[0001] The present invention relates to copper complexes of N-pyrazole, N-imidazole-and
N-triazole-aniline derivatives, a process for their preparation, compositions containing
them and their use in combatting phytopathogenic fungi.
[0002] The aniline derivatives which form the basis of the copper complexes of the invention
are in part known from German Offenlegungsschrift No. 2,643,477 which also describes
their fungicidal activity.
[0003] The complexes of the present invention have been found to possess a high fungicidal
activity over a prolonged period.
[0004] More particularly the present invention provides complexes of the formula I

wherein
R1 and R2 represent independently of each other methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy or halogen,
R3 represents hydrogen, C1-C3-alkyl, Cl-C4-alkoxy or halogen,
R4 represents hydrogen or methyl,
R5 represents

R6 represents 1,2-pyrazole, 1,3-imidazole, -1,2,4-triazole(1) or l,2,4-triazole-(4),
A represents the anion of an organic or inorganic acid and
n stands for the number 1 or 2 and
p stands for a number from 1 to 12 inclusive.
[0005] According to the number of carbon atoms present the following are to be understood
as alkyl or as alkyl moiety of an alkoxy group: methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl,
n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec- butyl or tert-butyl.
[0006] Halogen stands for fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.
[0007] The following are examples of acids from which anion A may be derived e.g. hydrochloric
acid, hydrobromic acid, hydriodic acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid,
methanesulphonic acid, acetic acid, haloacetic acids, propionic acid, halopropionic
acids, butyric acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid or benzoic acid.
[0008] The number p indicates the degree of hydration and will not necessarily be a whole
number.
[0009] The complexes of the invention are stoichiometrically precisely defined compounds.
[0010] The complexes of the formula I may be prepared analogously to known methods for example
as follows

suitable solvents are for example alcohols such as methanol and ethanol; ketones such
as acetone and methylethylketone; acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulphoxide,
methylcellosolve and water as well. as mixtures thereof. The process is advantageously
carried out in the presence of ammonium chloride. The reaction temperature lies between
0° and 100° C preferably 20°-50° C. The process is carried out under normal pressure.
[0011] The above process also forms part of the invention.
[0012] The complexes of the formula I contain in the group R
5 an asymetrical carbon atom adjacent to the aniline nitrogen and may be obtained as
optical antipodes in conventional manner (e.g. employing already separated starting
materials). The two configurations of such a compound of the formula I exhibit different
degrees of microbicidal activity. The effect of further possible centres of asymetry
and the atropisomerism about the phenyl - N

