WO2012084678A1

WO2012084678A1 - Novel imidazoles useful as plant fungicides

Info

Publication number: WO2012084678A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/072880
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fredrik Cederbaum; Jayant Umarye; Raphael Dumeunier; Ravindra SONAWANE
Original assignee: Syngenta Participations Ag
Priority date: 2010-12-23
Filing date: 2011-12-15
Publication date: 2012-06-28

Abstract

Compounds of the general formula (I) wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, are useful as fungicides.

Description

NOVEL IMIDAZOLES USEFUL AS PLANT FUNGICIDES

This invention relates to novel imidazoles, processes for preparing them, to

compositions containing them and to methods of using them to combat fungi, especially fungal infections of plants.

Certain imidazole derivatives and their use as fungicides are disclosed, for example, in WO04/016086 and US2005/0085473.

The present invention is concerned with the provision of particular substituted imidazoles for use mainly as plant fungicides.

Thus, according to the present invention there is provided a compound of the general formula (I)

(I), wherein

A is an aromatic ring selected from phenyl, naphthyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrrolyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, thiazolyl, thienyl where these rings are unsubstituted or substituted with halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, CrC₆alkyl, CrC₆haloalkyl, C₂-C₆alkenyl, C₂-C₆haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆alkynyl, C₂- C₆haloalkynyl, d-C₆alkoxy, CrC₆haloalkoxy, CrC₆alkoxycarbonyl, C₃-C₈cycloalkyl, C₃- C₆halocycloalkyl, C₃-C₈cycloalkoxy, C₃-C₈cycloalkylthio, CrC₆alkylthio, C

C₆alkylsulphinyl, CrC₆alkylsulphonyl, CrC₆haloalkylthio, CrC₆haloalkylsulphinyl, C C₆haloalkylsulphonyl, amino, CrC₆alkylamino, Ci-C₆alkylcarbonylamino, C

C₆alkoxycarbonylamino, di(Ci-C₆alkyl)amino, di(Ci-C₆alkylcarbonyl)amino, di(C

C₆alkoxycarbonyl)amino, formyl, C C₆alkylcarbonyl or CR¹⁰⁰NOR²⁰⁰, wherein R¹⁰⁰ is hydrogen or C C₄alkyl and R²⁰⁰ is CrC₆alkyl, CrC₆haloalkyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, C₃- C₆halocycloalkyl, phenyl-C C₄alkyl or phenyl, wherein phenyl and the phenyl part of said phenyl-CrC₄alkyl are unsubstituted or substituted with C C₄alkyl, C C₄haloalkyl, Ci-C₄alkoxy, C C₄haloalkoxy, halogen, hydroxyl, cyano or nitro,

R¹ is C C₈alkyl, C C₈haloalkyl, C C₈alkoxy, C C₈haloalkoxy, CHNOR¹⁰, CO-R¹⁰, CS-R¹⁰, COO-R¹⁰, CONHR¹⁰ or CSNHR¹⁰, wherein R¹⁰ is C Ci₂alkyl, C Ci₂haloalkyl, Ci-C₄alkoxyCrCi₂alkyl, C₃-Ci₂cycloalkyl, wherein a methylene group is optionally replaced by O or S, C₃-Ci₂halocycloalkyl, wherein a methylene group is optionally replaced by O or S, phenyl-C C₄alkyl or phenyl, wherein phenyl and the phenyl part of said phenyl-CrC₄alkyl are unsubstituted or substituted with C C₄alkyl, C C₄haloalkyl, Ci-C₄alkoxy, C C₄haloalkoxy, halogen, hydroxyl, cyano or nitro, or R¹⁰ is C₂-Ci₂alkenyl or C₂-Ci₂alkynyl and

R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ independently of one another are hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, CrC₆alkyl, CrC₆haloalkyl, CrC₆alkoxy or CrC₆haloalkoxy, or a salt or an N-oxide of a compound of the formula (I). The salts which the compounds of the formula I can form are preferably those formed by interaction of these compounds with acids. The term "acid" comprises mineral acids such as hydrogen halides, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid etc. as well as organic acids, preferably the commonly used alkanoic acids, for example formic acid, acetic acid and propionic acid.

Except where otherwise stated, alkyl groups and alkyl moieties of alkoxy, alkylthio, etc., suitably contain from 1 to 6, typically from 1 to 4, carbon atoms in the form of straight or branched chains. Examples are methyl, ethyl, n-and /^'so-propyl and n-, sec-, iso- and te/f-butyl. Where alkyl moieties contain 5 or 6 carbon atoms, examples are n-pentyl and n-hexyl. Longer alkyl chains, straight or branched, typically include up to 12 carbon atoms and can provide more lipophilic compounds of the formula (I), if this is desired.

Except where otherwise stated, alkenyl and alkynyl moieties also suitably contain from 2 to 12, typically from 2 to 6, preferably from 2 to 4 carbon atoms in the form of straight or branched chains. Examples are allyl, ethynyl and propargyl.

The cycloalkyl radicals suitably contain 3 to 12 and preferably 3 to 8 carbon atoms and are, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl, cyclodecyl and cyclododecyl. Such rings can be further substituted, for example by halogen. A methylene group of these rings can be replaced by a hetero atom such as O and S. Halo includes fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.

Preferred rings A are phenyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, thiazolyl or thienyl, preferably phenyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl or pyrimidinyl, in particular phenyl or pyridyl, and more preferably phenyl, where these rings A are unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, CrC₆alkyl, CrC₆haloalkyl, C₂-C₆alkenyl, C₂-C₆haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆alkynyl, C₂-C₆haloalkynyl, CrC₆alkoxy, CrC₆haloalkoxy, C C₆alkoxycarbonyl-, C₃-C₈cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆halocycloalkyl, CrC₆alkylthio, C

C₆alkoxycarbonyl)amino, formyl, C C₆alkylcarbonyl or CR¹⁰⁰NOR²⁰⁰, wherein R¹⁰⁰ is hydrogen or CrC₄alkyl and R²⁰⁰ is CrC₆alkyl, CrC₆haloalkyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, C₃- C₆halocycloalkyl, phenyl-C C₄alkyl or phenyl, wherein phenyl and the phenyl part of said phenyl-CrC₄alkyl are unsubstituted or substituted with C C₄alkyl, C C₄haloalkyl, Ci-C₄alkoxy, C C₄haloalkoxy, halogen, hydroxyl, cyano or nitro.

More preferably, these rings A are unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, CrC₆alkyl, CrC₆haloalkyl, C₂-C₆alkenyl, C₂-C₆alkynyl, CrC₆alkoxy, C₃- Cscycloalkyl, C₃-C₈cycloalkoxy, C₃-C₈cycloalkylthio, C C₆alkylthio or CR¹⁰⁰NOR²⁰⁰, wherein R¹⁰⁰ is hydrogen and R²⁰⁰ is C C₆alkyl.

Even more preferably, A is phenyl or pyridyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, C C₄alkyl, C C₄haloalkyl, C₂-C₄alkenyl, C₂-C₄alkynyl, C C₄alkoxy, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkoxy, C₃-C₆cycloalkylthio, C C₄alkylthio or CR¹⁰⁰NOR²⁰⁰, wherein R¹⁰⁰ is hydrogen and R²⁰⁰ is C C₄alkyl.

Preferably, the substituents of the rings A occupy the ortho-position of the respective ring. Preferably, R¹ is CO-R¹⁰, CS-R¹⁰, COO-R¹⁰, CONHR¹⁰, CSNHR¹⁰ or CHNOR¹⁰.

More preferably R¹ is CO-R¹⁰. Preferably, R¹⁰ is C C₄alkyl, C C₄haloalkyl, C C₄alkoxyC C₄alkyl, C₂-C₆alkenyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, wherein a methylene group is optionally replaced by O or S, C₃- C₆halocycloalkyl, phenyl or benzyl, wherein phenyl and benzyl are unsubstituted or substituted with C C₄alkyl, C C₄haloalkyl, C C₄alkoxy, C C₄haloalkoxy, halogen, hydroxyl, cyano or nitro.

More preferably, R¹⁰ is C C₄alkyl, C C₄alkoxyC C₄alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, wherein a methylene group is optionally replaced by O, or C₂-C₆alkenyl.

Preferably, R², R³ and R⁴ independently of one another are hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, C C₄alkyl, C C₄haloalkyl, C C₄alkoxy or C C₄haloalkoxy.

More preferably, R², R³ and R⁴ independently of one another are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, C C₄alkyl, C C₄haloalkyl, C C₄alkoxy or C C₄haloalkoxy.

Even more preferably, R², R³ and R⁴ independently of one another are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, methyl, halomethyl, methoxy or halomethoxy.

In particular, R², R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen.

Preferably, R⁵ and R⁶ independently of one another are hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, C C₄alkyl, Ci-C₄haloalkyl, C C₄alkoxy or C C₄haloalkoxy.

More preferably, R⁵ and R⁶ independently of one another are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, C C₄alkyl, C C₄haloalkyl, C C₄alkoxy or C C₄haloalkoxy.

Even more preferably, R⁵ and R⁶ independently of one another are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, methyl, halomethyl, methoxy or halomethoxy.

In particular, R⁵ and R⁶ are hydrogen.

It is also preferred that R⁵ and R⁶ are halogen, in particular fluorine.

Preferably, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ independently of one another are hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, C C₄alkyl, C C₄haloalkyl, C C alkoxy or C C₄haloalkoxy. More preferably, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ independently of one another are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, C C₄alkyl, C C₄haloalkyl, C C₄alkoxy or C C₄haloalkoxy.

Even more preferably, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ independently of one another are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, methyl, halomethyl, methoxy or halomethoxy, in particular hydrogen, methyl or halogen, preferably hydrogen, methyl or fluorine.

The preferred group of compounds of the formula (I) comprises those, wherein

A is phenyl or pyridyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, C C₄alkyl, C C₄haloalkyl, C₂-C₄alkenyl, C₂-C₄alkynyl, C C₄alkoxy, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, C₃- Cecycloalkoxy, C₃-C₆cycloalkylthio, C C₄alkylthio or CR¹⁰⁰NOR²⁰⁰, wherein R¹⁰⁰ is hydrogen and R²⁰⁰ is C C₄alkyl,

R¹ is CO-R¹⁰, where R¹⁰ is C C₄alkyl, C C₄alkoxyC C₄alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, wherein a methylene group is optionally replaced by O, or C₂-C₆alkenyl,

R², R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen, and

R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ independently of one another are hydrogen, methyl or halogen.

Compounds of the invention and compounds for use in the methods of the invention can be made, for example, by following the reaction scheme and the methods detailed below. The starting materials used for the preparation of the compounds of the invention may be purchased from usual commercial suppliers or may be prepared according to procedures known to the person skilled in the art. The starting materials as well as the intermediates may be purified before use in the next step by state of the art methodologies such as chromatography, crystallization, distillation and filtration.

The schemes listed below to exemplify the possible preparation methods for the compounds of general formula I are suggestions that might be modified by those skilled in the art to reach the disclosed compounds. Many of the steps detailed below can be found with detailed operating procedure in the following references: J. Med. Chem. 1999, 42, 2180-2190; Org. Lett. 2004, 6, 24783-2475; Org. Lett. 2004, 6, 1453-1456; US 2006/0173048.

Compounds of general formula (I) may be prepared following the procedure described in scheme 1 : Scheme 1

Compounds of formula D can be obtained by reaction between an ester of formula c and pyridine derivative of formula B in the presence of a base such as lithium diisopropylamide, in an inert solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, at -60 to -80°C. (see J. Med. Chem. 1999, 42, 2180-2190).

Compound of formula B are generally commercially available but might be prepared by state of art procedures from corresponding picoline by N-oxide formation followed by a- halogenation reaction.

