidal and parasiticidal use of 1-aryl-1-(substituted thio, sulfinyl and sulfonyl)-2-nitroethane compounds

Abstract

The present invention relates to the pesticidal use of 1-aryl-1-(substituted thio, sulfinyl and sulfonyl)-2-nitroethane compounds having the structural formula I 1

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Nematode, insect and acarid pests destroy growing and harvested crops. In the United States, agronomic crops must compete with thousands of those pests. In addition, helminth parasites cause hundreds of millions of dollars in economic damage to the livestock and companion animal sectors annually on a global basis.

[0002] In spite of the commercial pesticides and parasiticides available today, damage to crops, livestock, companion animals and humans still occurs. Accordingly, there is ongoing research to create new and more effective pesticides and parasiticides.

[0003] Certain β-nitrophenethyl derivatives which are useful as fungicidal agents are described in JP 62039563. However, that application does not describe or suggest any nematicidal, insecticidal and acaricidal utility for the β-nitrophenethyl derivatives described therein.

[0004] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a method for the control of helminth, nematode, insect and acarid pests and parasites.

[0005] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for the protection of growing and harvested crops from damage caused by nematode, insect and acarid attack and infestation.

[0006] It is a further object of this invention to provide a method for treating, controlling, preventing and protecting warm-blooded animals, fish and humans against infestation and infection by helminths

[0007] These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent from the description thereof set forth below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides a method for the control of helminth, nematode, insect or acarid pests or parasites which comprises contacting said pests or parasites or their food supply, habitat or breeding grounds with a pesticidally or parasiticidally effective amount of a 1-aryl-1-(substituted thio, sulfinyl or sulfonyl)-2-nitroethane compound having the structural formula I 2

[0009] wherein

[0010] Ar is phenyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups, one benzylthio group or one SCH2CO2R2 group,

[0011] 1- or 2-naphthyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C3-C4haloalkylthio groups,

[0012] piperonyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to three halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups,

[0013] 2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to four halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups,

[0014] 2- or 3-furyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to three halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups, or

[0015] 2- or 3-thienyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to three halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups;

[0016] R is hydrogen, CO2R3, C(O)NR4R5, (CH2)nCR2(NR4R5)CO2R3, CH(OR6)CH2OR7, CH(CH2OR8)SCH(R9)CH2NO2, C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4haloalkyl, C2-C4alkenyl, C2-C4haloalkenyl,

[0017] phenyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups,

[0018] 2- or 3-furyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to three halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups, or

[0019] 2- or 3-thienyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to three halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups;

[0020] R2, R6, R7 and R8 are each independently hydrogen or C1-C6alkyl;

[0021] m is 0, 1 or 2;

[0022] n is 0 or 1;

[0023] R9 is phenyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups;

[0024] R3 is hydrogen, C1-C10alkyl, CH2(C1-C10haloalkyl), C3-C10alkenyl, C3-C10haloalkenyl, a cation,

[0025] benzyl optionally substituted on the ring with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1- C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups, or

[0026] phenyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups;

[0027] R4 and R5 are each independently hydrogen, C1-C10alkyl, CH2(C1-C10haloalkyl), C3-C10alkenyl, C3-C10haloalkenyl,

[0028] benzyl optionally substituted on the ring with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups, or

[0029] phenyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups, and

[0030] when R4 and R5 are taken together with the atom to which they are attached, they may form a five- or six-membered ring wherein R4R5 is represented by: —(CH2)4—, —(CH2)5— or —(CH2)2O (CH2)2—; and

[0031] R1 is hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl or

[0032] phenyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups.

[0033] This invention also comprises pesticidal and parasiticidal compositions containing those compounds. Advantageously, it has been found that the 1-aryl-1-(substituted thio, sulfinyl and sulfonyl)-2-nitroethane compounds, and compositions containing them, are especially useful for the control of nematode pests.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The present invention provides a method for the control of helminth, nematode, insect or acarid pests or parasites which comprises contacting said pests or parasites their food supply, habitat or breeding grounds with a pesticidally or parasiticidally effective amount of a 1-aryl-1-(substituted thio, sulfinyl or sulfonyl)-2-nitroethane compound of formula I.

[0035] Preferred formula I pesticidal agents of this invention include

[0036] methyl {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate;

[0037] {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid;

[0038] ethyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate;

[0039] butyl {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate;

[0040] methyl {3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate;

[0041] ethyl {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate;

[0042] butyl {3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate;

[0043] methyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate;

[0044] butyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate;

[0045] methyl {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate;

[0046] ethyl {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate;

[0047] butyl {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate;

[0048] methyl {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-acetate;

[0049] ethyl {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate;

[0050] butyl {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate;

[0051] p-[1-(allylthio)-2-nitroethyl]anisole;

[0052] methyl {[m-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-acetate;

[0053] ethyl {[m-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate;

[0054] {[p-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid;

[0055] {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-acetic acid;

[0056] {[2-nitro-1-(p-tolyl)ethyl]thio}acetic acid;

[0057] {[p-isopropyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid;

[0058] {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid;

[0059] {[m-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid;

[0060] {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid;

[0061] {[p-chloro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid;

[0062] 2,3-bis{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-1-propanol;

[0063] 3-{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}alanine;

[0064] {[2-nitro-1-(2-thienyl)ethyl]thio}acetic acid;

[0065] ethyl {[2-nitro-1-(2-thienyl)ethyl]thio}acetate;

[0066] 2-[1-(allylthio)-2-nitroethyl]thiophene; and

[0067] 3-[1-(allylthio)-2-nitroethyl]pyridine, among others.

[0068] More preferred pesticidal agents of this invention which are especially useful for the control of nematodes include

[0069] methyl {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate;

[0070] {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid;

[0071] ethyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate;

[0072] ethyl {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate;

[0073] methyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate;

[0074] ethyl {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate;

[0075] {[p-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid;

[0076] {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetic acid;

[0077] {[2-nitro-1-(p-tolyl)ethyl]thio}acetic acid;

[0078] {[p-isopropyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid;

[0079] {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid;

[0080] {[m-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid;

[0081] {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid;

[0082] 2,3-bis{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-1-propanol; and

[0083] 3-{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}alanine, among others.

[0084] The present invention also provides a method for the protection of growing plants from attack or infestation by nematode, insect or acarid pests which comprises applying to the foliage of the plants, or to the soil or water in which they are growing, a pesticidally effective amount of a 1-aryl-1-(substituted thio, sulfinyl or sulfonyl)-2-nitroethane compound of formula I.

[0085] The formula I compounds of this invention are useful for the control of plant parasitic nematodes and nematodes living freely in soil. Plant parasitic nematodes include, but are not limited to, ectoparasites such as Xiphinema spp., Longidorus spp. and Trichodorus spp.; semi-parasites such as Tylenchulus spp.; migratory endoparasites such as Pratylenchus spp., Radopholus spp. and Scutellonema spp.; sedentary parasites such as Heterodera spp., Globodera spp. and Meloidogyne spp.; and stem and leaf endoparasites such as Ditylenchus spp., Aphelenchoides spp. and Hirshmaniella spp.

