Synthesis and herbicidal activity of 2-cyano-3-(2-fluoro-5-pyridyl)methylaminoacrylates

A series of 2-cyano-3-(2-fluoro-5-pyridyl)methylaminoacrylates were synthesized as herbicidal inhibitors of photosystem II (PSII) electron transport. 2-Fluoro-5-pyridinemethylamine was prepared from 2-amino-5-methylpyridine, subsequent reaction with 2-cyano-3,3-dimethylthioacrylates or 2-cyano-3-methoxyacrylates to yield these title compounds. All of these compounds were confirmed by ¹H NMR, IR, mass spectrum and elemental analyses. Their herbicidal activities were evaluated. All of the title compounds showed excellent herbicidal activities to amaranth pigweed and rape in post-emergence treatment. At the rate of 150 g/ha, one compound exhibited similar activity to Cl-analogue. The replacement of chlorine by fluorine group showed the same herbicidal activity.