Process for preparing herbicidally active benzoates, herbicide composition and method for controlling weeds

摘要

Process for preparing herbicidally active benzoates, herbicide composition and method for controlling weeds. The said benzoates are (S) enantiomers or racemates of compounds of general formula I in which R indicates a methyl or ethyl group; according to the process these are obtained by the reaction of a lactic acid ester with 2- chloro-5-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) benzoyl halide or an alkyl 2-haloproprionate with 2-chloro-5-(2- chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy) benzoic acid. The composition includes at least one of the said benzoates in a quantity from 0.01 to 95% by weight as the active ingredient. The method comprises the application of a herbicidally effective quantity of the said benzoates to the plants or the ground before emergence or after emergence. The benzoates prepared and used according to the invention are novel and herbicidally effective. <IMAGE>