[0001] This invention relates to a series of tetrahydro-s-triazine thiones having useful
pesticidal properties. In particular, the compounds are effective in destroying one
or more stages in the life cycle of ticks which tend to infest the skins of animals
such as sheep and cattle, and are therefore especially useful as ectopara- siticidal
agents for treating such animals. They also have insecticidal properties, particularly
against plant insects such as pea aphids.
[0002] All stages in the life cycle of the ticks tend to damage the skins of afflicted animals
and thereby spoil the state of the skins, with the consequence, for example, that
cattle hides and sheep skins intended for the manufacture of leather and sheep skin,
respectively, are reduced in quality. Furthermore, the ticks may facilitate the transmission
of disease to the afflicted animal, and the general state of health and the quality
of flesh of the animal may be detrimentally affected.
[0003] The present invention therefore provides novel tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H]-[thiones
of the general formula:-

wherein R is an alkyl, cycloalkyl, adamantyl, lower alkenyl or lower alkynyl group
or a substituted-lower alkyl group wherein the substituent is a hydroxy, alkoxy, lower
alkanoyloxy, carbamoyloxy,
N-lower alkyl-carbamoyloxy, N-cycloalkyl-carbamoyloxy, N-arylcarbamoyloxy, thiocarbamoyloxy,
N-lower alkyl-thiocarbamoyloxy, N-cycloalkyl-thiocarbamoyloxy, N-aryl-thiocarbamoyloxy,
aryl-sulphonyloxy, mono or di-lower alkylamino or an aryl group; R is a lower alkyl
or hydroxy- methyl group; and X is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; and acid
addition salts thereof.
[0004] In this specification the term "lower" applied to a substituent group means that
it contains up to six carbon atoms: groups containing three or more carbon atoms may
be straight or branched chain. When R is an alkyl group, it may contain up to twelve
carbon atoms. Halogen means fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. Aryl means a phenyl
group which may optionally be substituted with one or more halogen atoms or lower
alkyl, lower alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, cyano or hydroxy groups.
[0005] One preferred group of compounds according to the invention comprises compounds of
the formula (I) wherein X is a lower alkyl group, particularly a methyl group at the
4- position. Also preferred are compounds of the formula (I) wherein R is a lower
alkyl group, particularly a methyl group and R is a lower alkyl group, particularly
a methyl, isopropyl or t-butyl group, or a cyclohexyl or hydroxyethyl group. Particularly
preferred individual compounds of the invention include: 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-3,5-dimethyl-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2
[1H]-thione; 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-3-methyl-5-isopropyl-tetrahydro-s-triazine-2[1H]-thione
and 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-3-methyl-5-t-butyl-tetrahydro-s-triazine-2[1H]-thione.
[0006] Compounds of the formula:-

wherein R
1 is alkyl; R is alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or hydroxyalkyl; X is hydrogen
or halogen; Y is hydrogen, halogen or alkyl; and n is 1 or 2; are disclosed in United
States Patent Nos. 3505057 and 3505323 as herbicidal compounds, but there is no disclosure
therein of compounds of the formula (I) above in which there is a methyl group at
the 2- position of the phenyl group, nor is there any disclosure therein that compounds
of the formula (IA) have acaricidal or insecticidal properties.
[0007] The compounds of the formula (
I) where R
1 is lower alkyl may be prepared from a substituted thiourea of the formula (II) and
an amine RNH
2 i the presence of formaldehyde according to the following equation:-

where R and X are as previously defined and R is lower alkyl.
[0008] The reaction is generally performed in the presence of an aqueous organic solvent,
e.g. aqueous dioxan, aqueous propanol or aqueous ethylene glycol and may conveniently
be carried out by adding the amine to excess aqueous formaldehyde solution and then
adding the thiourea, preferably as a solution in an organic solvent e.g. dioxan. The
reaction may be performed at a temperature between room temperature and the reflux
temperature of the solvent and may take from several hours to several days to complete
depending on the nature of the reactants and the temperature employed.