Compounds of formula C are generally commercially available but might be prepared by state of the art procedures from the corresponding acid, nitrile, or methyl derivative by esterification, hydrolysis or oxidation reactions, respectively.

Compound of formula E can be obtained from ketone of formula D, by treatment of ketone derivative of formula D with slelenium dioxide in dioxane at reflux conditions. Compounds of formula F are generally commercially available but might be prepared by state of the art procedures from the corresponding acid, or methyl derivative by reduction followed by oxidation or oxidation reactions, respectively.

Imidazole compound of formula G can be prepared using known method by condensation of diketone of formula E and an aldehyde of formula F with ammonium acetate in acetic acid at 100 °C. (see US patent 2006/0173048 A1).

Compound of formula H can be prepared from corresponding halo compound of formula G by first treting it with azide in acetic acid at 130°C followed by reduction of the intermediate azide with stannous chloride in hydrochloric acid.

Compound of formula H can also be prepared from compound of formula G by treating it with benzyl amine followed by deprotection with concentrated sulfuric acid. Imidazole amides of formula J can be obtained by coupling of amine of formula H and acid of formula I using various standard acid activating groups for ex. pyridine- phosphorous oxy chloride. Scheme 2 describes an alternative method for the preparation of compound (I):

Scheme 2

Alternatively, diketone of formula E can also be prepared from corresponding acetylene derivative of formula M by treatment of iodine-dimethylsulphoxide reagent, (see J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122, 770-7717.)

Compound of formula M can be prepared by Sonogashira reaction of iodo-pyridine of formula K with corresponding acetylene compound of formula L. (see: Org. Lett. 2003, 5, 1841-1844.)

Compound of formula L is commercially available or can be prepared by Sonogashira reaction from parent halogenated compound with trimethylsilyl acetylene, followed by deprotection of trimethylsilyl group under basic conditions. Alternatively, compound of formula L can be prepared from parent aldehyde under Corey-Fuchs reaction conditions (See: Tet. Lett. 1972, 36, 3769).

Scheme 3 describes an alternative method for the preparation of intermediate (E):

M

Alternatively, diketo compound of formula E can be prepared from ketone P by treatment of compound of formula P with selenium dioxide oxidation in dioxane at 100°C.

Compound of formula P can be prepared by reaction of Weinreb amide of formula N with Grignard reagent derived from corresponding benzyl bromide of formula O.

Weinreb amide of formula N can be prepared by reaction of acid chloride derived from corresponding pyridine acid of type M and Weinreb amine.

Compound of formula M can be obtained commercially.

Compounds that form part of the invention are illustrated in the following Tables.

Table A: List of substituted phenyl rings P P R5 R6 R7 R8 R9

P1 H H H H H

P2 H H F H H

P3 H H H F H

P4 H H F F H

P5 H H F F F

P6 H F H H H

P7 H F F H H

P8 H F H F H

P9 H F H H F

P10 H H F H F

P1 1 F F H H H

Table B: List of substituents R1

Table C: List of substituents A

Table C (cont.): List of substituents A

Table 1 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P1 of Table A, R1 is R1 1 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 2 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein P is P2 of Table A, R1 is R1 1 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 3 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P3 of Table A, R1 is R1 1 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 4 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P4 of Table A, R1 is R1 1 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 5 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P5 of Table A, R1 is R1 1 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 6 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P6 of Table A, R1 is R1 1 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 7 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P7 of Table A, R1 is R1 1 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 8 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P8 of Table A, R1 is R1 1 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 9 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P9 of Table A, R1 is R1 1 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 10 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P10 of Table A, R1 is R1 1 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 10a contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P11 of Table A, R1 is R1 1 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 11 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P1 of Table A, R1 is R12 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 12 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P2 of Table A, R1 is R12 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 13 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P3 of Table A, R1 is R12 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 14 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P4 of Table A, R1 is R12 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 15 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P5 of Table A, R1 is R12 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 16 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P6 of Table A, R1 is R12 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 17 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P7 of Table A, R1 is R12 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 18 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P8 of Table A, R1 is R12 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 19 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P19 of Table A, R1 is R12 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 20 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P10 of Table A, R1 is R12 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 20a contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P11 of Table A, R1 is R12 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 21 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P1 of Table A, R1 is R13 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 22 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P2 of Table A, R1 is R13 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 23 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P3 of Table A, R1 is R13 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 24 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P4 of Table A, R1 is R13 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 25 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P5 of Table A, R1 is R13 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 26 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P6 of Table A, R1 is R13 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 27 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P7 of Table A, R1 is R13 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 28 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P8 of Table A, R1 is R13 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 29 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P19 of Table A, R1 is R13 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 30 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P10 of Table A, R1 is R13 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 30a contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P11 of Table A, R1 is R13 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 31 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P1 of Table A, R1 is R14 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 32 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P2 of Table A, R1 is R14 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 33 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P3 of Table A, R1 is R14 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 34 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P4 of Table A, R1 is R14 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 35 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P5 of Table A, R1 is R14 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 36 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P6 of Table A, R1 is R14 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 37 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P7 of Table A, R1 is R14 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 38 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P8 of Table A, R1 is R14 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 39 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P19 of Table A, R1 is R14 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 40 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P10 of Table A, R1 is R14 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 40a contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P11 of Table A, R1 is R14 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 41 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P1 of Table A, R1 is R15 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 42 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P2 of Table A, R1 is R15 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 43 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P3 of Table A, R1 is R15 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 44 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P4 of Table A, R1 is R15 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 45 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P5 of Table A, R1 is R15 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 46 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P6 of Table A, R1 is R15 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 47 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P7 of Table A, R1 is R15 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 48 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P8 of Table A, R1 is R15 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 49 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P19 of Table A, R1 is R15 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 50 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is PIO of Table A, R1 is R15 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 50a contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P11 of Table A, R1 is R15 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 51 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P1 of Table A, R1 is R16 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 52 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P2 of Table A, R1 is R16 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 53 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P3 of Table A, R1 is R16 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 54 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P4 of Table A, R1 is R16 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 55 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P5 of Table A, R1 is R16 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 56 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P6 of Table A, R1 is R16 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 57 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P7 of Table A, R1 is R16 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 58 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P8 of Table A, R1 is R16 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 59 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P19 of Table A, R1 is R16 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 60 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P10 of Table A, R1 is R16 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 60a contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P11 of Table A, R1 is R16 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 61 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P1 of Table A, R1 is R17 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 62 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P2 of Table A, R1 is R17 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 63 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P3 of Table A, R1 is R17 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 64 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P4 of Table A, R1 is R17 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 65 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P5 of Table A, R1 is R17 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 66 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P6 of Table A, R1 is R17 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 67 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P7 of Table A, R1 is R17 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 68 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P8 of Table A, R1 is R17 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 69 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P19 of Table A, R1 is R17 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 70 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P10 of Table A, R1 is R17 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 70a contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P11 of Table A, R1 is R17 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 71 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P1 of Table A, R1 is R18 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 72 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P2 of Table A, R1 is R18 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 73 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P3 of Table A, R1 is R18 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 74 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P4 of Table A, R1 is R18 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 75 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P5 of Table A, R1 is R18 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 76 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P6 of Table A, R1 is R18 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 77 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P7 of Table A, R1 is R18 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 78 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P8 of Table A, R1 is R18 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 79 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P19 of Table A, R1 is R18 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 80 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P10 of Table A, R1 is R18 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 80a contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P11 of Table A, R1 is R18 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 81 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P1 of Table A, R1 is R19 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 82 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P2 of Table A, R1 is R19 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 83 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P3 of Table A, R1 is R19 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 84 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P4 of Table A, R1 is R19 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 85 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P5 of Table A, R1 is R19 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 86 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P6 of Table A, R1 is R19 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 87 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P7 of Table A, R1 is R19 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 88 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P8 of Table A, R1 is R19 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 89 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P19 of Table A, R1 is R19 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 90 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P10 of Table A, R1 is R19 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 90a contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P11 of Table A, R1 is R19 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 91 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P1 of Table A, R1 is R20 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 92 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P2 of Table A, R1 is R20 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 93 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P3 of Table A, R1 is R20 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 94 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P4 of Table A, R1 is R20 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 95 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P5 of Table A, R1 is R20 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 96 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P6 of Table A, R1 is R20 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 97 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P7 of Table A, R1 is R20 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 98 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P8 of Table A, R1 is R20 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 99 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P19 of Table A, R1 is R20 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 100 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P10 of Table A, R1 is R20 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 100a contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P11 of Table A, R1 is R21 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 101 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P1 of Table A, R1 is R21 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 102 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P2 of Table A, R1 is R21 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 103 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P3 of Table A, R1 is R21 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 104 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P4 of Table A, R1 is R21 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 105 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P5 of Table A, R1 is R21 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 106 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P6 of Table A, R1 is R21 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 107 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P7 of Table A, R1 is R21 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 108 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P8 of Table A, R1 is R21 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 109 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P19 of Table A, R1 is R21 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 1 10 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P10 of Table A, R1 is R21 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 1 10a contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P11 of Table A, R1 is R21 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 11 1 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P1 of Table A, R1 is R22 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 1 12 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P2 of Table A, R1 is R22 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 1 13 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P3 of Table A, R1 is R22 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 1 14 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P4 of Table A, R1 is R22 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 1 15 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P5 of Table A, R1 is R22 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 1 16 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P6 of Table A, R1 is R22 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 1 17 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P7 of Table A, R1 is R22 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 118 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P8 of Table A, R1 is R22 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 1 19 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P19 of Table A, R1 is R22 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 120 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P10 of Table A, R1 is R22 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 120a contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P11 of Table A, R1 is R22 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 121 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P1 of Table A, R1 is R23 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 122 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P2 of Table A, R1 is R23 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 123 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P3 of Table A, R1 is R23 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 124 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P4 of Table A, R1 is R23 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 125 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P5 of Table A, R1 is R23 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 126 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P6 of Table A, R1 is R23 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 127 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P7 of Table A, R1 is R23 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 128 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P8 of Table A, R1 is R23 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 129 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P19 of Table A, R1 is R23 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C. Table 130 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P10 of Table A, R1 is R23 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 130a contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P11 of Table A, R1 is R23 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 131 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P1 of Table A, R1 is R24 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 132 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P2 of Table A, R1 is R24 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 133 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P3 of Table A, R1 is R24 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 134 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P4 of Table A, R1 is R24 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 135 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P5 of Table A, R1 is R24 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 136 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P6 of Table A, R1 is R24 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 137 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P7 of Table A, R1 is R24 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 138 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P8 of Table A, R1 is R24 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 139 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P19 of Table A, R1 is R24 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 140 contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P10 of Table A, R1 is R24 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

Table 140a contains compounds of the formula (I), wherein

P is P11 of Table A, R1 is R24 of Table B, and A is A1 to A225 of Table C.

