Synthesis of substituted imidazoles and uracils as herbicides

Abstract

Compounds 1 and 2 represent a new class of herbicides which demonstrate activity against several agriculturally important weed species. The mechanism of action has been found to involve inhibition of Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase (Protox) which results in the accumulation of Protoporphyrin IX. With light, Protoporphyrin IX acts as a photosensitizer in the formation of singlet oxygen which causes lipid peroxidation and membrane disruption.