We have found that the reaction is preferably performed at a temperature of 45-50°C
to avoid the decomposition and formation of bi-products which sometimes occurs at
higher temperatures, and generally takes two or three days to go substantially to
completion at this temperature.
[0009] In other cases, for example, where R 2 and R are lower alkyl groups (e.g. methyl
groups) the reaction can with advantage be performed at a higher temperature e.g.
by heating on a steam bath, and in this case the reaction is generally complete within
1½ to 3 hours. In some instances the product crystallises on cooling the solution
otherwise the product is conveniently isolated by evaporation of the solvent or alternatively
by adding a large excess of water to precipitate the product which is collected by
filtration or by extraction into an organic solvent, e.g. diethyl ether, and removal
of the solvent. In either case the crude product may be further purified, if desired,
by conventional techniques, e.g. by recrystallisation or by chromatography. Compounds
of the formula (I) wherein R is a lower alkyl group substituted with a lower alkanoyloxy
group may also be prepared by acylation of the corresponding hydroxy-lower alkyl substituted
compound e.g. using the acid chloride. Compounds of the formula (
I) wherein
R is a lower alkyl group substituted with a carbamoyloxy, thiocarbamoyloxy or N-substituted-
carbamoyloxy or thiocarbamoyloxy group may similarly be prepared from the corresponding
hydroxy-lower alkyl substituted compound using potassium isocyanate or isothiocyanate
or an appropriate lower alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl isocyanate or isothiocyanate respectively.
Compounds of the formula (I) wherein R is a lower alkyl group substituted with an
aryl-sulphonyloxy group may also be prepared from the corresponding hydroxy-lower
alkyl compound sulphonylation, e.g. using a sulphonyl chloride.
[0010] Compounds of the formula (I) wherein
R1 is a hydroxy-methyl group may be prepared from the compound of the formula (I) wherein
R is hydrogen, prepared as indicated above using a thiourea of the formula (II) wherein
R
2 is hydrogen. Thus, reaction with formaldehyde yields the compound of formula (I)
wherein R is a hydroxy-methyl group.
[0011] The acid-addition salts of the compounds of the formula (I) may be made in a conventional
manner, e.g. by mixing a solution of the free base in a suitable solvent, e.g. diethyl
ether, with a solution of the appropriate acid, e.g. hydrochloric acid, in a suitable
solvent, e.g. diethyl ether, and recovering the salt as a precipitate.
[0012] The starting thioureas of formula (II) are known compounds or they may be readily
prepared by conventional reactions. For example the preparation of the compound of
formula (I
I) wherein
R 2 and X are each a methyl group is described in
J. Chem. Soc., (1929) 945. Other compounds of formula (II) may be prepared in a similar
manner by reaction of an appropriately ring substituted aniline derivative with an
alkyl isothiocyanate. If desired, the starting thiourea need not be isolated but the
crude reaction mixture may be treated directly with formaldehyde and the amine of
formula RNH
2 to give the final product of formula (I) in a single step.
[0013] The amines of formula RNH
2 are all readily available compounds.
[0014] The compounds of the formula (I) have acaricidal activity, particularly against all
stages in the life cycle, including gravid female ticks, of the cattle ticks Boophilus
microplus, Haemaphysalis longicornus, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Boophilus decoloratus.
[0015] In one test, five freshly collected, fully engorged Boophilus microplus adult female
ticks are used for each acaricidal compound. Using a micro-pipette 10 micro-litres
of a solution containing 10 micro-grams of the acaricidal compound in ethanol or acetone,
is applied to the dorsal surface of each of the ticks. The treated ticks are placed
in weighed 1" x 2" glass vials, weighed and stored at 26°C and 80% relative humidity
in plastic boxes for two weeks. The ticks are then removed from the vials and the
vials weighed to give the weight of eggs laid by the ticks. Any reduction in the egg
laying of the treated ticks is calculated as a percentage of the eggs laid by untreated
control ticks.