The compounds of formula (I) are active fungicides and may be used to control one or more of the following pathogens: Pyricularia oryzae (Magnaporthe grisea) on rice and wheat and other Pyricularia spp. on other hosts; Puccinia triticina (or recondita), Puccinia striiformis and other rusts on wheat, Puccinia hordei, Puccinia striiformis and other rusts on barley, and rusts on other hosts (for example turf, rye, coffee, pears, apples, peanuts, sugar beet, vegetables and ornamental plants); Phakopsora pachyrhizi on soybean, Erysiphe cichoracearum on cucurbits (for example melon); Blumeria (or Erysiphe) graminis (powdery mildew) on barley, wheat, rye and turf and other powdery mildews on various hosts, such as Sphaerotheca macularis on hops, Sphaerotheca fusca (Sphaerotheca fuliginea) on cucurbits (for example cucumber), Leveillula taurica on tomatoes, aubergine and green pepper, Podosphaera leucotricha on apples and Uncinula necator on vines; Cochliobolus spp., Helminthosporium spp., Drechslera spp. (Pyrenophora spp.), Rhynchosporium spp., Mycosphaerella graminicola (Septoria tritici) and Phaeosphaeria nodorum (Stagonospora nodorum or Septoria nodorum),

Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides and Gaeumannomyces graminis on cereals (for example wheat, barley, rye), turf and other hosts; Cercospora arachidicola and

Cercosporidium personatum on peanuts and other Cercospora spp. on other hosts, for example sugar beet, bananas, soya beans and rice; Botrytis cinerea (grey mould) on tomatoes, strawberries, vegetables, vines and other hosts and other Botrytis spp. on other hosts; Alternaria spp. on vegetables (for example carrots), oil-seed rape, apples, tomatoes, potatoes, cereals (for example wheat) and other hosts; Venturia spp.

(including Venturia inaequalis (scab)) on apples, pears, stone fruit, tree nuts and other hosts; Cladosporium spp. on a range of hosts including cereals (for example wheat) and tomatoes; Monilinia spp. on stone fruit, tree nuts and other hosts; Didymella spp. on tomatoes, turf, wheat, cucurbits and other hosts; Phoma spp. on oil-seed rape, turf, rice, potatoes, wheat and other hosts; Aspergillus spp. and Aureobasidium spp. on wheat, lumber and other hosts; Ascochyta spp. on peas, wheat, barley and other hosts;

Stemphylium spp. (Pleospora spp.) on apples, pears, onions and other hosts; summer diseases (for example bitter rot (Glomerella cingulata), black rot or frogeye leaf spot (Botryosphaeria obtusa), Brooks fruit spot (Mycosphaerella pomi), Cedar apple rust (Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae), sooty blotch (Gloeodes pomigena), flyspeck (Schizothyrium pomi) and white rot (Botryosphaeria dothidea)) on apples and pears; Plasmopara viticola on vines; ; Plasmopara halstedii on sunflower; other downy mildews, such as Bremia lactucae on lettuce, Peronospora spp. on soybeans, tobacco, onions and other hosts, Pseudoperonospora humuli on hops ; Peronosclerospora maydis, P. philippinensis and P. sorghi on maize, sorghum and other hosts and

Pseudoperonospora cubensis on cucurbits; Pythium spp. (including Pythium ultimum) on cotton, maize, soybean, sugarbeet, vegetables, turf and other hosts; Phytophthora infestans on potatoes and tomatoes and other Phytophthora spp. on vegetables, strawberries, avocado, pepper, ornamentals, tobacco, cocoa and other hosts;

Aphanomyces spp. on sugarbeet and other hosts; Thanatephorus cucumeris on rice, wheat, cotton, soybean, maize, sugarbeet and turf and other hosts Rhizoctonia spp. on various hosts such as wheat and barley, peanuts, vegetables, cotton and turf;

Sclerotinia spp. on turf, peanuts, potatoes, oil-seed rape and other hosts; Sclerotium spp. on turf, peanuts and other hosts; Gibberella fujikuroi on rice; Colletotrichum spp. on a range of hosts including turf, coffee and vegetables; Laetisaria fuciformis on turf; Mycosphaerella spp. on bananas, peanuts, citrus, pecans, papaya and other hosts; Diaporthe spp. on citrus, soybean, melon, pears, lupin and other hosts; Elsinoe spp. on citrus, vines, olives, pecans, roses and other hosts; Verticillium spp. on a range of hosts including hops, potatoes and tomatoes; Pyrenopeziza spp. on oil-seed rape and other hosts; Oncobasidium theobromae on cocoa causing vascular streak dieback; Fusarium spp. incl. Fusarium culmorum, F. graminearum, F. langsethiae, F. monili forme, F.

proliferatum, F. subglutinans, F. solani and F. oxysporum on wheat, barely, rye, oats, maize, cotton, soybean, sugarbeet and other hosts, Typhula spp., Microdochium nivale, Ustilago spp., Urocystis spp., Tilletia spp. and Claviceps purpurea on a variety of hosts but particularly wheat, barley, turf and maize; Ramularia spp. on sugar beet, barley and other hosts; Thielaviopsis basicola on cotton, vegetables and other hosts; Verticillium spp. on cotton, vegetables and other hosts; post-harvest diseases particularly of fruit (for example Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium italicum and Trichoderma viride on oranges, Colletotrichum musae and Gloeosporium musarum on bananas and Botrytis cinerea on grapes); other pathogens on vines, notably Eutypa lata, Guignardia bidwellii, Phellinus igniarus, Phomopsis viticola, Pseudopeziza tracheiphila and Stereum hirsutum; other pathogens on trees (for example Lophodermium seditiosum) or lumber, notably

Cephaloascus fragrans, Ceratocystis spp., Ophiostoma piceae, Penicillium spp., Trichoderma pseudokoningii, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum, Aspergillus niger, Leptographium lindbergi and Aureobasidium pullulans; and fungal vectors of viral diseases (for example Polymyxa graminis on cereals as the vector of barley yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) and Polymyxa betae on sugar beet as the vector of rhizomania).

Preferably, the following pathogens are controlled: Pyricularia oryzae (Magnaporthe grisea) on rice and wheat and other Pyricularia spp. on other hosts; Erysiphe

cichoracearum on cucurbits (for example melon); Blumeria (or Erysiphe) graminis (powdery mildew) on barley, wheat, rye and turf and other powdery mildews on various hosts, such as Sphaerotheca macularis on hops, Sphaerotheca fusca (Sphaerotheca fuliginea) on cucurbits (for example cucumber), Leveillula taurica on tomatoes, aubergine and green pepper, Podosphaera leucotricha on apples and Uncinula necator on vines; Helminthosporium spp., Drechslera spp. (Pyrenophora spp.), Rhynchosporium spp. Mycosphaerella graminicola (Septoria tritici) and Phaeosphaeria nodorum

(Stagonospora nodorum or Septoria nodorum), Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides and Gaeumannomyces graminis on cereals (for example wheat, barley, rye), turf and other hosts; Cercospora arachidicola and Cercosporidium personatum on peanuts and other Cercospora spp. on other hosts, for example sugar beet, bananas, soya beans and rice; Botrytis cinerea (grey mould) on tomatoes, strawberries, vegetables, vines and other hosts and other Botrytis spp. on other hosts; Alternaria spp. on vegetables (for example carrots), oil-seed rape, apples, tomatoes, potatoes, cereals (for example wheat) and other hosts; Venturia spp. (including Venturia inaequalis (scab)) on apples, pears, stone fruit, tree nuts and other hosts; Cladosporium spp. on a range of hosts including cereals (for example wheat) and tomatoes; Monilinia spp. on stone fruit, tree nuts and other hosts; Didymella spp. on tomatoes, turf, wheat, cucurbits and other hosts; Phoma spp. on oil-seed rape, turf, rice, potatoes, wheat and other hosts;

Aspergillus spp. and Aureobasidium spp. on wheat, lumber and other hosts; Ascochyta spp. on peas, wheat, barley and other hosts; Stemphylium spp. (Pleospora spp.) on apples, pears, onions and other hosts; summer diseases (for example bitter rot

(Glomerella cingulata), black rot or frogeye leaf spot (Botryosphaeria obtusa), Brooks fruit spot (Mycosphaerella pomi), Cedar apple rust (Gymnosporangium juniperi- virginianae), sooty blotch (Gloeodes pomigena), flyspeck (Schizothyrium pomi) and white rot (Botryosphaeria dothidea)) on apples and pears; Plasmopara viticola on vines; Plasmopara halstedii on sunflower; other downy mildews, such as Bremia lactucae on lettuce, Peronospora spp. on soybeans, tobacco, onions and other hosts,

Pseudoperonospora humuli on hops ; Peronosclerospora maydis, P. philippinensis and P. sorghi on maize, sorghum and other hosts and Pseudoperonospora cubensis on cucurbits; Pythium spp. (including Pythium ultimum) on cotton, maize, soybean, sugarbeet, vegetables, turf and other hosts; Phytophthora infestans on potatoes and tomatoes and other Phytophthora spp. on vegetables, strawberries, avocado, pepper, ornamentals, tobacco, cocoa and other hosts; Aphanomyces spp. on sugarbeet and other hosts; Thanatephorus cucumeris on rice, wheat, cotton, soybean, maize, sugarbeet and turf and other hosts Rhizoctonia spp. on various hosts such as wheat and barley, peanuts, vegetables, cotton and turf; Sclerotinia spp. on turf, peanuts, potatoes, oil-seed rape and other hosts; Sclerotium spp. on turf, peanuts and other hosts; Gibberella fujikuroi on rice; Colletotrichum spp. on a range of hosts including turf, coffee and vegetables; Laetisaria fuciformis on turf; Mycosphaerella spp. on bananas, peanuts, citrus, pecans, papaya and other hosts; Fusarium spp. incl. Fusarium culmorum, F. graminearum, F. langsethiae, F. moniliforme, F. proliferatum, F.

subglutinans, F. solani and F. oxysporum on wheat, barely, rye, oats, maize, cotton, soybean, sugarbeet and other hosts, Microdochium nivale, Ustilago spp., Urocystis spp., Tilletia spp. and Claviceps purpurea on a variety of hosts but particularly wheat, barley, turf and maize; Ramularia spp. on sugar beet, barley and other hosts; Thielaviopsis basicola on cotton, vegetables and other hosts; Verticillium spp. on cotton, vegetables and other hosts; post-harvest diseases particularly of fruit (for example Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium italicum and Trichoderma viride on oranges, Colletotrichum musae and Gloeosporium musarum on bananas and Botrytis cinerea on grapes); other pathogens on vines, notably Eutypa lata, Guignardia bidwellii, Phellinus igniarus, Phomopsis viticola, Pseudopeziza tracheiphila and Stereum hirsutum; other pathogens on trees (for example Lophodermium seditiosum) or lumber, notably Cephaloascus fragrans, Ceratocystis spp., Ophiostoma piceae, Penicillium spp., Trichoderma pseudokoningii, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum, Aspergillus niger,

Leptographium lindbergi and Aureobasidium pullulans.

More preferably, the following pathogens are controlled: Pyricularia oryzae

(Magnaporthe grisea) on rice and wheat and other Pyricularia spp. on other hosts; Erysiphe cichoracearum on cucurbits (for example melon); Blumeria (or Erysiphe) graminis (powdery mildew) on barley, wheat, rye and turf and other powdery mildews on various hosts, such as Sphaerotheca macularis on hops, Sphaerotheca fusca

(Sphaerotheca fuliginea) on cucurbits (for example cucumber), Leveillula taurica on tomatoes, aubergine and green pepper, Podosphaera leucotricha on apples and Uncinula necator on vines; Mycosphaerella graminicola (Septoria tritici) and

Phaeosphaeria nodorum (Stagonospora nodorum or Septoria nodorum),

(including Venturia inaequalis (scab)) on apples, pears, stone fruit, tree nuts and other hosts; Cladosporium spp. on a range of hosts including cereals (for example wheat) and tomatoes; Monilinia spp. on stone fruit, tree nuts and other hosts; Didymella spp. on tomatoes, turf, wheat, cucurbits and other hosts; Phoma spp. on oil-seed rape, turf, rice, potatoes, wheat and other hosts; Plasmopara viticola on vines; ; Plasmopara halstedii on sunflower; other downy mildews, such as Bremia lactucae on lettuce, Peronospora spp. on soybeans, tobacco, onions and other hosts, Pseudoperonospora humuli on hops ; Peronosclerospora maydis, P. philippinensis and P. sorghi on maize, sorghum and other hosts and Pseudoperonospora cubensis on cucurbits; Pythium spp. (including Pythium ultimum) on cotton, maize, soybean, sugarbeet, vegetables, turf and other hosts; Phytophthora infestans on potatoes and tomatoes and other Phytophthora spp. on vegetables, strawberries, avocado, pepper, ornamentals, tobacco, cocoa and other hosts; Aphanomyces spp. on sugarbeet and other hosts; Thanatephorus cucumeris on rice, wheat, cotton, soybean, maize, sugarbeet and turf and other hosts Rhizoctonia spp. on various hosts such as wheat and barley, peanuts, vegetables, cotton and turf; Sclerotinia spp. on turf, peanuts, potatoes, oil-seed rape and other hosts; Sclerotium spp. on turf, peanuts and other hosts; Gibberella fujikuroi on rice; Colletotrichum spp. on a range of hosts including turf, coffee and vegetables; Laetisaria fuciformis on turf;

Mycosphaerella spp. on bananas, peanuts, citrus, pecans, papaya and other hosts; Fusarium spp. incl. Fusarium culmorum, F. graminearum, F. langsethiae, F. moniliforme, F. proliferatum, F. subglutinans, F. solani and F. oxysporum on wheat, barely, rye, oats, maize, cotton, soybean, sugarbeet and other hosts; and Microdochium nivale.