axis on the microbicidal action of the entire molecule is apparently negligible.
Carrying out the process of the invention without attempting to separate the pure
isomers of the complex produces a racemic mixture thereof.
[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention the complexes of the formula I are mixed
with suitable carriers and/or other additives to give fungicidal compositions.
[0014] Suitable carriers and additives can be solid or liquid and are those normally used
in the art of formulation, for example natural or regenerated mineral substances,
solvents, dispersants, wetting agents, tackifiers, thickeners, binders or fertilisers.
The preparation of the compositions is effected in known manner by intimately mixing
the constituents.
[0015] The following are examples of compositions according to the invention (percentages
refer to advantageous amounts by weight of active substance):
[0016]
Solid formulations: dusts, tracking agents, (up to 10 %), granules (coated granules,
impregnated granules and homogenous granules); pellets (1 to 80 %);
[0017] Liquid formulations:
a) active substance concentrates which are dispersible in water: wettable powders,
pastes; (25-90 % in commercial packs, 0.01 to 15% in ready for use solutions); emulsions;
concentrated solutions (10 to 50 %; 0.01 to 15 % in ready for use solutions).
b) Solutions, aerosols.
[0018] The content of active substance in the above described compositions is between 0.1
% and 90 % by weight.
[0019] The compounds of the formula I can be used together with other suitable pesticides,
for example fungicides, insecticides, acaricides or active substances which influence
plant growth, in order to broaden the activity spectrum of the formulations and to
adapt them to prevailing circumstances.
[0020] The complexes of the formula I are suitable for the protection of horticultural and
agricultural crops and cultures from attack by phytopathogenic fungi. Examples of
such crops and cultures are maize, vegetables, sugarbeet, soya, ground nuts, fruit
trees, ornamentals, vines, hbps, cucumber plants (cucumber, marrows, melons
tsquash), solanaceae such as potatoes, tobacco plants and tomatoes and also banana,
cocoa and rubber plants.
[0021] With the active compounds of the formula I it is possible to inhibit or destroy the
fungi which occur in plants or parts of plants (fruit, blossoms, leaves, stems, tubers,
roots) in these and related cultures and also to protect from attack by such fungi
parts of the plants which grow later. Typical of such fungi are those which belong
to the following classestAscomycetes (e.g. Erysiphaceae); Basidiomycetes, in particular
rust fungi; fungi imperfecti (e.g. Cercospora); and especially Oomycetes belonging
to the class of the Phycomycetes, such as Phytophthora, Pythium or Plasmopara. In
addition, the compounds of the formula I possess a systemic action. They can also
be used as seed dressing agents for protecting seeds (fruit, tubers, grains) and plant
cuttings from fungal infections and from phytopathogenic fungi which occur in the
soil.
[0022] A further aspect of the invention therefore concerns the use of the complexes of
the Formula I in combatting phytopathogenic fungi.
[0023] Preferred complexes are those of the formula I wherein
R1 represents methyl
R2 represent methyl or chlorine and
R3 represents hydrogen, chlorine, bromine or methyl.
[0024] Preferred as substituent R
6 is the 1,2,4-triazole group.
[0025] The anions of inorganic acids are preferred as the group A. X is preferably the

group or

group and especially the

group.
[0026] Combination of the various compound groups are of particular interest.
[0027] The invention is illustrated by the following Examples. Unless otherwise stated,
a compound of the formula I is always obtained as a racemic mixture of possible isomers.
[0028] Temperatures are given in degrees centigrade, pressures in millibars and parts and
percentages are by weight, A. Preparative examples
Example 1
[0029] Preparation of

[0030] Copper complex of N-(l'-methoxycarbonyi-ethyl)-N-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-acetyl-2,6-dimethylaniline
(compound No. 2).
[0031] 9.3 g of N-(1'-methoxycarbonyl-ethyl)-N-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-acetyl-2,6-dimethylanilin
were disolved in 75 ml of warm 95 % ethanol and reacted with a solution comprising
2.7 g of copper-(II)-chloride dihydrate in 10 ml. of water and 5 g of ammonium chloride
in 20 ml of water. Precipition from the clear solution of the deep-blue crystals was
initiated after a few minutes by scratching with a glass rod. After standing for 30
mins. at 30° the reaction mixture was cooled, filtered and washed through with cold
water.
[0032] The copper complex thus obtained melted at 193-194°
Example 2
[0033] Preparation of

[0034] Copper complex of N-(1'-methyl-2'-methoxyethyl)-N-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-acetyl-2,6-dimethyl
anilin (compound no. 10)
[0035] 9.1 g of N-(1'-methyl-2-methoxyethyl)-N-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-acetyl-2,6-dimethyl
aniline were disolved in 40 ml of warm 95 % ethanol and reacted with a solution comprising
2.7 g of copper-(II)-chloride dihydrate in 10 ml of water and 5 g of ammonium chloride
in 20 ml of water. The rapidly formed blue suspension was diluted with 20 ml of water,
stirred for a further 20 mins. and filtered. The blue crystals obtained were washed
through with water and diethylether and dried, m.p. 138-139°.
Example 3
[0036] Preparation of