[0086] The 1-aryl-1-(substituted thio, sulfinyl and sulfonyl)-2-nitroethane compounds of formula I are also useful for controlling insect and/or acarid pests. Insects controlled by the formula I compounds of this invention include, but are not limited to, Lepidoptera such as tobacco budworms, cabbage loopers, cotton boll worms, beet armyworms, southern armyworms and diamondback moths; Homoptera such as aphids, leaf hoppers, plant hoppers and white flies; Thysanoptera such as thrips; Coleoptera such as boll weevils, Colorado potato beetles, southern corn rootworms, western corn rootworms and mustard beetles; and Orthoptera such as locusts, crickets, grasshoppers and cockroaches. Acarina controlled by the formula I compounds of this invention include, but are not limited to, mites such as two-spotted spider mites, carmine spider mites, banks grass mites, strawberry mites, citrus rust mites and leprosis mites.

[0087] In practice generally about 0.1 ppm to about 10,000 ppm and preferably about 1 ppm to about 5,000 ppm of a formula I compound, dispersed in water or another liquid carrier, is effective when applied to plants or the soil or water in which the plants are growing or are to be grown to protect the plants from nematode, insect and/or acarid attack and infestation.

[0088] The 1-aryl-1-(substituted thio, sulfinyl and sulfonyl)-2-nitroethane compounds are also effective for controlling nematode, insect and/or acarid pests when applied to the foliage of plants and/or to the soil or water in which said plants are growing or are to be grown in sufficient amount to provide a rate of about 0.1 kg/ha to 4.0 kg/ha of active ingredient.

[0089] While the formula I compounds of this invention are effective for controlling nematode, insect and/or acarid pests of agronomic crops, both growing and harvested, when employed alone, they may also be used in combination with other biological agents used in agriculture, including, but no limited to, other nematicides, insecticides and/or acaricides. For example, the formula compounds of this invention may be used effectively in conjunction or combination with pyrethroids, phosphates, carbamates, cyclodienes, endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), formamidines, phenol tin compounds, chlorinated hydrocarbons, benzoylphenyl ureas, pyrroles and the like.

[0090] The compounds of this invention may be formulated as emulsifiable concentrates, flowable concentrates or wettable powders which are diluted with water or other suitable polar solvent, generally in situ, and then applied as a dilute spray. Said compounds may also be formulated in dry compacted granules, granular formulations, dusts, dust concentrates, suspension concentrates, microemulsions and the like all of which lend themselves to seed, soil, water and/or foliage applications to provide the requisite plant protection. Such formulations or compositions of the present invention include a formula I compound of this invention (or combinations thereof) admixed with one or more agronomically acceptable inert, solid or liquid carriers. Those compositions contain a pesticidally effective amount of said compound or compounds, which amount may vary depending upon the particular compound, target pest, and method of use. Those skilled in the art can readily determine what is a pesticidally effective amount without undue experimentation.

[0091] This invention also provides a method for treating, controlling, preventing and protecting warm-blooded animals, including humans and fish against infestation and infection by helminths which comprises orally, topically or parenterally administering or applying to said animals an anthelmintically effective amount of a 1-aryl-1-(substituted thio, sulfinyl or sulfonyl)-2-nitroethane compound of formula I.

[0092] The above method is particularly useful for controlling and preventing parasitic helminth infections in animals such as cattle, sheep, swine, camels, deer, horses, poultry, fish, rabbits, goats, dogs and cats as well as humans.

[0093] Helminthiasis is a widespread disease found in many farm and companion animals and is responsible for significant economic losses throughout the world. Among the helminths causing significant damage are members of the class Trematoda, commonly known as flukes or flatworms, especially members of the genera Fasciola, Fascioloides, Paramphistomum, Dicrocoelium, Eurytrema, Ophisthorchis, Fasciolopsis, Echinostoma, Paragonimus and the like. Helminthiasis is also caused by a group of worms referred to as nematodes. Nematodes cause serious damage to the walls and tissues of the organs in which they reside, including the intestinal tract, heart, lungs and blood vessels, and are a primary cause of anemia. If left untreated they may result in death to the infected animals. Nematodes commonly found to be the infecting agents of warm-blooded animals include the genera Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Cooperia, Oesphagastoomum, Neinatodirus, Dictyocaulus, Trichuris, Dirofilaria, Ancyclostoma, Ascaris and the like. Advantageously, the formula I compounds of this invention are useful against the causative agents of helminthiases.

[0094] For oral administration to warm-blooded animals, the formula I compounds may be formulated as animal feeds, animal feed premixes, animal feed concentrates, pills, pastes, suspensions, solutions, gels, tablets, boluses and capsules. In addition, the formula I compounds may be administered to the animals in their drinking water. For oral administration, the dosage form chosen should provide the animal with about 0.01 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of animal body weight per day of the formula I compound.

[0095] Alternatively, the formula I compounds may be administered to animals parenterally, for example, by intraruminal, intramuscular, intravenous or subcutaneous injection or by transdermal methods. The formula I compounds may be dispersed or dissolved in a physiologically acceptable carrier for injection or transdermal application Alternatively, the formula I compounds may be formulated into an implant for subcutaneous administration. For parenteral administration, the dosage form chosen should provide the animal with about 0.01 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of animal body weight per day of the formula I compound.

[0096] The formula I compounds may also be applied topically to the animals in the form of dips, dusts, collars, medallions, sprays and pour-on formulations. For topical application, dips and sprays usually contain about 0.5 ppm to 5,000 ppm and preferably about 1 ppm to 3,000 ppm of the formula I compound. In addition, the formula I compounds may be formulated as ear tags for animals, particularly quadrupeds such as cattle and sheep.

[0097] The formula I compounds of this invention may also be used in combination or conjunction with one or more other parasiticidal compounds including, but not limited to, anthelmintics, such as benzimidazoles, piperazine, levamisole, pyrantel, praziquantel and the like; endectocides such as avermectins, milbemycins and the like; ectoparasiticides such as arylpyrroles, organophosphates, carbamates, gamabutyric acid inhibitors including fipronil, pyrethroids, spinosads, imidacloprid and the like; insect growth regulators such as pyriproxyfen, cyromazine and the like; and chitin synthase inhibitors such as benzoylureas including flufenoxuron.

[0098] The formula I compounds may also be used in combination or conjunction with one or more conventional synergists such as piperonyl butoxide, N-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide, dipropyl pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate and 1,5a,6,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-4a(4H)-dibenzofurancarboxaldehyde to enhance efficacy, broaden spectrum and provide a convenient method for parasite control.

[0099] The parasiticidal compositions of the present invention include a formula I compound of this invention (or combinations thereof) admixed with one or more pharmaceutically and/or agronomically acceptable inert, solid or liquid carriers. Those compositions contain a parasiticidally effective amount of said compound or compounds. Those skilled in the art can readily determine what is a parasiticidally effective amount without undue experimentation.