A compound of formula (I) may move acropetally, basipetally or locally in plant tissue to be active against one or more fungi. Moreover, a compound of formula (I) may be volatile enough to be active in the vapour phase against one or more fungi on the plant. The invention therefore provides a method of combating or controlling phytopathogenic fungi which comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or a composition containing a compound of formula (I), to a plant, to a seed of a plant, to the locus of the plant or seed or to soil or any other plant growth medium, e.g. nutrient solution.

The term "plant" as used herein includes seedlings, bushes and trees. Furthermore, the fungicidal method of the invention includes protectant, curative, systemic, eradicant and antisporulant treatments. The term "plant" as used herein also includes crops of useful plants in which the compositions according to the invention can be used and includes especially cereals, in particular wheat and barley, rice, corn, rape, sugarbeet, sugarcane, soybean, cotton, sunflower, peanut and plantation crops. The term "crops" is to be understood as also including crops that have been rendered tolerant to herbicides or classes of herbicides (for example ALS, GS, EPSPS, PPO and HPPD inhibitors) as a result of conventional methods of breeding or genetic engineering.

The compounds of formula (I) are preferably used for agricultural, horticultural and turfgrass purposes in the form of a composition. In order to apply a compound of formula (I) to a plant, to a seed of a plant, to the locus of the plant or seed or to soil or any other growth medium, a compound of formula (I) is usually formulated into a composition which includes, in addition to the compound of formula (I), a suitable inert diluent or carrier and, optionally, a surface active agent (SFA). SFAs are chemicals that are able to modify the properties of an interface (for example, liquid/solid, liquid/air or liquid/liquid interfaces) by lowering the interfacial tension and thereby leading to changes in other properties (for example dispersion, emulsification and wetting). It is preferred that all compositions (both solid and liquid formulations) comprise, by weight, 0.0001 to 95%, more preferably 1 to 85%, for example 5 to 60%, of a compound of formula (I). The composition is generally used for the control of fungi such that a compound of formula (I) is applied at a rate of from 0.1 g to 10kg per hectare, preferably from 1 g to 6kg per hectare, more preferably from 1 g to 1 kg per hectare. When used in a seed dressing, a compound of formula (I) is used at a rate of 0.0001 g to 10g (for example 0.001 g or 0.05g), preferably 0.005g to 10g, more preferably 0.005g to 4g, per kilogram of seed.

In another aspect the present invention provides a fungicidal composition comprising a fungicidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I) and a suitable carrier or diluent therefor.

In a still further aspect the invention provides a method of combating and controlling fungi at a locus, which comprises treating the fungi, or the locus of the fungi with a fungicidally effective amount of a composition comprising a compound of formula (I). The compositions can be chosen from a number of formulation types, including dustable powders (DP), soluble powders (SP), water soluble granules (SG), water dispersible granules (WG), wettable powders (WP), granules (GR) (slow or fast release), soluble concentrates (SL), oil miscible liquids (OL), ultra low volume liquids (UL), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), dispersible concentrates (DC), emulsions (both oil in water (EW) and water in oil (EO)), micro-emulsions (ME), suspension concentrates (SC), aerosols, fogging/smoke formulations, capsule suspensions (CS) and seed treatment

formulations. The formulation type chosen in any instance will depend upon the particular purpose envisaged and the physical, chemical and biological properties of the compound of formula (I). Dustable powders (DP) may be prepared by mixing a compound of formula (I) with one or more solid diluents (for example natural clays, kaolin, pyrophyllite, bentonite, alumina, montmorillonite, kieselguhr, chalk, diatomaceous earths, calcium phosphates, calcium and magnesium carbonates, sulphur, lime, flours, talc and other organic and inorganic solid carriers) and mechanically grinding the mixture to a fine powder.

Soluble powders (SP) may be prepared by mixing a compound of formula (I) with one or more water-soluble inorganic salts (such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate or magnesium sulphate) or one or more water-soluble organic solids (such as a

polysaccharide) and, optionally, one or more wetting agents, one or more dispersing agents or a mixture of said agents to improve water dispersibility/solubility. The mixture is then ground to a fine powder. Similar compositions may also be granulated to form water soluble granules (SG). Wettable powders (WP) may be prepared by mixing a compound of formula (I) with one or more solid diluents or carriers, one or more wetting agents and, preferably, one or more dispersing agents and, optionally, one or more suspending agents to facilitate the dispersion in liquids. The mixture is then ground to a fine powder. Similar compositions may also be granulated to form water dispersible granules (WG).

Granules (GR) may be formed either by granulating a mixture of a compound of formula (I) and one or more powdered solid diluents or carriers, or from pre-formed blank granules by absorbing a compound of formula (I) (or a solution thereof, in a suitable agent) in a porous granular material (such as pumice, attapulgite clays, fuller's earth, kieselguhr, diatomaceous earths or ground corn cobs) or by adsorbing a compound of formula (I) (or a solution thereof, in a suitable agent) on to a hard core material (such as sands, silicates, mineral carbonates, sulphates or phosphates) and drying if necessary. Agents which are commonly used to aid absorption or adsorption include solvents (such as aliphatic and aromatic petroleum solvents, alcohols, ethers, ketones and esters) and sticking agents (such as polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl alcohols, dextrins, sugars and vegetable oils). One or more other additives may also be included in granules (for example an emulsifying agent, wetting agent or dispersing agent).

Dispersible Concentrates (DC) may be prepared by dissolving a compound of formula (I) in water or an organic solvent, such as a ketone, alcohol or glycol ether. These solutions may contain a surface active agent (for example to improve water dilution or prevent crystallisation in a spray tank). Emulsifiable concentrates (EC) or oil-in-water emulsions (EW) may be prepared by dissolving a compound of formula (I) in an organic solvent (optionally containing one or more wetting agents, one or more emulsifying agents or a mixture of said agents).

Suitable organic solvents for use in ECs include aromatic hydrocarbons (such as alkylbenzenes or alkylnaphthalenes, exemplified by SOLVESSO 100, SOLVESSO 150 and SOLVESSO 200; SOLVESSO is a Registered Trade Mark), ketones (such as cyclohexanone or methylcyclohexanone), alcohols (such as benzyl alcohol, furfuryl alcohol or butanol), /V-alkylpyrrolidones (such as /V-methylpyrrolidone or /V-octyl- pyrrolidone), dimethyl amides of fatty acids (such as C₈-Ci₀ fatty acid dimethylamide) and chlorinated hydrocarbons. An EC product may spontaneously emulsify on addition to water, to produce an emulsion with sufficient stability to allow spray application through appropriate equipment. Preparation of an EW involves obtaining a compound of formula (I) either as a liquid (if it is not a liquid at ambient temperature, it may be melted at a reasonable temperature, typically below 70°C) or in solution (by dissolving it in an appropriate solvent) and then emulsifying the resultant liquid or solution into water containing one or more SFAs, under high shear, to produce an emulsion. Suitable solvents for use in EWs include vegetable oils, chlorinated hydrocarbons (such as chlorobenzenes), aromatic solvents (such as alkylbenzenes or alkylnaphthalenes) and other appropriate organic solvents that have a low solubility in water.

Microemulsions (ME) may be prepared by mixing water with a blend of one or more solvents with one or more SFAs, to produce spontaneously a thermodynamically stable isotropic liquid formulation. A compound of formula (I) is present initially in either the water or the solvent/SFA blend. Suitable solvents for use in M Es include those hereinbefore described for use in ECs or in EWs. An M E may be either an oil-in-water or a water-in-oil system (which system is present may be determined by conductivity measurements) and may be suitable for mixing water-soluble and oil-soluble pesticides in the same formulation. An ME is suitable for dilution into water, either remaining as a microemulsion or forming a conventional oil-in-water emulsion.

Suspension concentrates (SC) may comprise aqueous or non-aqueous suspensions of finely divided insoluble solid particles of a compound of formula (I). SCs may be prepared by ball or bead milling the solid compound of formula (I) in a suitable medium, optionally with one or more dispersing agents, to produce a fine particle suspension of the compound. One or more wetting agents may be included in the composition and a suspending agent may be included to reduce the rate at which the particles settle. Alternatively, a compound of formula (I) may be dry milled and added to water, containing agents hereinbefore described, to produce the desired end product.

Aerosol formulations comprise a compound of formula (I) and a suitable propellant (for example n-butane). A compound of formula (I) may also be dissolved or dispersed in a suitable medium (for example water or a water miscible liquid, such as n-propanol) to provide compositions for use in non-pressurised, hand-actuated spray pumps.

A compound of formula (I) may be mixed in the dry state with a pyrotechnic mixture to form a composition suitable for generating, in an enclosed space, a smoke containing the compound.

Capsule suspensions (CS) may be prepared in a manner similar to the preparation of EW formulations but with an additional polymerisation stage such that an aqueous dispersion of oil droplets is obtained, in which each oil droplet is encapsulated by a polymeric shell and contains a compound of formula (I) and, optionally, a carrier or diluent therefor. The polymeric shell may be produced by either an interfacial polycondensation reaction or by a coacervation procedure. The compositions may provide for controlled release of the compound of formula (I) and they may be used for seed treatment. A compound of formula (I) may also be formulated in a biodegradable polymeric matrix to provide a slow, controlled release of the compound.

A composition may include one or more additives to improve the biological performance of the composition (for example by improving wetting, retention or distribution on surfaces; resistance to rain on treated surfaces; or uptake or mobility of a compound of formula (I)). Such additives include surface active agents, spray additives based on oils, for example certain mineral oils or natural plant oils (such as soy bean and rape seed oil), and blends of these with other bio-enhancing adjuvants (ingredients which may aid or modify the action of a compound of formula (I)).

A compound of formula (I) may also be formulated for use as a seed treatment, for example as a powder composition, including a powder for dry seed treatment (DS), a water soluble powder (SS) or a water dispersible powder for slurry treatment (WS), or as a liquid composition, including a flowable concentrate (FS), a solution (LS) or a capsule suspension (CS). The preparations of DS, SS, WS, FS and LS compositions are very similar to those of, respectively, DP, SP, WP, SC and DC compositions described above. Compositions for treating seed may include an agent for assisting the adhesion of the composition to the seed (for example a mineral oil or a film-forming barrier).

Wetting agents, dispersing agents and emulsifying agents may be SFAs of the cationic, anionic, amphoteric or non-ionic type.

