Synthesis and herbicidal activity of C5-substituted cinmethylin analogs.

We investigated the synthesis and herbicidal activity of C5-substituted cinmethylin analogs. For the benzyl ether at the C2 position, we found that electron-withdrawing groups, such as halogen groups on the benzene ring have high herbicidal activity. Analogues with ketone, fluorine, and methoxy groups at the C5 position also showed excellent herbicidal activity.