[0100] The present invention also provides novel 1-aryl-1-(substituted thio, sulfinyl or sulfonyl)-2-nitroethane compounds having the structural formula Ia 3

[0101] wherein

[0102] Ar is phenyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups, one benzylthio group or one SCH2CO2R2 group,

[0103] 1- or 2-naphthyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups,

[0104] piperonyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to three halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups,

[0105] 2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to four halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups,

[0106] 2- or 3-furyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to three halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups, or

[0107] 2- or 3-thienyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to three halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups;

[0108] R is hydrogen, CO2R3, C(O)NR4R5, (CH2)nCR2(NR4R5)CO2R3, CH (OR6) CH2OR7, CH (CH2OR8) SCH (R9) CH2NO2, C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4haloalkyl, C2-C4alkenyl, C2-C4haloalkenyl,

[0109] phenyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups,

[0110] 2- or 3-furyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to three halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups, or

[0111] 2- or 3-thienyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to three halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups; R2, R6, R7 and R8 are each independently hydrogen or C1-C6alkyl;

[0112] m is 0, 1 or 2;

[0113] n is 0 or 1;

[0114] R9 is phenyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups;

[0115] R3 is hydrogen, C1-C10alkyl, CH2(C1-C10haloalkyl), C3-C10alkenyl, C3-C10haloalkenyl, a cation, benzyl optionally substituted on the ring with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups, or

[0116] phenyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups;

[0117] R4 and R5 are each independently hydrogen, C1-C10alkyl, CH2(C1-C10haloalkyl), C3-C10alkenyl, C3-C10haloalkenyl, benzyl optionally substituted on the ring with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups, or

[0118] phenyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups, and

[0119] when R4 and R5 are taken together with the atom to which they are attached, they may form a five- or six-membered ring wherein R4R5 is represented by: —(CH2)4—, —(CH2)5— or —(CH2)2O (CH2)2—; and

[0120] R1 is hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl or

[0121] phenyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to five halogen atoms, one or two cyano groups, one or two nitro groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups, one to three C1-C4alkylthio groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkylthio groups; and

[0122] provided that Ar is other than phenyl optionally substituted with any combination of one to three halogen atoms, one or two nitro groups, one or two cyano groups, one to three C1-C4alkyl groups, one to three C1-C4haloalkyl groups, one to three C1-C4alkoxy groups or one to three C1-C4haloalkoxy groups when R is: (1) C2R3 and R3 is hydrogen or C1-C10alkyl, (2) C1-C4alkyl, or (3) phenyl optionally substituted with one to five halogen atoms.

[0123] Exemplary of halogen hereinabove are fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. The terms “C1-C4haloalkyl”, “C1-C10haloalkyl”, “C1-C4haloalkoxy”, “C1-C4haloalkylthio”, “C2-C4haloalkenyl” and “C3-C10haloalkenyl” are defined as a C1-C4alkyl group, a C1-C10alkyl group, a C1-C4alkoxy group, a C1-C4alkylthio group, a C2-C4alkenyl group and a C3-C10-alkenyl group substituted with one or more halogen atoms, respectively. As used in formulas I and Ia above, cation designates alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, cobalt, lead, silver, nickel, ammonium or organic ammonium. Alkali metals include sodium, potassium and lithium. Alkaline earth metals include calcium and magnesium. Organic ammonium cations include, but are not limited to, monoalkylammonium, dialkylammonium, trialkylammonium, tetraalkylammonium, monoalkenylammonium, dialkenylammonium, trialkenylammonium, monoalkynylammonium, dialkynylammonium, monoalkanolammonium, dialkanolammonium, C5-C6cycloalkylammonium, piperidinium, morpholinium, pyrrolidinium, benzylammonium and the like.

[0124] The formula I compounds of this invention wherein m is 0 may be prepared by reacting a 1-aryl-2-nitroethylene compound having the structural formula II with a substituted thiol compound having the structural formula III and a base in the presence of a solvent as shown below in Flow Diagram I.

FLOW DIAGRAM I

[0125] 4

[0126] Formula I compounds wherein m is 1 or 2 may be prepared, as shown in Flow Diagram II, by oxidizing a formula I compound wherein n is 0 with conventional oxidizing agents such as 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid and the like in the presence of a solvent.

FLOW DIAGRAM II

[0127] 5

[0128] In addition, certain compounds of formula I may be converted into other compounds of formula I by using conventional procedures known to those skilled in the art.

[0129] Starting 1-aryl-2-nitroethylene compounds of formula II are known in the art and may be prepared by the procedures described by R. Jacobo et al in Journal of Fluorine Chemistry, 67 pp. 253-255 (1994) and A. Jara et al in Synthetic Communications, 24(3), pp. 417-426 (1994).

[0130] The formula III substituted thiol compounds are also known in the art and may be prepared according to the procedures described by Baker et al in Journal of organic Chemistry, 12, pp. 138-154 (1947).

[0131] In order to facilitate a further understanding of the invention, the following examples are presented to illustrate more specific details thereof. The invention is not to be limited thereby except as defined in the claims.

EXAMPLES 1-205

Preparation of {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-acetic acid

[0132] 6

[0133] A solution of nitrostyrene (10 g, 0.067 mol) in tetrahydrofuran (250 ml) is treated with mercaptoacetic acid (7.4 g, 5.6 ml, 0.08 mol) followed by pyrollidine (3 drops). After stirring for 2 hours the reaction mixture is concentrated onto silica gel and chromatographed, eluting with 4:1, hexanes:ethyl acetate, to give the title product as a solid (13.14 g, 81% yield).

[0134] Analysis: C8H7NO2.

[0135] Calculated: C, 49.78; H, 4.60; N, 5.81%.

[0136] Found: C, 49.50; H, 4.66; N, 5.81%.

[0137] Following essentially the same procedure as described in example 1, but using the appropriately substituted nitro and thiol compounds, the following compounds are obtained:

7
Example	R6	R7	R9	R9	R10	R	R1	Color/State
2	H	H	H	H	H	CH═CH2	H	Yellow oil
3	H	OCH3	H	OCH3	H	CH═CH2	H	Yellow oil
4	H	H	H	H	H	CO2CH3	H	Yellow oil
5	H	H	CH3	H	H	CO2C2H5	H	Colorless oil
6	H	H	H	H	H	CO2C2H5	H	Colorless oil
7	H	H	H	H	H	CO2(CH2)3CH3	H	Colorless oil
8	H	H	H	H	H	CO2(CH2)5CH(CH3)2	H	Colorless oil
9	H	H	H	H	H	CO2CH2CH(C2H5)[(CH2)3CH3]	H	Colorless oil
10	H	H	H	H	H	C6H5	H	Colorless oil
11	H	H	F	H	H	CO2(CH2)5CH(CH3)2	H	Colorless oil
12	H	H	F	H	H	CO2CH2CH(C2H5)[(CH2)3CH3]	H	Colorless oil
13	H	H	F	H	H	C6H5	H	Colorless oil
14	H	H	F	H	H	C2H5	H	Colorless oil
15	H	H	F	H	H	CO2CH3	H	Colorless oil
16	H	H	F	H	H	CO2C2H5	H	Colorless oil
17	H	H	F	H	H	CO2(CH2)3CH3	H	Colorless oil
18	H	H	—OCH2O—	H	CO2CH3	H	Yellow oil
19	H	H	—OCH2O—	H	CO2C2H5	H	Yellow oil
20	H	H	—OCH2O—	H	CO2(CH2)3CH3	H	Yellow liquid
21	H	H	—OCH2O—	H	CO2(CH2)5CH(CH3)2	H	Yellow oil
22	H	H	—OCH2O—	H	CO2CH2CH(C2H5)[(CH2)3CH3]	H	Yellow oil
23	H	H	—OCH2O—	H	C6H5	H	Yellow oil
24	H	H	—OCH2O—	H	C2H5	H	Yellow oil
25	H	H	CH3	H	H	H	H	Tan oil
26	H	H	CH3	H	H	H	H	Colorless oil
27	H	H	CH3	H	H	H	H	Colorless oil
28	H	H	CH3	H	H	H	H	Yellow oil
29	H	H	CH3	H	H	H	H	Yellow oil
30	H	H	CH3	H	H	H	H	Yellow oil
31	H	H	CH(CH3)2	H	H	H	H	Yellow oil
32	H	H	CH(CH3)2	H	H	H	H	Yellow oil
33	H	H	CH(CH3)2	H	H	H	H	Yellow oil
34	H	H	CH(CH3)2	H	H	H	H	Yellow oil
35	H	H	CH(CH3)2	H	H	H	H	Yellow oil
36	H	H	CH(CH3)2	H	H	C6H5	H	Yellow oil
37	H	H	CH(CH3)2	H	H	C2H5	H	Yellow oil
38	H	H	CH(CH3)2	H	H	CH═CH2	H	Yellow oil
39	H	H	H	H	F	CO2CH3	H	Yellow oil
40	H	H	H	H	F	CO2C2H5	H	Yellow oil
41	H	H	H	H	F	CO2(CH2)3CH3	H	Yellow oil
42	H	H	H	H	F	CO2(CH2)5CH(CH3)2	H	Yellow oil
43	H	H	H	H	F	CO2CH2CH(C2H5)[(CH2)3CH3]	H	Yellow oil
44	H	H	H	H	F	C6H5	H	Yellow oil
45	H	H	H	H	F	C2H5	H	Yellow oil
46	H	H	H	H	F	CH═CH2	H	Yellow oil
47	H	H	OCH3	H	H	CO2CH3	H	Yellow oil
48	H	H	OCH3	H	H	CO2C2H5	H	Yellow oil
49	H	H	OCH3	H	H	CO2(CH2)3CH3	H	Yellow oil
50	H	H	OCH3	H	H	CO2(CH2)5CH(CH3)2	H	Yellow oil
51	H	H	OCH3	H	H	CO2CH2CH(C2H5)[(CH2)3CH3]	H	Yellow oil
52	H	H	OCH3	H	H	C6H5	H	Yellow oil
53	H	H	OCH3	H	H	C2H5	H	Yellow oil
54	H	H	OCH3	H	H	CH═CH2	H	Yellow oil
55	H	H	H	OCH3	H	CO2CH3	H	Yellow oil
56	H	H	H	OCH3	H	CO2C2H5	H	Yellow oil
57	H	H	H	OCH3	H	CO2(CH2)3CH3	H	Yellow oil
58	H	H	H	OCH3	H	CO2(CH2)5CH(CH3)2	H	Yellow oil
59	H	H	H	OCH3	H	CO2CH2CH(C2H5)[(CH2)3CH3]	H	Yellow oil
60	H	H	H	OCH3	H	C6H5	H	Yellow oil
61	H	H	H	OCH3	H	C2H5	H	Yellow oil
62	H	H	H	OCH3	H	CH═CH2	H	Yellow oil
63	H	H	F	H	H	CO2H	H	Brown oil
64	H	H	—OCH2O—	H	CO2H	H	Brown oil
65	H	H	CH3	H	H	CO2H	H	Off-white semi-solid
66	H	H	CH(CH3)2	H	H	CO2H	H	Brown oil
67	H	H	H	H	F	CO2H	H	Brown oil
68	H	H	H	OCH3	H	CO2H	H	Brown oil
69	H	H	OCH3	H	H	CO2H	H	Brown oil
70	H	H	Cl	H	H	CO2CH3	H	Yellow oil
71	H	H	Cl	H	H	CO2C2H5	H	Yellow oil
72	H	H	Cl	H	H	CO2(CH2)3CH3	H	Yellow oil
73	H	H	Cl	H	H	CO2(CH2)5CH(CH3)2	H	Yellow oil
74	H	H	Cl	H	H	CO2CH2CH(C2H5)[(CH2)3CH3]	H	Yellow oil
75	H	H	Cl	H	H	C6H5	H	Yellow oil
76	H	H	Cl	H	H	C2H5	H	Yellow oil
77	H	H	Cl	H	H	CH═CH2	H	Yellow oil
78	H	H	Cl	H	H	CO2H	H	Yellow oil
79	H	H	OCH3	H	OCH3	CO2CH3	H	Yellow
80	H	H	OCH3	H	OCH3	8	H	White
81	H	H	OCH3	H	OCH3	C6H5	H	Yellow
82	H	H	H	H	H	9	H	White oil
83	H	H	H	H	H	CH(NH2)CO2H	H	White
84	H	H	OCH3	H	OCH3	CH(NH2)CO2H	H	Yellow
85	H	H	H	H	H	CH(OH)(CH2OH)	H	Yellow oil
86	H	H	OCH3	OCH3	H	CO2CH3	H	Yellow
87	H	OCH3	H	OCH3	H	CH(OH)(CH2OH)	H	Yellow oil
88	H	H	H	H	Cl	CO2CH3	H	Yellow oil
89	H	H	H	H	Cl	CO2C2H5	H	Yellow oil
90	H	H	H	H	Cl	CO2(CH2)3CH3	H	Yellow oil
91	H	H	H	H	Cl	CO2(CH2)5CH(CH3)2	H	Yellow oil
92	H	H	H	H	Cl	CO2CH2CH(C2H5)[(CH2)3CH3]	H	Yellow oil
93	H	H	H	H	Cl	C6H5	H	Yellow oil
94	H	H	H	H	Cl	C2H5	H	Yellow oil
95	H	H	H	H	Cl	CH═CH2	H	Yellow oil
96	H	H	H	H	Cl	CO2H	H	Off-white semi-solid
97	H	H	H	H	H	CH3	H	Yellow oil
98	H	H	H	CN	H	CO2CH3	H	Brown semi-solid
99	H	H	H	CN	H	CO2C2H5	H	Colorless oil
100	H	H	H	CN	H	CO2(CH2)3CH3	H	Colorless oil
101	H	H	H	CN	H	CO2(CH2)3CH3	H	Tan oil
102	H	H	OCH3	H	H	CO2(CH2)2CH3	H	Tan oil
103	H	H	H	OCH3	H	CO2(CH2)2CH3	H	Tan semi-solid
104	H	H	—OCH2O—	H	CO2(CH2)2CH3	H	Tan oil
105	H	H	H	H	H	CO2(CH2)2CH3	H	Colorless oil
106	H	H	—OCH2O—	H	CO2CH2C6H5	H	Tan oil
107	H	H	H	OCH3	H	CO2CH2C6H5	H	Tan oil
108	H	H	OCH3	H	H	CO2CH2C6H5	H	Tan oil
109	H	H	—CH═CH—CH═CH—	H	CO2H	H	Lt. yellow semi-solid
110	H	H	—CH═CH—CH═CH—	H	CO2CH3	H	Lt. yellow oil
111	H	H	—CH═CH—CH═CH—	H	CO2C2H5	H	Lt. yellow oil
112	H	H	—CH═CH—CH═CH—	H	CO2(CH2)2CH3	H	Lt. yellow oil
113	H	H	—CH═CH—CH═CH—	H	CO2(CH2)3CH3	H	Lt. yellow oil
114	H	H	—CH═CH—CH═CH—	H	CO2CH2C6H5	H	Lt. yellow oil
115	H	H	—CH═CH—CH═CH—	H	C2H5	H	Lt. yellow solid
116	H	H	—CH═CH—CH═CH—	H	C6H5	H	Lt. yellow solid
117	H	H	OCF3	H	H	CO2CH3	H	Lt. yellow oil
118	H	H	OCF3	H	H	CO2C2H5	H	Lt. yellow oil
119	H	H	OCF3	H	H	CO2(CH2)2CH3	H	Lt. yellow oil
120	H	H	OCF3	H	H	CO2(CH2)3CH3	H	Lt. yellow oil
121	H	H	OCF3	H	H	CO2CH2C6H5	H	Lt. yellow oil
122	H	H	OCF3	H	H	C2H5	H	Lt. yellow oil
123	H	H	OCF3	H	H	CH═CH2	H	Lt. yellow oil
124	H	H	OCF3	H	H	C6H5	H	Lt. yellow oil
125	H	H	—CH═CH—CH═CH—	H	CH═CH2	H	Lt. yellow solid
126	H	H	H	H	H	H	C6H5
127	H	H	OCF3	H	H	CO2H	H	Lt. colorless solid
128	H	H	H	NO2	H	CO2H	H	Dk. yellow semi-solid
129	H	H	H	NO2	H	CH═CH2	H	Dk. yellow oil
130	Cl	H	H	H	Cl	CO2H	H	Colorless semi-solid
131	Cl	H	H	H	Cl	CO2CH3	H	Colorless oil
132	Cl	H	H	H	Cl	CO2C2H5	H	Colorless oil
133	Cl	H	H	H	Cl	CO2(CH2)2CH3	H	Colorless oil
134	Cl	H	H	H	Cl	CO2(CH2)3CH3	H	Colorless oil
135	Cl	H	H	H	Cl	CO2CH2C6H5	H	Colorless oil
136	Cl	H	H	H	Cl	C2H5	H	Lt. yellow oil
137	Cl	H	H	H	Cl	C6H5	H	COlorless oil
138	H	H	H	NO2	H	CO2CH3	H	Lt. yellow oil
139	F	F	F	F	F	CO2H	H	Yellow oil
140	F	F	F	F	F	CO2CH3	H	Dk. yellow oil
141	F	F	SCH2CO2-	F	F	CO2CH3	H	Yellow semi-solid
			CH3
142	F	F	F	F	F	CO2C2H5	H	Yellow oil
143	F	F	SCH2CO2-	F	F	CO2C2H5	H	Yellow oil
			C2H5
144	F	F	F	F	F	CO2(CH2)2CH3	H	Dk. yellow oil
145	F	F	SCH2CO2-	F	F	CO2(CH2)2CH3	H	Dk. yellow oil
			(CH2)2CH3
146	F	F	F	F	F	CO2(CH2)3CH3	H	Yellow oil
147	F	F	SCH2CO2-	F	F	CO2(CH2)3CH3	H	Yellow oil
			(CH2)3CH3
148	F	F	F	F	F	C6H5	H	Dk. yellow semi-solid
149	F	F	SCH2C6H5	F	F	C6H5	H	Yellow oil
150	H	H	H	H	H	CO2CH3	CH3	Yellow oil
151	H	H	H	H	H	CO2C2H5	CH3	Yellow oil
152	H	H	F	F	H	CO2CH3	H	Yellow oil
153	H	H	F	F	H	CO2C2H5	H	Yellow oil
154	H	H	F	F	H	CO2(CH2)2CH3	H	Yellow oil
155	H	H	F	F	H	CO2CH(CH3)2	H	Yellow oil
156	H	H	H	H	H	10	H	Tan oil
157	H	H	OCH3	H	H	11	H	Tan oil
158	H	H	H	OCH3	H	12	H	Tan oil
159	H	H	—OCH2O—	H	13	H	Colorless oil
160	H	H	H	H	H	14	H	Colorless oil
161	H	H	H	H	H	CO2H	CH3	Colorless oil
162	H	H	H	H	H	CO2(CH2)3CH3	CH3	Tan oil
163	H	H	NO2	H	H	CO2H	H	Yellow solid
164	H	H	NO2	H	H	CO2CH3	H	Yellow oil
165	H	H	NO2	H	H	CO2C2H5	H	Yellow oil
166	H	H	NO2	H	H	CO2(CH2)2CH3	H	Yellow oil
167	H	H	NO2	H	H	CO2(CH2)3CH3	H	Yellow oil
168	H	H	NO2	H	H	C2H5	H	Yellow solid
169	H	H	NO2	H	H	CH═CH2	H	Yellow semi-solid
170	H	H	NO2	H	H	C6H5	H	Yellow solid