Suitable SFAs of the cationic type include quaternary ammonium compounds (for example cetyltri methyl ammonium bromide), imidazolines and amine salts.

Suitable anionic SFAs include alkali metals salts of fatty acids, salts of aliphatic monoesters of sulphuric acid (for example sodium lauryl sulphate), salts of sulphonated aromatic compounds (for example sodium dodecylbenzenesulphonate, calcium dodecylbenzenesulphonate, butylnaphthalene sulphonate and mixtures of sodium di- /^'sopropyl- and tri-/^'sopropyl-naphthalene sulphonates), ether sulphates, alcohol ether sulphates (for example sodium laureth-3-sulphate), ether carboxylates (for example sodium laureth-3-carboxylate), phosphate esters (products from the reaction between one or more fatty alcohols and phosphoric acid (predominately mono-esters) or phosphorus pentoxide (predominately di-esters), for example the reaction between lauryl alcohol and tetraphosphoric acid; additionally these products may be ethoxylated), sulphosuccinamates, paraffin or olefin sulphonates, taurates and lignosulphonates.

Suitable SFAs of the amphoteric type include betaines, propionates and glycinates. Suitable SFAs of the non-ionic type include condensation products of alkylene oxides, such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide or mixtures thereof, with fatty alcohols (such as oleyl alcohol or cetyl alcohol) or with alkylphenols (such as

octylphenol, nonylphenol or octylcresol); partial esters derived from long chain fatty acids or hexitol anhydrides; condensation products of said partial esters with ethylene oxide; block polymers (comprising ethylene oxide and propylene oxide); alkanolamides; simple esters (for example fatty acid polyethylene glycol esters); amine oxides (for example lauryl dimethyl amine oxide); and lecithins.

Suitable suspending agents include hydrophilic colloids (such as polysaccharides, polyvinylpyrrolidone or sodium carboxymethylcellulose) and swelling clays (such as bentonite or attapulgite).

A compound of formula (I) may be applied by any of the known means of applying fungicidal compounds. For example, it may be applied, formulated or unformulated, to any part of the plant, including the foliage, stems, branches or roots, to the seed before it is planted or to other media in which plants are growing or are to be planted (such as soil surrounding the roots, the soil generally, paddy water or hydroponic culture systems), directly or it may be sprayed on, dusted on, applied by dipping, applied as a cream or paste formulation, applied as a vapour or applied through distribution or incorporation of a composition (such as a granular composition or a composition packed in a water- soluble bag) in soil or an aqueous environment.

A compound of formula (I) may also be injected into plants or sprayed onto vegetation using electrodynamic spraying techniques or other low volume methods, or applied by land or aerial irrigation systems. Compositions for use as aqueous preparations (aqueous solutions or dispersions) are generally supplied in the form of a concentrate containing a high proportion of the active ingredient, the concentrate being added to water before use. These concentrates, which may include DCs, SCs, ECs, EWs, MEs, SGs, SPs, WPs, WGs and CSs, are often required to withstand storage for prolonged periods and, after such storage, to be capable of addition to water to form aqueous preparations which remain homogeneous for a sufficient time to enable them to be applied by conventional spray equipment. Such aqueous preparations may contain varying amounts of a compound of formula (I) (for example 0.0001 to 10%, by weight) depending upon the purpose for which they are to be used.

A compound of formula (I) may be used in mixtures with fertilisers (for example nitrogen-, potassium- or phosphorus-containing fertilisers). Suitable formulation types include granules of fertiliser. The mixtures suitably contain up to 25% by weight of the compound of formula (I).

The invention therefore also provides a fertiliser composition comprising a fertiliser and a compound of formula (I).

The compositions of this invention may contain other compounds having biological activity, for example micronutrients or compounds having similar or complementary fungicidal activity or which possess plant growth regulating, herbicidal, insecticidal, nematicidal or acaricidal activity.

By including another fungicide, the resulting composition may have a broader spectrum of activity or a greater level of intrinsic activity than the compound of formula (I) alone. Further, the other fungicide may have a synergistic effect on the fungicidal activity of the compound of formula (I). The compound of formula (I) may be the sole active ingredient of the composition or it may be admixed with one or more additional active ingredients such as a pesticide, fungicide, synergist, herbicide or plant growth regulator where appropriate. An additional active ingredient may: provide a composition having a broader spectrum of activity or increased persistence at a locus; synergise the activity or complement the activity (for example by increasing the speed of effect or overcoming repellency) of the compound of formula (I); or help to overcome or prevent the development of resistance to individual components. The particular additional active ingredient will depend upon the intended utility of the composition.

Examples of further fungicidal compounds which may be included in the composition of the invention are same as fenoxanilpropionamide, acibenzolar-S-methyl, alanycarb, aldimorph, anilazine, azaconazole, azafenidin, azoxystrobin, benalaxyl, benomyl, benthiavalicarb, biloxazol, bitertanol, blasticidin S, boscalid (new name for nicobifen), bromuconazole, bupirimate, captafol, captan, carbendazim, carbendazim chlorhydrate, carboxin, carpropamid, carvone, CGA 41396, CGA 41397, chinomethionate, chlorbenz- thiazone, chlorothalonil, chlorozolinate, clozylacon, copper containing compounds such as copper oxychloride, copper oxyquinolate, copper sulphate, copper tallate, and Bordeaux mixture, cyamidazosulfamid, cyazofamid (IKF-916), cyflufenamid, cymoxanil, cyproconazole, cyprodinil, debacarb, di-2-pyridyl disulphide 1 ,1 '-dioxide, diclobutrazol, dichlofluanid, diclocymet, diclomezine, dicloran, diethofencarb, difenoconazole, difenzoquat, diflumetorim, 0,0-di-/^'so-propyl-S-benzyl thiophosphate, dimefluazole, dimetconazole, dimethirimol, dimethomorph, dimoxystrobin, diniconazole.diniconazole- M (83657-18-5) dinocap, dithianon, dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dodemorph, dodine, doguadine, edifenphos, epoxiconazole.etaconazole, ethaboxam, ethirimol, ethyl (Z)-/V-benzyl-/\/([methyl(methyl-thioethylideneaminooxycarbonyl)amino]thio)-p-alaninate, etridiazole, famoxadone, fenamidone, fenarimol, fenbuconazole, fenfuram, fenhexamid, fenoxanil (AC 382042), fenpiclonil, fenpropidin, fenpropimorph, fentin acetate, fentin hydroxide, ferbam, ferimzone, fluazinam, fluconazole, fludioxonil, flumetover, flumorph, fluoroimide, fluoxastrobin, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flusulfamide, flutolanil, flutriafol, folpet, fosetyl-aluminium, fuberidazole, furalaxyl, furametpyr, guazatine, hexaconazole, hydroxyisoxazole, hymexazole, imazalil, imibenconazole, iminoctadine, iminoctadine triacetate, ipconazole, iprobenfos, iprodione, iprovalicarb, isopropanyl butyl carbamate, isoprothiolane, kasugamycin, kresoxim-methyl, LY186054, LY211795, LY 248908, man- cozeb, maneb, mefenoxam, mepanipyrim, mepronil, metalaxyl, metalaxyl M,

metconazole, metiram, metiram-zinc, metominostrobin, metrafenone, same as silthiofam, myclobutanil, NTN0301 , neoasozin, nickel dimethyldithiocarbamate, nitrothale-isopropyl, nuarimol, ofurace, organomercury compounds, orysastrobin, oxadixyl, oxasulfuron, oxolinic acid, oxpoconazole, oxycarboxin, pefurazoate, penconazole, pencycuron, phenazin oxide, phosphorus acids, phthalide, picoxystrobin, polyoxin D, polyram, probenazole, prochloraz, procymidone, propamocarb,

propamocarb hydrochloride, propiconazole, propineb, propionic acid, proquinazid, prothioconazole, pyraclostrobin, pyrazophos, pyrifenox, pyrimethanil, pyroquilon, pyr- oxyfur, pyrrolnitrin, quaternary ammonium compounds, quinconazole, quinomethionate, quinoxyfen, quintozene, silthiofam (MON 65500), S-imazalil, simeconazole, sipconazole, sodium pentachlorophenate, spiroxamine, streptomycin, sulphur, tebuconazole, tecloftalam, tecnazene, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, thifluzamide, 2-(thiocyano- methylthio)benzothiazole, thiophanate-methyl, thiram, tiadinil, timibenconazole, tolclofos-methyl, tolylfluanid, triadimefon, triadimenol, triazbutil, triazoxide, tricyclazole, tridemorph, trifloxystrobin, triflumizole, triforine, triticonazole, validamycin A, vapam, vinclozolin, XRD-563, zineb, ziram, zoxamide.enoxastrobin, fenaminostrobin

(diclofenoxystrobin), coumoxystrobin, triclopyricarb, pyrametostrobin, pyraoxystrobin, pyribencarb, pyriofenone, pyrisoxazole, ipfenpyrazolone(fenpyrazamine), tebufloquin, isopyrazam, sedaxane, bixafen, penthiopyrad, fluoxapyrad, penflufen, fluopyram, mandipropamid, ametoctradine, cyflufenamid, amisulbrom, fluopicolide, fluthianil, isothianil, valiphenal, 1-methyl-cyclopropene and further glufosinate and its salts (51276- 47-2, 35597-44-5 (S-isomer)) and glyphosate (1071-83-6 ) and its salts (69254-40-6 (Diammonium), 34494-04-7 (Dimethylammonium), 38641-94-0 (Isopropylammonium), 40465-66-5 (Monoammonium), 70901-20-1 (Potassium), 70393-85-0 (Sesquisodium), 81591-81-3 (Trimesium)).

The compounds of formula (I) may be mixed with soil, peat or other rooting media for the protection of plants against seed-borne, soil-borne or foliar fungal diseases.

Some mixtures may comprise active ingredients, which have significantly different physical, chemical or biological properties such that they do not easily lend themselves to the same conventional formulation type. In these circumstances other formulation types may be prepared. For example, where one active ingredient is a water insoluble solid and the other a water insoluble liquid, it may nevertheless be possible to disperse each active ingredient in the same continuous aqueous phase by dispersing the solid active ingredient as a suspension (using a preparation analogous to that of an SC) but dispersing the liquid active ingredient as an emulsion (using a preparation analogous to that of an EW). The resultant composition is a suspoemulsion (SE) formulation. The invention is illustrated by the following Examples in which the following abbreviations are used:

ml = millilitres DMF dimethylformamide

g = grammes NMR nuclear magnetic resonance ppm = parts per mill HPLC = high performance

M⁺ = mass ion liquid chromatography s = singlet q = quartet

d = doublet m = multiplet

br s = broad singlet ppm = parts per million t = triplet

The present invention will now be described by way of the following non-limiting

Examples. Those skilled in the art will promptly recognize appropriate variations from the procedures both as to reactants and as to reaction conditions.

Example 1

Step 1 : Preparation of 1-(2-Bromo-pyridin-4-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethanone

To a solution of 2-Bromo 4-picoline (8.5g, 49.0 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (80 ml_) was added Sodium hexamethyldisilazane (12.66g, 69.0 mmol) at 0°C and the mixture was stirred for 15 min at room temperature. 4-Fluoroethylbenzoate (9.96g, 59.0mmol) was then added dropwise and the mixture was stirred for 2 hrs. Reaction was monitored by TLC. On evaporation of THF, the residue was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. Combined organic layer was washed with water, brine solution, dried with anhydrous Na₂S0₄ and concentrated in vacou. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate/hexane) to yield ketone (3.5g, 24%).

