ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The high herbicidal activities of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine and 2H-1,2,4-thiadiazolo[2,3-a]pyrimidine derivatives suggested the development of new fused heterocyclic compounds for application as herbicides. RESULTS: Three series of pyrimidinyl-substituted thioureas (4) and amides (5, 6) were synthesized, and the typical crystal structure of a 2H-1,2,4-thiadiazolo[2,3-a]pyrimidine derivative (5a) was determined by X-ray diffraction. All the compounds were tested for herbicidal activity against selected weeds. CONCLUSION: The series of fused heterocyclic amides 5a to 5d exhibited high herbicidal activities both against monocotyledonous weeds (Echinochloa crus-galli L., Sorghum bicolor (L.) Mönch., Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop) and against dicotyledonous weeds (Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Brassica campestris L.) in pre-emergence treatments. In particular, compound 5b at low concentration still showed high inhibitory activity against A. retroflexus in pre-emergence treatment. Different substituents at the meta positions of the pyrimidine ring were found to affect the herbicidal activity.
