Tetrahydrophthalimidobenzoates as protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase inhibiting herbicides.

Tetrahydrophthalimidobenzoates are a class of protoporphyrinogen oxidase herbicides acting on the protoporphyrinogen oxidase enzyme. After the discovery of compound 1, a series of novel tetrahydrophthalimidobenzoate derivatives were designed and synthesized, and some synthesized compounds exhibited good herbicidal activity in controlling broadleaf weeds. The structure activity relationship of the synthesized compounds was also determined. Substitution of a fluorine atom at the 4-position of benzene ring resulted in better herbicidal activity than that with non-substitution. Among the conjunctional groups, methylene group with more methyl substitutions was the best. Consequently, compound 9 was found as the best of all in the synthesized compounds, and it is worthy of being developed not only because of its good herbicidal activity against broadleaf weeds with selectivity for maize, but also for its low toxicity to mammals.