[0037] Copper complex of 3-(N-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl-acetyl)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-amino-tetrahydro-2-furanone
(compound no. 16).
[0038] 3.2 g of 3-(N-(1,2,4-triazole-1-yl-acetyl)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-amino-tetrahydro-2-furanonewere
disolved at 50° in 22.5 ml of 95 % ethanol and reacted for 2 hours at 65° and 16 hours
at room temperature with a solution comprising 1 g of copper-(II)-chloride dihydrate
in 3 ml of water and 1.5 of ammonium chloride in 6ml of water.
[0039] The ice-cooled reaction mixture was then treated with 20 ml water, filtered, washed
through with water and the obtained crystals dried under vacuum, m.p. 190-195°.
B. Formulation examples
Example 4
[0041] Dusts: The following substances are used to prepare
a) 5 % and b) a 2 % dust:
a) 5 parts of active substance 95 parts of talc;
b) 2 parts of active substance 1 part of highly dispersed silicic acid 97 parts of
talc.
[0042] The active substances are mixed with the carriers and ground and in this form can
be processed to dusts for application.
Example 3
[0043] Granulate The following substances are used to prepare a 5 % granulator
5 parts or active substances

part of epichlorohydrin

part of cetyl polyglycol ether

parts of polyethylene glycol

parts of kaolin (particle size 0.3 - 0.8 mm).
[0044] The active resistance is mixed with epichlorohydrin and the mixture is dissolved
in 6 parts of acetone. Then polyethylene glycol and cetyl polyglycol ether are added.
The resultant solution is sprayed on kaolin and the acetone is evaporated in vacuo.
Such a microgranulate may be used for example in combating soil fungi.
Example 6
[0045] Wettable powders The following constituents are used to prepare a) a 70 %, b) a 40
%, c) and d) a 25 % and e) a 10 % wettable powder.
a) 70 parts of active substance 5 parts of sodium dibutylnaphthylsulphonate 3 parts
of naphthalenesulphonic acid/phenolsulphonic acid/formaldehyde condensate (3:2:1)
10 parts of kaolin 12 parts of Champagne chalk

c) 25 parts of active substance 4.5 parts of

1.9 parts of

mixture (1:1) 1.5 parts of sodium

19.5 parts of silicic acid 19.5 parts of Champagne chalk 28.1 parts of kaolin
d) 25 parts of active substance 2.5 parts of isooctylphenoxy-polyethylene-ethanol
1.7 parts of a Champagne chalk/hydroxyethyl cellulose mixture (1:1) 8.3 parts of sodium
aluminium silicate 16.5 parts of kieselguhr 46 parts of kaolin
e) 10 parts of active substance 3 parts of a mixture of the sodium salts of saturated
fatty alcohol sulphates 5 parts of naphthalenesulphonic acid/formaldehyde condensate
82 parts of kaolin.
[0046] The active substances are intimately mixed in suitable mixers with the additives
and ground in appropriate mills and rollers. Wettable powders of excellent wettability
and suspension power are obtained. These wettable powders can be diluted with water
to give suspensions of the desired concentration and can be used in particular for
leaf application.
Example 7
[0047] Emulsifiable copcentrates: The following substances are used 2 prepare a 25 % emulsifiable
concentrate:

[0048] By diluting such a concentrate with water it is possible to prepare emulsions of
the desired concentration, which are especially suitable for leaf application.
C. Biological Examples
Example 8
Action againt Plasmopara viticola on vines
[0049] Three greenhouse reared vine seedlingsof the variety "chasselas" in the 10 leaf stage
were sprayed with a spray broth (active substance concentration 0,06 %) prepared from
a wettable powder containing the active substance to be tested 24 hours later the
plants
were infected on the underside of the leaves with a spore suspension of the fungus.
The plants were then kept in a humid chamber for 8 days whereupon symtoms of disease
became visible on the control plants. The effectiveness of the tested substances was
assessed by determing the number and size of the infected areas on the treated plants
in comparison with the untreated but infected control plants.
Example 9
[0050] Action against

