Synthesis and herbicidal activity of (Z)-ethoxyethyl 2-cyano-3-(2-methylthio-5-pyridylmethylamino)acrylates

2-Methylthio-5-pyridinemethylene amine was prepared from 2-chloro-5-methylpyridine. Ethoxyethyl 2-cyano-3,3-dimethylthioacrylate was prepared from ethoxyethyl cyanoacetate, carbon disulfide, and dimethyl sulfate in 86.2% yield. Its reaction with 2-methylthio-5-pyridinemethylene amine yielded (Z)-ethoxyethyl 2-cyano-3-methylthio-3-(2-methylthio-5-pyridylmethylamino)acrylate. Ethoxyethyl (Z+E)-2-cyano-3-ethoxyacrylate was synthesized from ethoxyethyl 2-cyanoacetate and triethyl orthoacetate in 90.7% yield, and its reaction with 2-methylthio-5-pyridinemethylene amine yielded (Z)ethoxyethyl 2-cyano-3-methyl-3-(2-methylthio-5-pyridylmethylamino)acrylate. The structures of all of the products were confirmed by H-1 NMR, elemental analysis, 1R, and mass spectroscopy. The herbicidal activities of the products were evaluated, and the results of bioassay showed that (Z)-ethoxyethyl 2-cyano-3-methyl-3-(2-methylthio-5-pyridylmethylamino)acrylate exhibits good herbicidal activity on rape (Brassica napus) at a dose of 1.5 kg/ha. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.