Synthesis and Herbicidal Activity of Hydantocidin Analogues : Modification of the Carbonyl Groups in Spirohydantoin

Abstract

Syntheses of two carbonyl derivatives of hydantocidin 1, a potent, naturally occurring herbicide, and their herbicidal activity are described. Spiroimidazolidinone 2, the descarbonyl compound at C9, was prepared by employing reductive demethylsulfurization with tri-n-butyltin hydride as the key step. Another derivative, spiroimidazolinone 10, was obtained from α-azidoamide 8 and benzyl isocyanate via the aza-Wittig reaction. 2 had lost almost all herbicidal activity, whereas 10 retained herbicidal activity against such dicotyledonous weeds as ragweed and cocklebur, but lost activity against monocotyledonous weeds. These results imply the possibility that proper modification of the carbonyl group at C7 of the parent compound would afford hydantocidin analogues possessing crop selectivity.