[0138]

15
Example	R	Color/State
171	CO2CH3	Dark orange oil
172	CO2C2H5	Light red oil
173	CO2(CH2)3CH3	Light orange oil
174	CO2CH2C6H5	Dark red oil
175	C2H5	Light orange oil
176	CH═CH2	Light red oil
177	C6H5	Dark orange oil
178	CO2(CH2)2CH3	Light orange oil
179	CO2H	Light yellow semi-solid

[0139]

16
Example	R6	R	Color/State
180	H	CH3	Orange oil
181	H	CO2H	Dark orange oil
182	H	CO2CH3	Light yellow oil
183	H	CO2C2H5	Light yellow oil
184	H	CO2(CH2)3CH3	Light yellow oil
185	H	CO2CH2C6H5	Light yellow oil
186	H	C2H5	Light orange liquid
187	H	CH═CH2	Light orange liquid
188	H	C6H5	Light orange oil
189	H	CO2(CH2)2CH3	Light yellow oil
190	Br	CO2H	Light brown oil
191	Br	CO2CH3	Light brown oil
192	Br	CO2C2H5	Yellow oil
193	Br	CO2(CH2)2CH3	Yellow oil
194	Br	CO2(CH2)3CH3	Yellow oil
195	Br	C6H5	Yellow oil

[0140]

17
Example	R	Color/State
196	CO2H	Dark orange oil
197	CO2CH3	Light yellow oil
198	CO2C2H5	Light yellow oil
199	CO2(CH2)2CH3	Light yellow oil
200	CO2(CH2)3CH3	Light yellow oil
201	C2H5	Dark yellow oil
202	CH═CH2	Light yellow oil
203	C6H5	Colorless oil

