2-(poly substituted phenyl)-1,3-indandione compounds
United States Patent 11 1 Durden et al.  
 [ 1 Z-(POLY SUBSTITUTED PHENYL)-l,3-INDANDIONE COMPOUNDS [75] Inventors: John A. Durden, South Charleston,  
 W. Va.; Anthony A. Sousa, Raleigh,  
 [73] Assignee: Union Carbide Corporation, New  
 York, NY.  
 [22] Filed: May 13, 1971 [2!] Appl. No.: 143,206  
 Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 816,024, April I4,  
 l969, abandoned.  
  OTHER PUBLICATIONS C. Bwynes, Recevil Vol. 85, pp. 1259-1263 (I966).  
 [ 51 Apr. 22, 1975 Kilgore et al., Ind. Eng. Chem. 34 494-497 (1942).  
 Chem. Abstracts 66, 8460lv (1967).  
 Primary E.\&#39;aminerDaniel D. Horwitz Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Robert C. Brown [57] ABSTRACT A new series of 2-(poly substituted phenyl)-l,3- indandione compounds have been found to have exceptional miticidal and herbicidal activity. These compounds may be represented by the following general formula:  
 where R and R are hydrogen, hydroxy, lower alkoxy or halogen; R&#34; is lower alkyl. lower alkoxy, halogen. nitro or trihalomethyl; x is 0 or a positive integer from 1 to 4 and R,, R and R are lower alkyl, with the proviso that when R and R are both hydrogen, .r is a positive integer.  
 6 Claims, No Drawings 1 2-(POLY SUBSTITUTED PHENYL)-l,3-INDANDIONE COMPOUNDS This application is a continuation-in-part of US. application Serial No. SltxOZ-l. filed Apr. 1-1. 1969 and now abandoned.  
  The novel compounds of this invention are Z-(poly substituted phenyl)-l 3indandione compositions corresponding to the following general formula:  
 n R1 R 2 2-(2&#39;,4&#39;,6&#39;-trimethylphenyl)-4-methoxy-l.3- indandione 2-(2&#39;,4,6-trimethylphenyl)5-methoxyl.3- indandione 7 &#39;,4.6&#39;-trimethylphenyl )-4-chloro-l .3-indandione ,6&#39;-trimethylphenyl )-5-chloro-l .3-indandione .6&#39;trimethylpheny| )-4-bromo-l .3-indandione ,6-trimethylphenyl )-4-nitrol .3-indandione ,6&#39;-trimethylphenyl )-4-trichloromethyll .3-  
 &#39; ndione 2&#39;-ethyl-4&#39;,5&#39;,6&#39;-trimethylphenyl)-l.3-indandione We have found that the compositions falling within the scope of the generic formula given above exhibit varying degrees of biological activity. The compositions in which the functional groups are relatively small generally exhibit higher activity and thus in case of alkyl substituents methyl and ethyl are preferred and in the case of alkoxy substituents methoxy and ethoxy are preferred.  
  All of these compounds can be prepared conveniently by reacting an appropriately substituted benzaldehyde composition with an appropriately substituted phthalide composition in accordance with the general reaction scheme set forth below (Equation 1 wherein R. R. R,. R R and x are as defined above.  