[0016] The eggs are returned to the incubator for a further 3 weeks after which time the
percentage of eggs hatching is estimated. The percentage effect is calculated as the
overall reduction in the anticipated reproduction of the ticks using the weight of
eggs laid and the percentage of eggs hatching. The test may be repeated using smaller
amounts of the acaricidal compound.
[0017] In another test, using a pipette 0.5 ml of a solution containing 0.5 mg of the acaricidal
compound in ethanol or acetone is spread evenly on to a Whatman No. 1 filter paper
8 cm x 6.25 cm (50 sq. c.m.) to give a dosage of 100 mg/m
2. The treated paper is allowed to dry at room temperature, folded with the treated
surface inside and two short edges sealed with a crimping machine.
[0018] The open ended envelope is placed in a 1lb Kilner jar containing damp cotton wool
in a plastic pot and stored in an incubator at 26°C for 24 hours. 20 - 50 Boophilus
microplus larvae, which had hatched 8 - 14 days previously, are placed in the envelope
using a small spatula. The open end is then crimped to form a sealed packet. The treated
paper containing the larvae is returned to the Kilner jar and kept for a further 48
hours in the incubator. 20 - 50 larvae are placed similarly in an untreated paper
envelope to act as controls. At the end of the 48 hour test period the mortality is
noted and recorded as a percentage after correction for any mortality among the untreated
control ticks.
[0019] The test may be repeated using smaller amounts of the acaricidal compound.
[0020] In addition to percentage effectiveness figures, ED
50 results can be obtained from dose response measurements using any of the afore-described
tests.
[0021] Activity against Haemaphysalis longicornus nymphs may be measured in a similar manner
to the above larvae test.
[0022] The activity of certain of the compounds of the Examples detailed hereinafter against
the tick Boophilus microplus is set out in the following Table:-

[0023] Thus the invention also provides an acaricidal composition comprising an effective
amount of a compound of the formula (I) together with a diluent or carrier. The diluent
or carrier may be a solid or a liquid, optionally together with an antioxidant, dispersing
agent, emulsifying agent or wetting agent. The compositions of the invention include
not only compositions in a suitable form for application but concentrated primary
compositions which may be supplied to the user and which require dilution with a suitable
quantity of water or other diluent prior to application. Typical compositions of the
invention include, for example, dusting powders, dispersible powders, solutions, dispersions,
emulsions and emulsifiable concentrates.
[0024] A dust may be made by mixing the appropriate amount of the finely divided active
compound with a solid pulverulent diluent or carrier such as talc, clay, calcite,
pyrophyllite, diatomaceous earth, walnut shell flour, silica gel, hydrated alumina,
or calcium silicate. As an alternative method of preparation, the diluent or carrier
is mixed with a solution of the active compound in a volatile organic solvent such
as toluene, the solvent being subsequently removed by evaporation. Typically, the
active compound will be present in the dust in an amount of from 0.25 to about 4%
by weight.
[0025] Dispersible powders of special value for spray applications may be made by adding
a suitable dispersing agent to the active compound, or to a dust containing the active
compound, so that a stable aqueous dispersion of the active compound is formed on
mixing the powder with water. The dispersible powders preferably contain from about
25 to 75% by weight of the active compound.
[0026] Emulsifiable concentrates comprise a solution of the active compound in a substantially
water-immiscible non-toxic organic solvent containing an emulsifying agent. Suitable
solvents include, for example, toluene, xylene, petroleum oil, and alkylated naphthalenes.
Preferably, the concentrate will contain 5-75 gms. of the active compound per 100
ml. of solution. The concentrates may be diluted with water prior to use to give a
typical concentration of the active compound in the aqueous medium of from e.g. about
0.01 to about 0.1
% w/v (g/100 ml), or approximately 100 to 1000 p.p.m. The volatile solvents, e.g. toluene
and xylene, evaporate after spraying to leave a deposit of the active ingredient.
The made up spray or dip will generally be an emulsion.