[0051] 
Example 10
Action against Phytophthora infestans on tomato plants a) Curative Action
[0052] "Roter Gnom" tomato plants were sprayed when 3 weeks old with a zoospore suspension
of the fungus and incubated for 24 hours at 18° to 20° C and 100 % humidity. After
drying, the plants were sprayed with a broth (active substance concentration 0,06
%) prepared from a wettable powder containing the active substance. After the spray
coating had dried, the plants were returned to the humid chamber for a further 4 days.
The effectiveness of the tested substances was assessed by determining the size and
number of the typical leaf specks which had appeared on the treated plants in comparison
with the untreated but infected control plants.
b) Preventive-systemic action
[0053] The acrive substance formulated as a wettable powder, was applied in a conceutration
of 0.006 % (referred to the volume of the soil) to the surface of the soil in pots
containing 3-week-old "Roter Gnom" tomato plants. Three days later the underside of
the leaves of the plants was sprayed with a

suspension of the fungus. The plants were then kept in a spray chamber at 18° to 20°
C and

for 5 days whereupon typical leaf specks appeared.
Example 11
Action against Pythium debaryanum on sugar beets and maize
[0054] The fungus was cultivated on sterile oat grains and added to a mixture of earth and
sand. Sugar beet and maize seeds were then sown into flower pots filled with the infected
soil. Immediately after sowing, the active substance was poured in the form of aqueous
suspension over the soil (20 ppm of active substance referred to the volume of the
soil). The pots were then placed for 2-3 weeks in a greenbouse at 20°-24° C. The soil
was kept uniformly moist by gently spraying it with water. The emergence of the plants
as well as the relative number of healthy and sick plants were determined.
Results
[0055] The followings compounds, amongst others, were succesfulin reducing the fungal attack
to less than 20 % compared with control plants.
[0056] Plasmopara viticola: Cmpds. nos. 2 3. 10, 11 and 16 Cercospora arachidicola: Cmpd.
not 10
[0057] Phytophthora infestans: Cmpds. nos, 2, 3, 10, 11, 13 and 16 Pythium debaryanum: Cmpds.
nos. 2, 3, 10, 11 and 16.
1. A copper comples of the formula I

wherein
R1 and R2 represent independently of each other methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy or halogen,
R3 represents hydrogen, C1-C3-alkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy or halogen,
R4 represents hydrogen or methyl
R5 represents

R6 represents 1,2-pyrazole, 1,3-imidazole, 1,2,4-triazole (1) or 1,2,4-triazole (4)
A represents the anion of an organic or inorganic acid and
n stands for the number 1 or 2
p stands for a number from 1 to 12 inclusive.
2. A copper complex as claimed in claim 1 wherein
R1 represents methyl,
R2 represents methyl or chlorine and
R3 represents hydrogen, chlorine, bromine or methyl.
3. A copper complex as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein R6 represents the 1,2,4-triazole(1) group.
4. A copper complex as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein X represents the

group
5. A copper complex as claimed in claim 4 wherein X represents the

group.
6. A copper complex as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein A represents the
anion of an inorganic acid.
7. The copper complex of N-(l'-methoxycarbonyl-ethyl)-N-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-acetyl-2,6-dimethylaniline
of the formula
8. The copper complex of N-(1'-methoxycarbonyl-ethyl)-N-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-acetyl-2,3,6-trimethylaniline
of the formula
9. A process for preparing a copper complex of the formula I as defined in claim 1
characterised by reacting in the presence of an inert solvent a corresponding compound
of the formula II

with a copper salt of the formula III

whereby R1 to R
69 A, n and p have the meanings given in claim 1.
10. A fungicidal composition containing as at least one active ingredient a copper
complex as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.
11. A method for combatting phytopathogenic fungi which comprises applying thereto
or to the locus thereof a copper complex as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 or
a composition as claimed in claim 10.