Synthesis and Herbicidal Activity of Indanofan and Related 2-(2-Phenyloxiran-2-ylmethyl)indan-1, 3-dione Derivatives

Abstract

In the course of our studies on compounds having 2-aryl substituted oxiran-2-ylmethyl structure, we found that compounds with indan-1, 3-dione moiety showed potent herbicidal activity against mainly gramineous weeds in paddy field and upland field. As a result of elaborate study, we found Indanofan; 2-[2-(3-chlorophenyl)oxiran-2-ylmethyl]-2-ethylindan-1, 3-dione that controlled Echinochloa oryzicola at the rate of 0.10-0.15kg a. i./ha with excellent selectivity to transplanted rice plant. Indanofan was registered in 1999 as a herbicide for transplanted rice.