Insecticidal compounds

Abstract

The invention provides insecticidally active compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein X is nitrogen or carbon bearing a hydrogen atom; R.sup.1 is a group of formula --S(O).sub.n --Y, wherein Y is an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring containing at least one nitrogen atom, the point of attachment of the group Y being at a ring nitrogen atom, and n is 0, 1 or 2; R.sup.2 is a group of formula --OSO.sub.2 R.sup.3 wherein R.sup.3 is selected from C.sub.1-8 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 alkyl substituted by an optionally substituted phenyl or heterocyclic ring, C.sub.1-8 haloalkyl, C.sub.2-6 alkenyl, C.sub.2-4 alkenyl substituted by an optionally substituted phenyl or heterocyclic ring, C.sub.2-4 alkynyl, C.sub.2-4 alkynyl substituted by an optionally substituted phenyl or heterocyclic ring, optionally substituted aryl, and a group of formula --N(R.sup.4)(R.sup.5) wherein R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are independently selected from hydrogen and C.sub.1-6 alkyl or wherein R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 together represent --(CH.sub.2).sub.p -- wherein p is 2, 3, 4 or 5; and wherein the groups R.sup.2 and R.sup.1 occupy either a 1,3 configuration relative to each other on the ring when X is carbon bearing a hydrogen, or a 2,4 or 2,6 configuration relative to the group X when X is nitrogen. The invention also provides compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I) and methods of their use in combating insect pests, and novel intermediates and chemical processes for their preparation.