EXAMPLE 204

Soil nematicide assay targeting root-knot nematode, Meloidgyne incognita on potted tomato

[0141] The test compound is solubilized in acetone and diluted with water to the required test concentration. Silty loam soil in a 3 inch pot with a 3-week-old tomato transplant is drenched with the test solution. Four throusand root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita J2 larvae are dispensed in a aqueous suspension onto the soil. The pots are kept in the greenhouse and 4 weeks following inoculation of the pots, plant roots are washed free of soil and scored for the degree of root galling using the root-knot galling index identified below. Ethoprophos is included in the test as an industrial standard. The results are summarized in Table I

Root-Knot Galling Index

[0142]

Galling Index Percentage of total root system galled
0             0
1             10
2             20
3             30
4             40
5             50
6             60
7             70
8             80
9             90
10            100

[0143]

TABLE I
Soil Nematicide Evaluations
	Compound	Rate (ppm)	Galling Index
	Example 1	50	0
		25	0
		10	1
	Ethoprophos	50	01
		25	01
		10	0
	Check	—	7
	1 Phytotoxicity observed

EXAMPLE 205

Evaluation of Test Compounds against N. incognita (Root Knot Nematode)

[0144] Newly emerged M. Incognita larvae are suspended in S Medium (buffered salt solution) to a concentration of 50-65 worms per 50 μl. 50 μl of the worm suspension are pipetted into microliter plate wells containing the test compounds. The plates are then covered with plactic plate sealers to reduce loss of volume by evaporation. After 20-24 hours of incubation, the larvae are scored for movement. Wells containing obviously dead/paralyzed larvae are scored as positive. A score of “9” indicates inactive worms with a straight, sticklike morphology. A score of “8” indicates inactive worms with a limp, curled or curved morphology. A score of “7” indicates dead/paralyzed worms after 72 hours. The results are summarized in Table II.

TABLE II
Nematicidal Evaluation of Test Compounds
        M. incognita
Example (150 ppm)
1       9
2       9
4       9
5       9
6       9
7       9
8       0
9       0
10      0
11      0
12      0
13      0
14      0
15      9
16      9
17      9
18      9
19      9
20      9
21      8
22      0
23      8
24      9
25      9
26      9
27      0
28      9
29      9
30      0
31      9
32      9
33      0
34      0
35      0
36      0
37      0
38      0
39      9
40      9
41      9
42      0
43      0
44      0
45      0
46      9
47      9
48      9
49      9
50      0
51      0
52      9
53      9
54      9
55      9
56      9
57      9
58      0
59      0
60      0
61      0
62      9
63      9
64      9
65      9
66      9
67      9
68      9
69      9
70      9
71      0
72      0
73      0
74      0
75      0
76      0
77      0
78      9
79      0
80      0
81      0
82      9
83      9
84      0
85      9
86      0
87      0
88      8
89      8
90      8
91      0
92      0
93      0
94      0
95      0
96      9
98      0
99      0
100     0
101     9
102     9
103     9
104     8
105     0
106     0
107     0
108     9
109     0
110     0
111     0
112     0
113     0
114     0
115     0
116     0
117     0
118     0
119     9
120     9
121     8
122     0
123     0
124     0
125     0
127     9
128     9
129     0
130     9
131     9
132     0
133     0
134     0
135     0
136     0
137     0
138     0
171     9
172     9
173     9
174     9
175     9
176     9
177     9
178     9
179     9
181     9
182     9
183     9
184     9
185     9
186     0
187     9
188     9
189     9
196     9
197     9
198     9
199     9
200     9
201     0
202     0

EXAMPLE 206

Evaluation of test compounds against C. elegans

[0145] Cultures of C. elegans (Bristol strain from J. Lewis) are maintained on E. coli lawns on NG Agar Plates at 20° C. New cultures are established weekly. Nematodes for testing are washed from cultures using Na buffer. Compounds are dissolved in 80% acetone. The test material is micropipetted (25 μl) into a single well of a 96-well sterile tissue culture plate and the solvent allowed to evaporate. A freshly prepared volume (50 μl) of C. elegans in Na buffer is micropipetted into each treated well and several control wells per plate. Plates are incubated at 20° C. Observations for efficacy are made under a dissecting microscope at 4 and 24 hours post-immersion. Immediately prior to reading the plate, it is gently tapped to stimulate the movement of the worms. Activity is judged subjectively, but semi-quantitatively, based on the drug effects on motility of the adults and larvae. The criteria are as follows: 9=complete kill in 4 hours, 8=complete kill in 24 hours, 7=markedly reduced motility in approximately 95% of worms in 24 hours, and 0=normal motility, same as controls. The results are summarized in Table III.

TABLE III
Evaluation of Test Compounds against C. elegans
        Rating Against
        C. elegans
Example (150 ppm)
1       9
2       0
3       0
4       9
5       9
6       8
7       8
8       0
9       0
10      0
11      0
12      0
13      8
14      0
15      9
16      8
17      8
18      9
19      9
20      8
21      0
22      0
23      7
24      8
25      9
26      8
27      0
28      0
29      8
30      0
31      8
32      7
33      7
34      0
35      0
36      0
37      0
38      0
39      9
40      8
41      7
42      0
43      0
44      7
45      0
46      7
47      9
48      9
49      9
50      7
51      0
52      9
53      9
54      9
55      8
56      8
57      7
58      0
59      0
60      0
61      7
62      7
63      9
64      9
65      9
66      9
67      9
68      8
69      9
70      7
71      7
72      0
73      0
74      0
75      0
76      7
77      0
78      7
79      7
80      7
81      7
82      9
83      9
84      9
85      7
86      0
87      0
89      0
90      7
91      0
92      0
93      0
94      0
95      0
96      9
98      8
99      0
100     8
101     0
102     9
103     8
104     9
105     9
106     8
107     0
108     8
109     9
110     9
111     8
112     9
113     9
114     9
115     0
116     0
117     8
118     8
119     8
120     0
121     9
122     8
123     7
124     7
125     0
127     9
128     9
129     0
130     9
131     7
132     0
133     0
134     0
135     0
136     0
137     0
139     9
140     8
141     8
142     8
143     0
144     7
145     0
146     7
147     0
148     0
149     0
158     9
171     7
172     8
173     8
174     0
175     0
176     0
177     0
178     0
203     9

EXAMPLE 207

Insecticidal and Acaricidal Evaluation of Test Compounds

[0146] Test solutions are prepared by dissolving the test compound in a 35% acetone in water mixture to give a concentration of 10,000 ppm. Subsequent dilutions are made with water as needed.

Spodopteria eridania, 2nd instar Larvae, Southern Armyworm (SAW)

[0147] A Sieva lima bean leaf expanded to 7-8 cm in length is dipped in the test solution with agitation for 3 seconds and allowed to dry in a hood. The leaf is then placed in a 100×10 mm petri dish containing a damp filter paper on the bottom and ten 2nd instar caterpillars. At 5 days, observations are made of mortality, reduced feeding, or any interference with normal molting.

Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Leconte, 2nd Instar

Western Corn Rootworm (WCR)

[0148] One cc of fine talc is placed in a 30 mL wide-mouth screw-top glass jar. One mL of the appropriate acetone test solution is pipetted onto the talc so as to provide 1.25 mg of active ingredient per jar. The jars are set under a gentle air flow until the acetone is evaporated. The dried talc is loosened, 1 cc of millet seed is added to serve as food for the insects and 25 mL of moist soil is added to each jar. The jar is capped and the contents thoroughly mixed mechanically. Following this, ten 2nd instar rootworms are added to each jar and the jars are loosely capped to allow air exchange for the larvae. The treatments are held for 5 days when mortality counts are made. Missing larvae are presumed dead, since they decompose rapidly and cannot be found. The concentrations of active ingredient used in this test correspond approximately to 50 kg/ha.

Tetranychus urticae (OP-resistant strain), 2-spotted Spider Mite (TSM)

[0149] Sieva lima bean plants with primary leaves expanded to 7-8 cm are selected and cut back to one plant per pot. A small piece is cut from an infested leaf taken from the main colony and placed on each leaf of the test plants. This is done about 2 hours before treatment to allow the mites to move over to the test plant to lay eggs. The size of the cut, infested leaf is varied to obtain about 100 mites per leaf. At the time of test treatment, the piece of leaf used to transfer the mites is removed and discarded. The newly-infested plants are dipped in the test solution for 3 seconds with agitation and set in the hood to dry. After 2 days, one leaf is removed and mortality counts are made.

Aphis gossypii, Cotton Aphid (CA)

[0150] Cotton plants at the cotyledon stage are selected and cut back to one plant per pot. A heavily infested leaf is taken from the main colony and placed on top of each cotyledon. The aphids are allowed to transfer to the host plant overnight. At the time of test treatment, the leaf used to transfer the aphids is removed and discarded. The cotyledons are dipped in the test solution and allowed to dry. After 5 days, mortality counts are made.

Spodoptera eridania , Eggs-southern Armyworm and

Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, Eggs-southern Corn rootworm (SAW-Eggs) and (SCR-Eaas)

[0151] Well containing artificial diet are treated with the test solutions and dried. The appropriate insect eggs are then placed in the wells. The wells are covered with vented, adhesive, clear plastic covers. After 7 days, mortality counts are made.

[0152] The tests are rated according to the scale shown below and the data obtained are shown in Table IV.

Rating Scale
0 = no effect   5 = 56-65% kill
1 = 10-25% kill 6 = 66-75% kill
2 = 26-35% kill 7 = 76-85% kill
3 = 36-45% kill 8 = 86-99% kill
4 = 46-55% kill 9 = 100% kill

[0153]

TABLE IV
Insecticidal and Acaricidal Evaluations of Test Compounds
			SAW	SCR
	CA	SAW	Eggs	Eggs	TSM	WCR
Ex.	(3001)	(3001)	(3001)	(10001)	(3001)	(501)
1			0	0
2			0	0
3			0	0
4	5	0	0	0	0	4
5	0	0	0	0	0	4
6	0	0	0		0	7
7	0	0	0		0	0
8	0	0	0		0	0
9	0	0	0		0	4
10	0	0	0		0	0
11	0	0	0		0	0
12	0	0	0		0	0
13	7	0	0		0	0
14	0	0	0		0	0
15	0	0	0		0	3
16	0	0	0		0	0
17	0	0	0		5	0
18	9	0	0	0	0	0
19	0	0	0	0	0	3
20	0	0	0	0	0	0
21	7	0	0	0	0	0
22	0	0	0	0	0	0
23	4	8	9	9	0	4
24	0	0	0	0	0	0
25	0	0	9	0	0	9
26	0	0	0	0	0	7
27	4	0	9	9	0	3
28	0	0	9	0	0	8
29	4	5	9	0	0	0
30	0	0	9	0	0	7
31	0	0		0	0	0
32	0	0		0	0	0
33	0	0		0	0	2
34	0	5		9	3	0
35	0	0		9	3	0
36	0	1		7	0	0
37	0	0		0	0	0
38	0	0		9	0	0
39	0	4		0	0	8
40	0	3		0	0	9
41	0	1		0	0	9
42	0	0		9	0	6
43	0	4		9	0	7
44	0	5		0	0	4
45	0	0		7	0	8
46	0	1		0	0	9
47	0	0	0	0	4	4
48	0	0	0	0	0	0
49	0	0	0	0	0	0
50	0	0	9	0	0	0
51	0	0	9	8	0	4
52	0	0	0	0	0	4
53	0	4	0	0	0	0
54	0	0	0	0	0	5
55	0	4	0	0	0	0
56	0	0	0	0	5	0
57	0	0	0	0	0	0
58	0	0	0	0	0	0
59	0	0	0	0	0	0
60	0	0	0	0	0	0
61	5	0	0	0	0	0
62	5	0	0	0	0	0
63	0	0			0	0
64	0	0			9	0
65	0	0			0	9
66	0	0			0	8
67	0	0			0	9
68	0	0			0	3
69	0	0			0	0
70	0	0			0	0
71	0	0			0	0
72	0	0			0	0
73	0	0			0	0
74	0	0			0	0
75	0	0			0	0
76	0	0			0	0
77	0	0			3	0
78	0	0			0	0
88	0	0		0	0	0
89	0	0		0	0	0
90	0	0		0	3	0
91	0	0		0	0	0
92	0	0		0	0	5
93	0	0		0	0	0
94	0	0		0	0	0
95	0	0		0	0	4
96	0	0		0	0	0
98	0	5	0	0	3	0
99	0	0	0	0	0	0
100	0	0	0	0	0	0
101	0	0	0	0	0	0
102	0	0	0	0	0	0
103	0	0	0	0	4	0
104	0	0	0	0	0	0
105	0	3	0	0	0	3
106	0	0	0	0	0	0
107	0	0	0	0	0	0
108	0	0	9	0	0	0
109	0	0	0	0	0	0
110	0	0	0	0	0	0
111	0	0	8	0	0	0
112	0	0	8	0	0	0
113	0	3	9	0	0	0
114	0	0	9	0	3	0
115	0	0	8	0	0	0
116	0	0	0	0	0	0
117	0	0	0	0	0	0
118	0	0	9	0	0	0
119	0	0	9	0	3	0
120	0	0	0	0	0	0
121	0	0	0	0	0	0
122	0	2	7	0	7	9
123	0	0	8	0	0	5
124	0	0	9	0	0	0
125	0	0	0	0	0	0
127	0	0	0	0	0	0
128	0	0	0	0	0	0
129	0	0	0	0	0	0
130	0	0	0	0	0	3
131	0	0	0	0	0	0
132	0	0	9	9	0	0
133	0	0	0	9	0	0
134	0	0	0	0	0	0
135	0	0	0	9	0	0
136	0	0	0	0	0	0
137	0	0	9	9	0	0
138	0	0	0	0	0	0
139	0	0	0	0	0	9
140	0	6	0	0	0	9
141	0	0	0	0	0	0
142	4	0	0	0	0	9
143	0	0	0	0	0	0
144	0	0	0	0	0	9
145	0	0	0	0	0	0
146	0	0	0	0	0	8
147	0	0	0	0	0	0
148	0	0	0	0	0	0
149	0	0	0	0	0	0
150	0	0			0	6
151	0	0			0	0
152	0	0			0	7
153	0	0			0	0
154	0	0			0	0
155	0	0			3	0
156	0	0			0	0
157	0	0			0	0
158	0	0	0	0	0	0
159	0	0			0	0
160	3	9			0	0
161	0	0			0	4
162	0	0			0	6
171	0	0	0	0	0	0
172	0	0	0	0	0	0
173	0	0	0	0	0	0
174	0	0	0	0	0	0
175	0	0	0	0	0	0
176	0	0	0	0	0	0
177	0	0	0	0	0	0
178	0	0	0	0	0	0
179	0	0	0	0	0	0
181	0	0	9	0	0	0
182	0	0	0	0	0	0
183	0	0	0	0	0	0
184	0	0	9	0	0	0
185	0	0	0	0	0	0
186	0	4	0	0	0	4
187	0	0	0	0	0	0
188	0	0	0	0	0	3
189	0	0	0	0	0	0
190	0	0	0	0	0	0
191	0	0	0	0	0	0
192	0	0	0	0	0	0
193	0	0	0	0	0	0
194	0	0	0	0	0	0
195	0	0	0	0	0	0
196	0	0	0	0	0	9
197	5	0	9	0	0	0
198	0	0	9	0	0	7
199	0	0	9	0	0	8
200	0	0	9	0	0	4
201	0	0	0	0	0	7
202	0	0	9	0	0	9
203	0	0	9	9	0	8
1 rates in ppm

