Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of novel (5-RS,6-S)-5-sec-butyl-3-(1-substituted-amino)ethylidene-1H-pyrrolidine-2, 4-diones

Abstract

A series of novel tetramic acid derivatives, 5-sec-butyl-3-(1- substitutedamino)ethylidene-1H-pyrrolidine-2,4-diones 5a-y were synthesized by reaction with aryl amines or alkyl amines under reflux. Each title compound was formed as (5S,6S) and (5R,6S) C-5 epimers, and the structure of 5l was proved by X-ray diffraction analysis. Our preliminary bioassay results show the title compounds to exhibit some herbicidal activities and better antifungal activities than the leading compound tenuazonic acid at 100 mg L -1 in vitro, and the compound 5u displayed excellent herbicidal activity and antifungal activity.