Step 2: Preparation of 1-(2-Bromo-pyridin-4-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethane-1 ,2-dione To a solution of 1-(2-Bromo-pyridin-4-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethanone (3.5g, 11.9 mmol) in 1-4 dioxane (15ml_) was added selenium dioxide(3.3g, 29.0 mmol) and the mixture was heated at 100°C for 3 hrs. Reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered through celite and washed with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layer was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate/hexane) to yield diketone (3.4g, 90%).

Step 3: Preparation of 2-Bromo-4-[2-(2,6-dichloro-phenyl)-5-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3H- imidazol-4-yll-pyridine

To a solution of 1-(2-Bromo-pyridin-4-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethane-1 , 2-dione(1.6g, 5.2mmol) in glacial acetic acid (10ml_) was added 2, 6 dichlorobenzaldehyde (1.1 g, 6.2mmol) followed by NH₄OAC (1.2g, 15.0mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80°C for 4 hrs. The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature, diluted with water (15ml_). The mixture was then basified with solid NaHC0₃ and extracted with ethyl acetate (150ml_ x 2). Combined organic layer was washed with water, brine solution, dried with anhydrous Na₂S0₄ and concentrated in vacou. The residue was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (ethyl acetate/hexane) to yield imidazole product (1.6g, 61 %).

¹ H NMR (DMSO): δ 13.17( bs, 1 H), 58.24 (d, J = 5.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.71-7.90 ( m, 3H), 7.50- 7.69 (m, 3H), 7.47-7.50 (m, 1 H), 7.23-7.40(m, 2H).

LCMS: 462.87 (+c ESI)

Step 4: Preparation of 2-Azido-4-r2-(2,6-dichloro-phenyl)-5-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3H- imidazol-4-yll-pyridine

To a solution of 2-Bromo-4-[2-(2,6-dichloro-phenyl)-5-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3H-imidazol-4- yl]-pyridine (1.6g, 3.4 mmol) in 15% glacial acetic acid in dimethylsulphoxide (15ml_), was added sodium azide (2.25g, 34 mmol) and the the mixture was stirred at 130°C for 4 hrs. Reaction was monitored by TLC. Reaction mixture was cooled to room

temperature, poured on ice. Precipitated solid was filtered through Buchner funnel, washed with water, dried and used as such in next step.

Step 5: Preparation of 4-[2-(2,6-Dichloro-phenyl)-5-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3H-imidazol-4-yl1- pyridin-2-ylamine

To a solution of 2-Azido-4-[2-(2,6-dichloro-phenyl)-5-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3H-imidazol-4-yl]- pyridine (1.2g, 2.8mmol) in mixture of hydrochloric acid and methanol (1 : 1 , 10ml_), was added stannous chloride (3.2g, 16.9 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at 70 °C for 3 hrs. Reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, methanol was removed from reaction mixture. The residue was diluted with water, basified with solid NaHC0₃ .

Emulsion formed was diluted with ethyl acetate and warmed. The organic layer was separated washed with water, saturated NaHC0₃ solution, brine dried over anhydrous Na₂S0₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The residue obtained was pure enough to proceed to the next step.

Step 6: N-{4-r2-(2,6-Dichloro-phenyl)-5-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3H-imidazol-4-yll-pyridin-2-yl)- propionamide

To a solution of 4-[2-(2,6-Dichloro-phenyl)-5-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3H-imidazol-4-yl]-pyridin- 2-ylamine (0.25g, 0.62 mmol) in pyridine (4ml_), was added propionic acid (0.046g, 0.62 mmol) and phosphorus oxychloride (0.104g, 0.69mmol) drop wise at -15 °C and the mixture was stirred for 15 min. Reaction mixture was then quenched with water, extracted with ethyl acetate (25ml_ x 2). The combined organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂S0_4, and concentrated in vacou. The residue was purified by column chromatography using silica gel with mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane solvent system to yield amide (0.070g, 25%).

¹ H NMR (DMSO): δ 12.99( bs, 1 H), 10.31 (bs, 1 H), 8.41 ( s, 1 H), 8.15 (d, J = 5.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.1-7.9 (m, 7H), 7.08(d, J = 5.2 Hz, 1 H), 2.37 (q, 2H), 1.10(t, 3H)

LCMS : 454.98 (+c ESI)

Step-1 Step-2 CI Step-3

Method 2: Sonogashira route A

Step 1 : 2-Chloro-4-trimethylsilanylethvnyl-pyridine

To the degassed mixture of triethylamine (50ml_) and acetonitrile (25ml_) was added 2- Chloro 4-iodopyridine (10g, 41.8mmol), bis(triphenylphosphine) palladium(ll)chloride (0.575g, 2mol%) and copper iodide (0.077g, 1 mol%) sequentially. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15min and then cooled to 0 °C. To the cold solution was added dropwise trimethylsilylacetylene(4.8g, 49.0mmol) in acetonitrile (25ml_) and it was stirred for 2 hrs. Reaction was monitored by TLC. Acetonitrile and triethylamine was removed under vacuo, and the residue was purified by column chromatography using alumina with mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane solvent system to yield silylated product (6g, 68%).

Step 2: 2-Chloro-4-(4-fluoro-phenylethvnyl)-pyridine

To the degassed mixture of triethylamine (30ml_) and acetonitrile (30ml_) was added 4- fluoroiodobenzene (6g, 27mmol), bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(ll)chloride (0.379g, 2mol%) and copper iodide (0.051 g, 1 mol%) and then the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15min. The mixture was cooled to 0°C and to that was added dropwise a solution of 2-chloro-4-trimethylsilanylethynyl-pyridine (6.7g, 32mmol) in acetonitrile (25ml_), Tetrabutyl ammonium fluoride (TBAF) (8.4g, 32mmol) was then added dropwise and it was stirred for 2 hrs at room temperature. Reaction was monitored by TLC.

Solvent was removed under vacuo, and the residue was purified by column

chromatography using silica gel with mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane solvent system to yield acetylene product (1 gm, 16%)

¹ H NMR (CDCIs): δ 8.37( d, J= 5.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.51 -7.55 (m, 2H), 7.42 ( s, 1 H), 7.28 (dd, J = 5.4 Hz, 1.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.06 -7.10 (m, 2H)

Step 3: Preparation of 1-(2-Chloro-pyridin-4-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethanone

To a solution of 2-chloro-4-(4-fluoro-phenylethynyl)-pyridine (0.9g, 3.8 mmol) in dimethylsulphoxide (8ml_) was added iodine ( 0.96g, 3.8 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at 160°C for 2 hrs. Reaction was monitored by TLC. Reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate (50ml_ x 2). The combined organic extracts were washed with water, sodium thiosulphate and brine, dried with anhydrous Na₂S0₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography using silica gel with mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane to yield diketone 0.083g, 8%).

tep- Step-2

Method 2: Sonogashira route B

Step 1 : 2-Chloro-4-phenylethvnyl-pyridine

To the degassed mixture of triethylamine (375ml_) and acetonitrile (125ml_) was added 2-Chloro 4-iodopyridine (75g, 0.313mol), bis(triphenylphosphine) palladium(ll)chloride (4.4g, 2mol%) and copper iodide (0.6g, 1 mol%) sequentially. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3h. Phenylacetylene dissolved in acetonitrile(250 ml_) was then added dropwise to reaction mixture and it was stirred for 1 hr at room temperature. Reaction was monitored by TLC. Acetonitrile and triethylamine was removed under vacuo, and the residue was purified by column chromatography using silica with mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane solvent system to yield product (59g, 88%).

1 H NMR (CDCIa): δ 8.36( d, J = 5.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.53-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.43( s, 1 H), 7.39- 7.42(m, 3H), 7.29(dd, J = 5.4 Hz, 1.2 Hz, 2H)

Step 2: Acetylene compound was further oxidised to diketone with iodine and DMSO oxidation by following the same condition as described above.

¹ H NMR (CDCI₃): δ 8.61 ( d, J = 4.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.94-7.97 (m, 2H), 7.802-7.807( m, 1 H), 7.67-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.51- 7.55(m, 2H)

Step 9

Method 3- Grignard route Step 1 : In a clean and dry reaction flask fitted with N₂ inlet, CaCI₂ guard tube, cooling bath and thermometer, was added Mg turnings (62.35g, 2.56 mol), bromine (catalytic) and stirred for 30 min. A solution of fluoro benzyl bromide( 485g, 2.56 mol) in 2200 ml_ of diethyl ether was prepared. 50ml of the above solution was added. Waited till reaction commences, once reaction commenced the rest of 4-Fluorobenzylbromide solution was added slowly maintaining 20°C throughout the addition, stirred for 30 min.

Step 2: The cold (0°C) solution of Weinreb amide (174g, 0.87 mol) in tetrahydrofuran (1480ml_) was added dropwise 4-fluorobenzylmagnesium bromide solution prepared (as shown in Step 1).The mixture was allowed to attain room temperature and it was stirred till completion. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0°C, and quenched carefully by dropwise addition of ammonium chloride solution (50ml_) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2500ml_ x 2). The combined organic extracts were washed with water, brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂S0_4, concentrated in vacuo and residue was purified by column chromatography using silica gel with mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane to yield ketone (125gm, 58%).

Step 3: Ketone was further oxidised to diketone with selenium dioxide oxidation by following the same condition as described above.

The compounds listed in the following Tables were prepared using similar procedures.

Table 141 : Compounds of the formula (la)

(la)

Table 141a: HPLC-MS or MS data of Certain Compounds of Table 141

Method SYN 3 ( Agilent Quat Pump HPLC (1200) with the following HPLC gradient conditions:

Solvent A: 0.05% v/v formic acid in water

Solvent B: 0.05% v/v formic acid in acetonitrile

Time (min) A% B% Flow (ml/min)

0.0 90.0 10.0 1.0

I .5 2.0 10.0 1.0

7.0 2.0 95.0 1.0

7.5 90.0 100.0 1.0

I I .5 90.0 100.0 1.0

12.0 90.0 10.0 1.0

15.0 90.0 10.0 1.0

Type of column: ZORBAX Eclipse XDB - C 18, length (mm) 150, internal diameter 4.6 mm, Particle Size 5.0 micron, temperature (°C) 30, DAD wavelength range (nm): 200 to 400

Method SF 1 (Thermo Finnigan Surveyor MSQ PLUS (single quadrupole mass spectrometer) with the following HPLC gradient conditions: Solvent A: 0.05% v/v formic acid in water

Solvent B: 0.05% v/v formic acid in acetonitrile

Time (min) A% B% Flow (ml/min)

0.0 90.0 10.0 1.5

3.8 2.0 98.0 1.5

4.8 2.0 98.0 1.5

5.0 90.0 10.0 1.5

6.0 90.0 10.0 1.5

Type of column: XTerra RP18, length (mm) 50, internal diameter 4.6 mm, Particle Size 3.5 micron, temperature (°C) 30, DAD wavelength range (nm): 200 to 400.

5

10 - bo -

Table 142a: HPLC-MS or MS data of Certain Compounds of Table 142

Table 143: Compounds of formula (Ic)

(Ic)

Exam le 2

This Example illustrates the fungicidal properties of compounds of formula (I).

Compounds were tested as aqueous suspensions against a set of our standard screening pathosystems. Preventative tests were performed with 1 or 2 day preventive application, i.e. plants were treated with the compounds 1-2 days prior to artificial inoculation with fungal spores whereas for curative tests the inoculation with fungal spore was done 1 or 2 days before application. Application was done at 500l/ha in an application device providing coverage of upper and lower leaf sides (turntable, air supported spraying from 2 nozzles).

A single evaluation of disease control was done 4 to 20 days after inoculation, depending on the pathosystem. Compounds were tested as aqueous suspensions against a set of standard screening pathosystems as exemplified below.

Foliar application was done at 500l/ha in an application device providing coverage of upper and lower leaf sides (turntable, air supported spraying from 2 nozzles).