 tively referred to hereinafter as B-Substituents&#39;. CH0  
  Illustrative of the new compositions of our invention RX CH are the following: 2 R R Z-(2&#39;.4&#39;.6&#39;-trimethyl-3-methoxyphenyl)-l.3indandione w Z&#39;( 2 &#39;.-l&#39;.6&#39;-trimethyl-3ethoxyphenyl l .3-indandione i R R 2-( 2&#39;.4.o&#39;-trimethyl-3-hydroxyphenyl )-l .3-indandione R 2-( 2 ,4.6&#39;-trimethyl-3-chlorophenyl l .3-indandione 3 2-(2.416&#39;-trimethyl-3-bromophenyl)-l .B-indandione O 2-(2.4&#39;.6&#39;-trimethyl-3-fluorophenyl)l.3-indandione R 1 2-(3&#34;4Z6&#39;-trimethyl-3.S-dichlorophenyl)1.3- indandione 3 2-( 2 &#39;,6&#39;-dimethyl-4-isopropyl-3-methoxyphcnyl )-l .3- indandione 2 1 24 2&#39;.4,6&#39;trimethylphenyl )-4-methyll .3-indandione 4t) 2-( 2&#39;.4&#39;.o&#39;-trimethylphenyl)-5-methyl-1.3-indandionc 2&#39;( 2.4&#39;.6&#39;-trimethylphenyl l-5-t-butyl-l ,3-indandione EQUATION 1 P yl-1.3- Alternatively. Z-arylindandiones may be prepared by indandione reacting arylacetic acids with phthalic anhydridein the 4 l&#39; p l y presence of salts such as sodium acetate at temperaindandione tures of 200 to 280C. to produce the corresponding 3 l&#39; p l&#39; benzylidenephthalide. This intermediate may be rearindandione ranged to the isomeric Z-aryl-l.3-indandione by treat 3-(2Z4&#39;. &#34;I m hy|phenyl)-5.6-dimethyl-l.3- ment with basic reagents such as sodium methoxide in indll di l methanol. This sequence is shown in Equation 2 below:  
  i] CHZCOOH a1, R a H RX 51 O l NaOECF P3 l x EQUATION 2 The following representative specific examples are provided to more clearly illustrate the method of preparing the new compositions of our invention. In order to increase yields and improve the reaction rate it is preferred to conduct the reaction in the presence of an alkali metal alcoholate catalyst. especially sodium methoxide.  
  Certain compounds. representative of those useful in accordance with this invention. were tested with respect to their miticidal and herbicidal activity.  
  Suspensions of the test compounds were prepared by dissolving 1 gram of compound in 50 milliliters of acetone in which had been dissolved 0.1 gram percent of the weight of compound) of an alkylphenoxyethanol surfactant. as an emulsifying or dispersing agent. The resulting solution was mixed into I60 milliliters of water to give roughly 200 milliliters of a suspension containing the compound in finely divided form. The thus-prepared stock suspension contained 0.5 percent by weight of compound. The test concentrations employed in the tests described hereinbelow were obtained by diluting the stock suspension with water. Dilution tests were carried out to determine the LDso and LD,, (concentration of chemical required to kill 50 and 95 percent. respectively. of the mite population) values for each test compound. The test procedures were as follows:  
 Mite Foliage Spray Test Adults and nymphal stages of the two-spotted mite (Tetrunychus urn&#39;cuc (Koch) reared on Tender-green bean plants at 80+5F. and 5015 percent relative humidity. were the test organisms. Infested leaves from a stock culture were placed on the primary leaves of two bean plants 6 to 8 inches in height. growing in a twoand-a-half inch clay pot. 150-200 Mites. a sufficient number for testing. transferred from the excised leaves to the fresh plants in a period of 24 hours. Following the 24 hour transfer period. the excised leaves were removed from the infested plants. The test compounds were formulated by diluting the stock suspension with water to provide suspensions containing varying amounts of test compound per million parts of final formulation. The potted plants (one pot per compound) were place on a revolving turntable and sprayed with l00-l10 milliliters of test compound formulation by use of a DeVilbis spray gun set at 40&#39; psig. air pressure. This application. which lasted 30 seconds. was sufficient to wet the plants to run-off. As a control. l00-l l0 milliliters of a water solution containing acetone and emulsifier in the same concentrations as the test compound formulation. but containing no test compound. were also sprayed on infested plants. The sprayed plants were held at 80+5F. and 50+5 percent relative humidity for 6 days. after which a mortality count of motile forms was made. Microscopic examination for motile forms was made on the leaves of the test plants. Any individual which was capable of locomotion upon prodding was considered living.  
