| abstract |
Stereospecific synthesis of ##STR1## (R-configuration at C 2 ) by reaction of ##STR2## (S-configuration at C 2 ) with ##STR3## at elevated temperature in the presence of a base, e.g., R-(-)-(2-(N-benzoyl-3-chloro-4-fluoroanilino)propionic acid isopropylester) from S-(-)-isopropyl lactate mesylate and 3-chloro-4-fluoroaniline followed by benzoylation. The compounds are very active herbicides against broad-leafed weeds (R=H) or wild oats (R=(thio)benzoyl). |