Claims

1. A method for the control of helminth, nematode, insect or acarid pests or parasites which comprises contacting said pests or parasites or their food supply, habitat or breeding grounds with a pesticidally or parasiticidally effective amount of a compound having the structural formula I

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of methyl {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; ethyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; butyl {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; methyl {3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate; ethyl {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate; butyl {3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate; methyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; butyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; methyl {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; ethyl {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; butyl {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; methyl {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-acetate; ethyl {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; butyl {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; p-[1-(allylthio)-2-nitroethyl]anisole; methyl {[m-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-acetate; ethyl {[m-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; {[p-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-acetic acid; {[2-nitro-1-(p-tolyl)ethyl]thio}acetic acid; {[p-isopropyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[m-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[p-chloro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; 2,3-bis{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-1-propanol; {3-[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}alanine; {[2-nitro-1-(2-thienyl)ethyl]thio}acetic acid; ethyl {[2-nitro-1-(2-thienyl)ethyl]thio}acetate; 2-[1-(allylthio)-2-nitroethyl]thiophene; and 3-[1-(allylthio)-2-nitroethyl]pyridine.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of methyl {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; ethyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; ethyl {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate; methyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; ethyl {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; {[p-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetic acid; {[2-nitro-1-(p-tolyl)ethyl]thio}acetic acid; {[p-isopropyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[m-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; 2,3-bis{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-1-propanol; and 3-{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}alanine.

4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the pest is a nematode.

5. A method for the protection of growing plants from attack or infestation by nematode, insect or acarid pests which comprises applying to the foliage of the plants, or to the soil or water in which they are growing, a pesticidally effective amount of a compound having the structural formula I

6. The method according to claim 5 wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of methyl {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; ethyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; butyl {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; methyl {3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate; ethyl {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate; butyl {3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate; methyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; butyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; methyl {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; ethyl {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; butyl {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; methyl {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-acetate; ethyl {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; butyl {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; p-[1-(allylthio)-2-nitroethyl]anisole; methyl {[m-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-acetate; ethyl {[m-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; {[p-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-acetic acid; {[2-nitro-1-(p-tolyl)ethyl]thio}acetic acid; {[p-isopropyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[m-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[p-chloro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; 2,3-bis{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-1-propanol; 3-{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}alanine; {[2-nitro-1-(2-thienyl)ethyl]thio}acetic acid; ethyl {[2-nitro-1-(2-thienyl)ethyl]thio}acetate; 2-[1-(allylthio)-2-nitroethyl]thiophene; and 3-[1-(allylthio)-2-nitroethyl]pyridine.

7. The method according to claim 5 wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of methyl {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; ethyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; ethyl {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate; methyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; ethyl {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; {[p-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetic acid; {[2-nitro-1-(p-tolyl)ethyl]thio}acetic acid; {[p-isopropyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[m-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; 2,3-bis{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-1-propanol; and 3-{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}alanine.

8. The method according to claim 5 wherein the pest is a nematode.

9. A method for treating, controlling, preventing or protecting a warm-blooded animal or a fish against infestation or infection by helminths which comprises orally, topically or parenterally administering or applying to said animal or fish an anthelmintically effective amount of a compound having the structural formula I

10. A composition for the control of helminth, nematode, insect or acarid pests or parasites which comprises an agronomically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a pesticidally or parasiticidally effective amount of a compound having the structural formula I

11. The composition according to claim 10 wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of methyl {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; ethyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; butyl {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; methyl {3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate; ethyl {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate; butyl {3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate; methyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; butyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; methyl {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; ethyl {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; butyl {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; methyl {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-acetate; ethyl {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; butyl {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; p-[1-(allylthio)-2-nitroethyl]anisole; methyl {[m-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-acetate; ethyl {[m-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; {[p-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-acetic acid; {[2-nitro-1-(p-tolyl)ethyl]thio}acetic acid; {[p-isopropyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[m-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[p-chloro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; 2,3-bis{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-1-propanol; 3-{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}alanine; {[2-nitro-1-(2-thienyl)ethyl]thio}acetic acid; ethyl {[2-nitro-1-(2-thienyl)ethyl]thio}acetate; 2-[1-(allylthio)-2-nitroethyl]thiophene; and 3-[1-(allylthio)-2-nitroethyl]pyridine.

12. The composition according to claim 10 wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of methyl {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; {[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; ethyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; ethyl {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate; methyl {[p-methyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; ethyl {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetate; {[p-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetic acid; {[2-nitro-1-(p-tolyl)ethyl]thio}acetic acid; {[p-isopropyl-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[o-fluoro-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[m-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; {[p-methoxy-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}acetic acid; 2,3-bis{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-1-propanol; and 3-{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}alanine.

13. A compound having the structural formula Ia

14. The compound according to claim 13 selected from the group consisting of methyl {3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate; ethyl {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate; butyl {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate; {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetic acid; 2,3-bis{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-1-propanol; 3-{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}alanine; {[2-nitro-1-(2-thienyl)ethyl]thio}acetic acid; ethyl {[2-nitro-1-(2-thienyl)ethyl]thio}acetate; 2-[1-(allylthio)-2-nitroethyl]thiophene; and 3-[1-(allylthio)-2-nitroethyl]pyridine.

15. The compound according to claim 13 selected from the group consisting of ethyl {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetate; {[3,4-(methylenedioxy)-alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]-thio}acetic acid; 2,3-bis{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}-1-propanol; and 3-{[alpha-(nitromethyl)benzyl]thio}alanine.