Preventative tests were performed with 1 or 2 day preventive application, i.e. plants were treated with the compounds 1-2 days prior to artificial inoculation with fungal spores whereas for curative tests the inoculation with fungal spore was done 1 or 2 days before application. A single evaluation of disease control was done 4 to 20 days after inoculation, depending on the pathosystem.

Leaf disc tests:

Leaf disks of various plant species (diameter 14 mm) are cut from plants grown in the greenhouse. The cut leaf disks are placed in multiwell plates (24-well format) onto water agar. Immediately after cutting the leaf disks are sprayed with a test solution.

Compounds to be tested are prepared as DMSO solutions (max. 10 mg/ml). Just before spraying the solutions are diluted to the appropriate concentrations with 0.025%

Tween20. After drying, the leaf disks are inoculated with a spore suspension of the appropriate pathogenic fungus.

After an incubation time of 3-7 days after inoculation at defined conditions (temp, rH, light, etc.) according to the respective test system, the activity of the test compound is assessed as antifungal activity.

Liquid culture tests:

Mycelia fragments or conidia suspensions of a fungus, prepared either freshly from liquid cultures of the fungus or from cryogenic storage, are directly mixed into nutrient broth. DMSO solutions of the test compound (max. 10 mg/ml) is diluted with 0.025% Tween20 by factor 50 and 10 μΙ of this solution is pipetted into a microtiter plate (96-well format) and the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores/mycelia fragments is then added to give an end concentration of the tested compound. The test plates are incubated at 24 °C and 96% rH in the dark. The inhibition of fungal growth is determined photometrically after 2 - 6 days and antifungal activity is calculated.

Plant tests:

Alternaria solani / tomato / preventive (Alternaria on tomato): 4 weeks old tomato plants cv. Roter Gnom were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. Two days after application tomato plants were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension on the test plants. After an incubation period of 4 days at 22/18°C and 95% r. h. in a greenhouse the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed. Botrytis cinerea / tomato / preventive (Botrytis on tomato): 4 weeks old tomato plants cv. Roter Gnom were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. Two days after application tomato plants were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension on the test plants. After an incubation period of 3 days at 20°C and 95% r. h. in a greenhouse the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Botrytis cinerea / grape / preventive (Botrytis on grape): 5 weeks old grape seedlings cv. Gutedel were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. Two days after application grape plants were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension on the test plants. After an incubation period of 3 days at 20°C and 95% r. h. in a greenhouse the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Blumeria (Erysiphe) graminis / barley / preventive (Powdery mildew on barley): 1-week- old barley plants cv. Regina were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. Two days after application barley plants were inoculated by shaking powdery mildew infected plants above the test plants. After an incubation period of 6 days at 20°C / 18oC (day/night) and 60% r. h. in a greenhouse the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Blumeria (Erysiphe) graminis / wheat / preventive (Powdery mildew on wheat): 1 week old wheat plants cv. Arina were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. Two days after application wheat plants were inoculated by spreading mildew spores over the test plants in an inoculation chamber. After an incubation period of 6 days at 20°C / 18oC (day/night) and 60% r. h. in a greenhouse the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Blumeria (Erysiphe) graminis / wheat / curative (Powdery mildew on wheat): Two days before application 1 -week-old wheat plants cv. Arina were inoculated by spreading mildew spores over the test plants in an inoculation chamber. The inoculated plants were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. After an incubation period of 6 days at 20°C / 18oC (day/night) and 60% r. h. in a greenhouse the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Glomerella lagenarium (Colletotrichum lagenarium) / cucumber / preventive: 1 week old cucumber plants cv. Wisconsin were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. One day after application wheat plants were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension (1 x 105 spores/ml) on the test plants. After an incubation period of 30 h in darkness at 23° C and 100% r. h. plants were kept for 6 days 23° C / 21 ° C (day/night) and 70% r.h. in a greenhouse. The percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed 7 days after inoculation. Phytophthora infestans / tomato / preventive (late blight on tomato): 3 weeks old tomato plants cv. Roter Gnom were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. Two days after application the plants were inoculated by spraying a sporangia suspension on the test plants. After an incubation period of 4 days at 18°C and 100 % r.h. in a growth chamber the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Phytophthora infestans / tomato / curative (late blight on tomato): One day before application 3-week-old tomato plants cv. Roter Gnom were inoculated by spraying a sporangia suspension on the test plants. The inoculated plants were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. After an incubation period of 4 days at 18°C and 100 % r. h. in a growth chamber the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Phytophthora infestans / tomato / long lasting (late blight on tomato): 3 weeks old tomato plants cv. Roter Gnom were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. 6 days after application the plants were inoculated by spraying a sporangia suspension on the test plants. After an incubation period of 4 days at 18°C and 100 % r. h. in a growth chamber the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Phytophthora infestans / potato / preventive (late blight on potato): 2 weeks old potato plants cv. Bintje were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. Two days after application the plants were inoculated by spraying a sporangia suspension on the test plants. After an incubation period of 4 days at 18°C and 100 % r. h. in a growth chamber the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Phytophthora infestans / potato / curative (late blight on potato): One day before application 2 weeks old potato plants cv. Bintje were inoculated by spraying a sporangia suspension on the test plants. The inoculated plants were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. After an incubation period of 4 days at 18o C and 100 % r. h. in a growth chamber the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Phytophthora infestans / potato / long lasting (late blight on potato): 2 weeks old potato plants cv. Bintje were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. 6 days after application the plants were inoculated by spraying a sporangia suspension on the test plants. After an incubation period of 4 days at 18°C and 100 % r. h. in a growth chamber the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Plasmopara viticola / grape / preventive (Grape downy mildew): 5 weeks old grape seedlings cv. Gutedel were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. One day after application grape plants were inoculated by spraying a sporangia suspension on the lower leaf side of the test plants. After an incubation period of 6 days at 22°C and 100% r. h. in a greenhouse the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Plasmopara viticola / grape / curative (Grape downy mildew): One day before application 5-week-old grape seedlings cv. Gutedel were inoculated by spraying a sporangia suspension on the lower leaf side of the test plants. The inoculated grape plants were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. After an incubation period of 6 days at 22°C and 100% r. h. in a greenhouse the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Plasmopara viticola / grape / long lasting (Grape downy mildew): 5 weeks old grape seedlings cv. Gutedel were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. 6 days after application grape plants were inoculated by spraying a sporangia suspension on the lower leaf side of the test plants. After an incubation period of 6 days at 22°C and 100% r. h. in a greenhouse the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Podosphaera leucotricha / apple / preventive (Powdery mildew on apple): 5 weeks old apple seedlings cv. Mcintosh were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. One day after application apple plants were inoculated by shaking plants infected with apple powdery mildew above the test plants. After an incubation period of 7 days at 22°C and 60% r. h. under a light regime of 14/10 h (light/dark) the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Puccinia recondita / wheat / preventive (Brown rust on wheat): 1 week old wheat plants cv. Arina were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. One day after application wheat plants were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension (1 x 105 uredospores/ml) on the test plants. After an incubation period of 1 day at 20°C and 95% r. h. plants were kept for 10 days 20° C / 18° C (day/night) and 60% r.h. in a

greenhouse. The percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed 11 days after inoculation.

Puccinia recondita / wheat / curative (Brown rust on wheat): Two days before application 1 -week-old wheat plants cv. Arina were inoculated by by spraying a spore suspension (1 x 105 uredospores/ml) on the test plants. After an incubation period of 1 day at 20o C and 95% r. h. and for 1 day at 20°C and 60% r.h. in a greenhouse, the inoculated plants were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. After an additional incubation period of 8 days at 20°C / 18°C (day/night) and 60% r. h. in a greenhouse the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Puccinia recondita / wheat / long lasting (Brown rust on wheat): 1 week old wheat plants cv. Arina were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber.

8 days after application wheat plants were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension (1 x 105 uredospores/ml) on the test plants. After an incubation period of 1 day at 20°C and 95% r. h. plants were kept for 10 days at 20°C and 60% r.h. in a greenhouse. The percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed 1 1 days after inoculation.

Magnaporthe grisea (Pyricularia oryzae) / rice / preventive (Rice Blast): 3 weeks old rice plants cv. Koshihikari were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. Two days after application rice plants were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension (1 x 105 conidia/ml) on the test plants. After an incubation period of 6 days at 25°C and 95% r. h. the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Mycosphaerella arachidis (Cercospora arachidicola) / peanut / preventive: 3 week old peanut plants cv. Georgia Green were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. One day after application plants were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension (350 000 spores/ml) on the lower leaf surface. After an incubation period of 4 days under plasic hood at 23° C and 100% r. h. plants were kept at 23° C / 20° C (day/night) and 70% r.h. in a greenhouse. The percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed 1 1-12 days after inoculation.

Mycosphaerella arachidis (Cercospora arachidicola) / peanut / curative: 3 week old peanut plants cv. Georgia Green were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension (350 000 spores/ml) on the lower leaf surface. After an incubation period of 1 day at 23° C and 100% r. h. the inoculated plants were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. After an incubation period of 3 days under plastic hood at 23° C and 100% r. h. plants were kept at 23° C / 20° C (day/night) and 70% r.h. in a greenhouse. The percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed 1 1-12 days after inoculation.

Pyrenophora teres (Helminthosporium teres) / barley / preventive (Net blotch on barley): 1 -week-old barley plants cv. Regina were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. Two days after application barley plants were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension (2.6 x 104 conidia/ml) on the test plants. After an incubation period of 4 days at 20°C and 95% r. h. the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed. Septoria tritici / wheat / preventive (Septoria leaf spot on wheat): 2 week old wheat plants cv. Riband were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. One day after application wheat plants were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension (106 conidia/ml) on the test plants. After an incubation period of 1 day at 22°C/21 oC and 95% r. h. plants were kept at 22°C/21 °C and 70% r.h. in a greenhouse. The percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed 16 - 18 days after inoculation.

Uncinula necator / grape / preventive (Powdery mildew on grape): 5 weeks old grape seedlings cv. Gutedel were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. One day after application grape plants were inoculated by shaking plants infected with grape powdery mildew above the test plants. After an incubation period of 7 days at 24/22°C and 70% r. h. under a light regime of 14/10 h (light/dark) the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Venturia inaequalis / apple / preventive (Scab on apple):3 weeks old apple seedlings cv. Mcintosh were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. One day after application apple plants were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension (3.5 x 105 conidia/ml) on the test plants. After an incubation period of 4 days at 20°C and 95% r. h. the plants are placed at 20°C/19°C and 60% r. h. in a greenhouse. 1 1 days after inoculation the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Venturia inaequalis / apple / curative (Scab on apple): Two days before application 3 weeks old apple seedlings cv. Mcintosh were inoculated by spraying a spore

suspension (3.5 x 105 conidia/ml) on the test plants. After an incubation period of 2 days at 20°C and 95% r. h. the plants were treated with the formulated test compound in a spray chamber. The apple plants were kept at 20°C/19°C and 60% r. h. in a greenhouse. 11 days after inoculation the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Screening Methods Soil Drench Application:

Blumeria (Erysiphe) graminis / wheat / soil drench (Powdery mildew on wheat):

Each pot (soil volume: 40 ml) with 1 week old wheat plants cv. Arina were poured with 4 ml compound solution. 4 days after application wheat plants were inoculated by spreading mildew spores over the test plants in an inoculation chamber. After an incubation period of 6 days at 20o°C / 18°C (day/night) and 60% r. h. in a greenhouse the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Phytophthora infestans / tomato / soil drench (late blight on tomato): Each pot (soil volume: 40 ml) with 3 weeks old tomato plants cv. Roter Gnom were poured with 4 ml compound solution. 4 days after application the plants were inoculated by spraying a sporangia suspension on the test plants. After an incubation period of 4 days at 18°C and 100 % r. h. in a growth chamber the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Phytophthora infestans / potato / soil drench (late blight on potato): Each pot (soil volume: 40 ml) with 2 weeks old potato plants cv. Bintje were poured with 4 ml compound solution. 4 days after application the plants were inoculated by spraying a sporangia suspension on the test plants. After an incubation period of 4 days at 18°C and 100 % r. h. in a growth chamber the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Plasmopara viticola / grape / soil drench (Grape downy mildew): Each pot (soil volume: 40 ml) with 5 weeks old grape seedlings cv. Gutedel were poured with 4 ml compound solution. 3 days after application grape plants were inoculated by spraying a sporangia suspension on the lower leaf side of the test plants. After an incubation period of 6 days at 22°C and 100 % r. h. in a greenhouse the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Puccinia recondita / wheat / soil drench (Brown rust on wheat): Each pot (soil volume: 40 ml) with 1 week old wheat plants cv. Arina were poured with 4 ml compound solution. 3 days after application wheat plants were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension (1 x 105 uredospores/ml) on the test plants. After an incubation period of 1 day at 20°C and 95% r. h. plants were kept for 10 days 20° C / 18° C (day/night) and 60% r.h. in a greenhouse. The percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed 1 1 days after inoculation.