 Mite Ovicide Test The test organism was the egg of the twospotted mite (Tetranychus urticae (Koch)). as obtained from adults reared on Tendergreen bean plants under controlled conditions of 80i5F. and 50+5 percent relative humidity. Heavily infested leaves from a stock culture were placed on the primary leaves of two bean plants 6 to 8 inches in height. growing in a 2 /2 inch clay pot.  
 Females were allowed to oviposit for a period of 48 hours and then the leaves of the infested plants were dipped in a solution containing 800 parts of tetraethyl pyrophosphate per million parts of water in order to destroy the reproductory forms and thus prevent further egg laying. This solution of tetraethyl pyrophosphate does not affect the viability ofthe eggs. The plants were allowed to dry thoroughly. The test compounds were formulated by diluting the stock suspension with water to give a suspension containing varying amounts of test compound per million parts of final formulation. The potted plants (one pot per compound) were placed on a revolving turntable and sprayed with 100-] I0 milliliters oftest compound formulation by use of a DeVilbis spray gun set at 40 psig. air pressure. This application. which lasted 30 seconds. was sufficient to wet the plants to run-off. As a control. 100-110 milliliters of a water solution containing acetone and emulsifier in the same concentrations as the test compound formulation. but containing no test compound. were also sprayed on plants infested with eggs. The sprayed plants were held at i5F. and 50+5 percent relative humidity for 6 days. after which a microscopic examination was made of unhatched (dead) and hatched (living) eggs.  
 Preliminary Herbicide Seed Germination Test The following seeds are used in this test: Perennial rye grass Solium perenne Crabgrass Digitaria sanquinalis Red root pigweed Amaranthus retroflexus Mustard Brassica pincea var. foliosa (Florida broadleaf) Two Seed-soil mixtures are prepared as follows:  
 Mixture l 1% cc. Rye grass seed 75 cc. Mustard seed l8.()(l0 cc. Sifted. fairly dry soil Mixture ll 99 cc. Crahgrass seed 33 cc. Amaranthus l8.000 cc. Sifted. fairly dry soil Each of above mixtures is rolled separately in 5 gallon containers for approximately one-half hour on ball mill to insure uniform mixing of seeds and soil. For each compound four 3-inch pots are filled with soil to within 1 /2 inches of top of pots. To 2 of these pots are added 70 cc. of Mixture I. To the remaining 2 pots are added 70 cc. of Mixture ll. The seed-soil mixture is tamped firmly. and the pots are removed to greenhouse and watered lightly. About 2 hours after planting. 25 milliliters of the test solution are added to each of 2 pots for each soil-seed mixture; i.e.. one replicate of each seed mixture per concentration. An equal volume of a water solution containing acetone and an emulsifier in the same concentration as the herbicidal mixture but without the candidate herbicide is also added to each of the soilseed mixtures. These pots are used as check or control units. The test compounds are formulated by standard procedure of solution in acetone. addition of an emulsifier. and dilution with water. Preliminary tests are conducted at 1000 ppm. and l00 ppm. The pots are held in the greenhouse and watered lightly until results are taken. Ten to twelve days after application of chemical. injury is noted for each species by comparing treated vs. untreated pots. Ratings are made at both the high and the low concentrations I000 ppm and 100 ppm) according to the following designations:  
 5 no seedlings emerged 4 few seedlings emerged and/or very severe stunting moderate reduction in stand and/or moderate stunting 2 very slight reduction in stand and/or slight stunting l no injury: seedlings appear no dilferent with respect to stand or growth than untreated controls Accordingly. the maximum rating for one test seed species is and the maximum possible total preemergence rating is 40 10 for each of the four test speed species).  
 The test data are set forth in the following table:  
  In the preparation of wettable powder or dust or granulated compositions. the active ingredient is dispersed in and on an appropriately divided solid carrier such as clay. talc. bentonite. diatomaceous earth. fullers earth. and the like. In the formulation of the wettable powders the aforementioned dispersing agents as well as lignosulfonates can be included.  
