Discovery, SAR, and putative mode of action of N-benzyl-2-methoxybenzamides as potential bleaching herbicides.

Background: Herbicides acting on biosynthesis of plant pigments have contributed greatly to weed control in recent years. In our previous studies, 2-methoxybenzamides were discovered as a novel type of lead compound for the development of bleaching herbicides.

Results: A total of 67 benzamide analogues were synthesized and evaluated for herbicidal activity.

Design, Synthesis, and Herbicidal Activity of -Benzyl-5-cyclopropyl-isoxazole-4-carboxamides.

Based on the structures of isoxaflutole (IFT) and -isobutyl--(4-chloro-benzyl)-4-chloro-2-pentenamide, a series of -benzyl-5-cyclopropyl-isoxazole-4-carboxamides was designed by connecting their pharmacophores (, a multitarget drug design strategy). A total of 27 -benzyl-5-cyclopropyl-isoxazole-4-carboxamides were prepared from 5-cyclopropylisoxazole-4-carboxylic acid and substituted benzylamines, and their structures were confirmed by NMR and MS. Laboratory bioassays indicated that showed 100% inhibition against and at a concentration of 10 mg/L, better than the positive control butachlor (50% inhibition for both weeds).