Magnaporthe grisea (Pyricularia oryzae) / rice / soil drench (Rice Blast): Each pot (soil volume: 40 ml) with 3 weeks old rice plants cv. Koshihikari were poured with 4 ml compound solution. 4 days after application rice plants were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension (1 x 105 conidia/ml) on the test plants. After an incubation period of 6 days at 25°C and 95% r. h. the percentage leaf area covered by disease was assessed.

Screening Methods Seed treatment application:

Pythium ultimum /cotton (damping-off on cotton): A defined amount of mycelium of P. ultimum is mixed with a previously sterilized soil. After application of the formulated seed treatment onto cotton seeds (cv. Sure Grow 747) the seeds are sown 2cm deep into the infected soil. The trial is incubated at 18° C until seedlings do emerge. From this time on the trial is kept at 22°C and 14h light period. The evaluation is made by assessing the emergence and the number of plants that wilt and die._The following compounds gave at least 15 % control of Pythium ultimum on cotton seeds: 15, 38, 50, 59, 61 , 76, 131. Plasmopara halstedii / sunflower (downy mildew of sunflower): After application of the formulated seed treatments sunflower seeds are sown 1.5cm deep into sterile soil. The trial is kept at 22° C with a 14h light period. After 2 days a spore suspension (1 x 10⁵ zoospores/ml) of Plasmopara halstedii is pipetted onto the soil surface close to the germinating seeds. After 16 days the trial is incubated under high humidity and the number of infected plants is assessed 2 days later.

With methods described below, the compounds were tested in a leaf disk assay. The test compounds were dissolved in DMSO and diluted into water to 200 ppm. In the case of the test on Pythium ultimum, they were dissolved in DMSO and diluted into water to 20 ppm.

Erysiphe graminis f.sp. tritici (wheat powdery mildew): Wheat leaf segments were placed on agar in a 24-well plate and sprayed with a solution of the test compound. After allowing to dry completely, for between 12 and 24 hours, the leaf disks were inoculated with a spore suspension of the fungus. After appropriate incubation the activity of a compound was assessed four days after inoculation as preventive fungicidal activity.

Puccinia recondita f.sp. tritici (wheat brown rust): Wheat leaf segments were placed on agar in a 24-well plate and sprayed with a solution of the test compound. After allowing to dry completely, for between 12 and 24 hours, the leaf disks were inoculated with a spore suspension of the fungus. After appropriate incubation the activity of a compound was assessed nine days after inoculation as preventive fungicidal activity.

Septoria nodorum (wheat glume blotch): Wheat leaf segments were placed on agar in a 24-well plate and sprayed with a solution of the test compound. After allowing to dry completely, for between 12 and 24 hours, the leaf disks were inoculated with a spore suspension of the fungus. After appropriate incubation the activity of a compound was assessed four days after inoculation as preventive fungicidal activity.

Pyrenophora teres (barley net blotch): Barley leaf segments were placed on agar in a 24-well plate and sprayed with a solution of the test compound. After allowing to dry completely, for between 12 and 24 hours, the leaf disks were inoculated with a spore suspension of the fungus. After appropriate incubation the activity of a compound was assessed four days after inoculation as preventive fungicidal activity.

Pyricularia oryzae (rice blast): Rice leaf segments were placed on agar in a 24-well plate and sprayed with a solution of the test compound. After allowing to dry completely, for between 12 and 24 hours, the leaf disks were inoculated with a spore suspension of the fungus. After appropriate incubation the activity of a compound was assessed four days after inoculation as preventive fungicidal activity. Botrytis cinerea (grey mould): Bean leaf disks were placed on agar in a 24-well plate and sprayed with a solution of the test compound. After allowing to dry completely, for between 12 and 24 hours, the leaf disks were inoculated with a spore suspension of the fungus. After appropriate incubation the activity of a compound was assessed four days after inoculation as preventive fungicidal activity.

Phytophthora infestans (late blight of potato on tomato): Tomato leaf disks were placed on water agar in a 24-well plate and sprayed with a solution of the test compound. After allowing to dry completely, for between 12 and 24 hours, the leaf disks were inoculated with a spore suspension of the fungus. After appropriate incubation the activity of a compound was assessed four days after inoculation as preventive fungicidal activity.

Plasmopara viticola (downy mildew of grapevine): Grapevine leaf disks were placed on agar in a 24-well plate and sprayed a solution of the test compound. After allowing to dry completely, for between 12 and 24 hours, the leaf disks were inoculated with a spore suspension of the fungus. After appropriate incubation the activity of a compound was assessed seven days after inoculation as preventive fungicidal activity.

Septoria tritici (leaf blotch): Conidia of the fungus from cryogenic storage were directly mixed into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compounds into a microtiter plate (96-well format) the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores was added. The test plates were incubated at 24 C and the inhibition of growth was determined photometrically after 72 hrs.

Fusarium culmorum (root rot): Conidia of the fungus from cryogenic storage were directly mixed into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compounds into a microtiter plate (96-well format) the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores was added. The test plates were incubated at 24 C and the inhibition of growth was determined photometrically after 48 hrs.

Pythium ultimum (Damping off): Mycelial fragments of the fungus, prepared from a fresh liquid culture, were mixed into potato dextrose broth. A solution of the test compound in dimethyl sulphoxide was diluted with water to 20ppm then placed into a 96-well microtiter plate and the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores was added. The test plate was incubated at 24°C and the inhibition of growth was determined photometrically after 48 hours.

The following compounds from the above Examples gave at least 60% control of the following fungal infection on the indicated pathogens at 200ppm: Plasmopara viticola, Table 141, compound nos. : 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32„ 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49.51, 52, 53.

Table 143, compound nos: 1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

Table 142, compound nos. : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21,

25, 27, 28, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51.

Phytophthora infestans, Table 141, compound nos: 1, 2, 3, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34.

Table 142, compound nos. : 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9.10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 21, 25.

Table 143, compound nos: 1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

Botrytis cinerea, Table 141, compound nos.: 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48.

Table 142, compound nos. : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,

26, 27, 28, 40, 41, 42, 48, 49, 50, 51.

Table 143, compound nos.: 1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

Alternaria Solani, Table 141, compound nos: 10, 11, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,

27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 44, 51, 52, 53.

Table 142, compound nos. : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 26, 27, 28.

Table 143, compound nos.: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

Puccinia recondita, Table 141, compound nos.: 11, 14, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56.

Table 142, compound nos. : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 55, 58, 59, 60.

Table 143, compound nos.: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

Septoria tritici, Table 141, compound nos.: 2, 3, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 51, 52, 53.

Table 142, compound nos. : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 49, 50, 51, 55, 58, 59, 60.

Table 143, compound nos.: 1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

Pythium Ultimum, Table 141, compound nos.: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 44, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56. Table 142, compound nos. : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 30, 31, 34, 35, 36, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 61, 62.

Table 143, compound nos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

Fusarium Culmorum, Table 141, compound nos: 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 28, 29, 30, 31 , 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 44, 51 , 52, 53, 54, 55, 56.

Table 142, compound nos. : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 48, 49, 50, 51.

Table 143, compound nos: 1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

Claims

1. A compound of the general formula (I)

(I), wherein

A is an aromatic ring selected from phenyl, naphthyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrrolyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, thiazolyl, thienyl where these rings are unsubstituted or substituted with halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, CrC₆alkyl, CrC₆haloalkyl, C₂-C₆alkenyl, C₂-C₆haloalkenyl, C₂-C₆alkynyl, C₂- C₆haloalkynyl, d-C₆alkoxy, CrC₆haloalkoxy, CrC₆alkoxycarbonyl-, C₃-C₈cycloalkyl, C₃- C₆halocycloalkyl, C₃-C₈cycloalkoxy, C₃-C₈cycloalkylthio, CrC₆alkylthio, C

C₆alkylsulphinyl, CrC₆alkylsulphonyl, CrC₆haloalkylthio, CrC₆haloalkylsulphinyl, C C₆haloalkylsulphonyl, amino, Ci-C₆alkylamino, Ci-C₆alkylcarbonylamino, C

C₆alkoxycarbonyl)amino, formyl, C C₆alkylcarbonyl or CR¹⁰⁰NOR²⁰⁰, wherein R¹⁰⁰ is hydrogen or CrC₄alkyl and R²⁰⁰ is CrC₆alkyl, CrC₆haloalkyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, C₃- C₆halocycloalkyl, phenyl-C C₄alkyl or phenyl, wherein phenyl and the phenyl part of said phenyl-CrC₄alkyl are unsubstituted or substituted with C C₄alkyl, C C₄haloalkyl, Ci-C₄alkoxy, C C₄haloalkoxy, halogen, hydroxyl, cyano or nitro,

R¹ is C C₈alkyl, C C₈haloalkyl, C C₈alkoxy, C C₈haloalkoxy, CHNOR¹⁰, CO-R¹⁰, CS-R¹⁰, COO-R¹⁰, CONHR¹⁰ or CSNHR¹⁰, wherein R¹⁰ is C Ci₂alkyl, C Ci₂haloalkyl, Ci-C₄alkoxyCrCi₂alkyl, C₃-Ci₂cycloalkyl, wherein a methylene group is optionally replaced by O or S, C₃-Ci₂halocycloalkyl, wherein a methylene group is optionally replaced by O or S, phenyl-CrC₄alkyl or phenyl, wherein phenyl and the phenyl part of said phenyl-CrC₄alkyl are unsubstituted or substituted with C C₄alkyl, C C₄haloalkyl, Ci-C₄alkoxy, C C₄haloalkoxy, halogen, hydroxyl, cyano or nitro, or R¹⁰ is C₂-Ci₂alkenyl or C₂-Ci₂alkynyl and

R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ independently of one another are hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, d-C₆alkyl, CrC₆haloalkyl, CrC₆alkoxy or CrC₆haloalkoxy, or a salt or an N-oxide of a compound of the formula (I).

2. A process for the preparation of the compounds of the formula (I) as hereinbefore described.

3. A fungicidal composition comprising a fungicidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I) according to claim 1 , a suitable carrier or diluent therefore, and optionally a further fungicidal compound.

4. A method of combating or controlling phytopathogenic fungi which comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I) according to claim 1 or a composition according to claim 3 to a plant, to a seed of a plant, to the locus of the plant or seed or to soil or any other plant growth medium.