  The required amount of the toxicants contemplated herein may be applied per acre treated in from I to 200 m gallons or more of liquid carrier and/or diluent or in TABLE I* HERBICIDAL Miticidal Activity ACTIVITY Adult OVA TOTAL COMPOSITION su LDm LD,t-. PREEMERGENCE 2-( 2,4&#39;.6&#39;-trimethyl-B-methoxyphenyl l .3- l l5-l 2O 500 I20 200 24 indandione 2-( 2.4.6&#39;-trimethyl-3-hydroxyphenyl l .3- 205-&#34;l l 23 inclandione 2-( 2.4&#39;.(1&#39;-trimethyl-3-chlorophenyl l .3 l 37-140 500 23 indandione 2-( 2.4&#39;.6&#39;-trimethyl-3-bromophenyl l .3- l -1 38 500 24 indandione 2-( 2 .4 .6&#39;-trimethylphenyl )-4methyll .3- 201-209 500 22 60 25 indandione 2-( 2&#39;.4&#39;.6&#39;-trimethylphenyl )-5-methyl-l .3- l78-l 8O 9 500 8 60 37 indandione 24 2&#39;.4.64rimethylphenyl )-5-t-butyll .3- l72-l 74 65 500 18 100 32 indandione 2-( 2&#39;.4&#39;.6&#39;-trimethylphenyl )-4.5-dimethyll .3- 00 500 24 indandione 2-(2&#39; 1.fi&#39; trimethylphenyl )-4.6dimethy|- l .3- 143447 500 40 I00 24 indandione 2-( 2&#39;.4&#39;.6&#39;trimethylphenyl )-5.6-dimethyll .3- l8 l-l 82.5 500 6O 9O 28 indandione 2-( 2.4&#39;.6-trimethylphenyl )-4-methox vl .3- 201-2035 2 500 30 32 indandione 2-( 2.4&#39;.6&#39;-trimethylphenyl )-5-methoxyl .3- l87-l 89 15 500 50 l90 27 indandione 2-(2&#39;.4&#39;.6&#39;-trimethylphenyl)-4-chloro-l.3- 225-226 24 indandione 2-( 2&#39;.4&#39;.6&#39;-trimethylphenyl )-5-chlorol .3- 148-150 75 500 l 10 250 9 indandione 2-( 2&#39;.4&#39;.6&#39;trimethylphenyl )-4-hromol .3- 235.5238 27 indandione indicates absence of significant activity x lndicatcs not tested.  
  The new compounds of this invention may be applied as miticides and herbicides according to methods known to those skilled in the art. Pesticidal compositions containing the compounds as the active toxicant will usually comprise a carrier and/or a diluent. either liquid or solid.  
  Suitable liquid diluents or carriers include water. petroleum distillates. or other liquid carriers with or without surface active agents. Liquid concentrates may be prepared by dissolving one of these compounds with a nonphytotoxic solvent such as acetone. xylene. or nitrobenzene and dispersing the toxicants in water with the aid of suitable surface active emulsifying and dispersing agents.  
  The choice of dispersing and emulsifying agents and the amount employed is dictated by the nature of the composition and the ability of the agent to facilitate the dispersion of the toxicant. Generally. it is desirable to use as little of the agent as is possible, consistent with the desired dispersion of the toxieant in the spray so that rain does not re-emulsify the toxicant after it is applied to the plant and wash it off the plant. Nonionic. anionic. or cationic dispersing and emulsifying agents may be employed. for example, the condensation products of alkylene oxides with phenol and organic acids. alkyl aryl sulfonates. complex ether alcohols. quaternary ammonium compounds. and the like.  
 from about 5 to 500 pounds ofinert solid carrier and/or diluent. The concentration in the liquid concentrate will usually vary from about l0 to 95 percent by weight and in the solid formulations from about 0.5 to about 90 percent by weight. Satisfactory sprays. dusts. or granules for general use contain from about A to l5 pounds of active toxicant per acre.  
  The pesticides contemplated herein prevent attack they induce no herbicidal effects.  
 What is claimed is:  
  1. As new compositions of matter. 2-(polysubstituted phenyl)-l .3-indandione compounds of the formula:  
 upon the seeds. or the roots of those plants in which