Srm Chemical, Ltd. Co.

Miroslaw Golinski

Stefan Kwiatkowski

Paul D Smith

Steven G Mobley

Kryzsztof Pupek

The invention is a process to manufacture the intermediate secondary amine N-ethyl-2-chloro-6-fluoro-benzylamine, and then the process of reacting this intermediate to manufacture the herbicide flumetralin. Equimolar quantities of monoethylamine, sodium hydroxide, and 2-chloro-6-fluorobenzyl chloride are reacted at a temperature between about 70.degree. C. and about 100.degree. C. in a composition containing at least 2.5 times the required quantity of monoethylamine. The reagent monoethylamine functions as solvent and heat sink for the reaction, and also minimizes the formation of undesired byproducts. The excess monoethylamine is removed after formation of the intermediate. Then, equimolar quantities of sodium hydroxide in water and molten 4-chloro-3-5-dinitrobenzotrifluoride are added to the intermediate, and the temperature is controlled between about 90.degree. C. and about 115.degree. C. The product of this reaction is relatively pure, i.e., 98 percent by weight, molten flumetralin. It is advantageous to wash the product with boiling water to facilitate removal of salt and excess sodium hydroxide.

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Lexington, KY, United States of America

Miroslaw Golinski