[0027] The compositions of the invention may be applied to ground, such as that around dairies,
in order to combat e.g. cattle ticks, thereon. However, it is preferred to treat animals
by spraying them or passing them through animal dips.
[0028] Thus the present invention also provides a method for protecting animals , particularly
cattle, from acarids, particularly cattle ticks, which comprises treating the animal
externally with an acaricidal amount of a compound of the formula (I) or acaricidal
composition as defined above.
[0029] The compositions of the invention may also contain a pesticide, fungicide, additional
acaricide, or the like.
[0030] The invention is illustrated by the following Examples.
EXAMPLE 1
[0031] t-Butylamine (0.88 g, 12 mmole) was added dropwise with stirring to a cooled 37%
solution of aqueous formaldehyde (20 ml). After 15 minutes a warm solution of N-2,4-dimethylphenyl
N'-methyl thiourea (1.94 g, 10 mmole) in dioxan (5 ml) was added and the mixture was
warmed at 45 to 50°C for 48 hours. The solvent was removed by evaporation under reduced
pressure to yield an oil which was washed with water and then extracted with methylene
chloride (2 x 50 ml). The extracts were combined, dried over MgSO
4 and evaporated. The residue was taken up in diethyl ether (20 ml) and cooled to yield
a crystalline precipitate which was collected by filtration, washed with a little
cold hexane and dried under vacuum to give S-t-butyl-1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-
3-methyl-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H]-thione as a white crystalline solid (1.35 g, 46%),
m.p. 111-112°C. Found: C, 66.4, H, 9.0, N, 14.6%. C
16H
25N
3S requires: C, 66.0, H, 8.6, N, 14.4
%.
m/e found 291, required 291.
EXAMPLE 2
[0032] A solution of 2,4-xylidine (121 g, 90% purity) in ethylene glycol (195 ml) was added
over.five minutes to a mixture of methyl- isothiocyanate (73 g) in ethylene glycol
(195 ml) and the mixture was stirred and heated on a steam bath for ½hour. Aqueous
formaldehyde solution (330 ml of 37%) was then added over five minutes followed by
aqueous methylamine solution (230 ml of 25% weight/volume) and the reaction mixture
was again stirred and heated on the steam bath for a further 1½ hours.
[0033] The resulting clear solution was allowed to cool to room temperature with stirring,
the resulting crystalline precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water
and dried. Recrystallisation from chloroform/hexane gave 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-3,5-dimethyl-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H]-thione
(200 g, 87% yield), m.p. 107-108°
C.
[0034] Found: C, 62.7, H, 7.7, N, 17.0. C
13H
19N
3S requires C 62.3,
H, 7.6,
N, 16.9
%.
m/e found 249, required 249.
EXAMPLES 3 - 20
EXAMPLE 21
[0036] Formaldehyde (4.86 g, 37% solution, 30 mmole) was added to a solution of 2,4-dimethyl-phenyl
thiourea (4.5 g, 24 mmole) in dimethylformamide (40 ml) and the solution was stirred
for 15 minutes at room temperature. Methylamine (3.72 g, 30 mmole) was added dropwise
with stirring and the mixture was heated under reflux at 100°C for 4 hours. The solution
was cooled and the solvent removed under vacuum to yield an oil. This was diluted
with diethylether and refrigerated to yield 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-5-methyl- tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H]-thione
as a white crystalline solid which was collected, washed with a little cold diethyl
ether and dried (4.5 g, 77%), m.p. 140 - 143°C.
[0037] The product (1.18 g, 5 mmole) was dissolved in dioxan (5 ml) with warming, the solution
cooled to room temperature and formaldehyde (0.41 g, 37% solution, 5 mmole) added.
The solution was kept at 45°C for 6 weeks. The solvent was then removed under vacuum
and the product was washed with water, dissolved in dichloromethane, dried over MgSO
4 and the solvent evaporated to yield a clear oil which solidified on stirring with
diethyl ether (50 ml) . The product was recrystallised from a mixture of hexane and
dichloromethane to yield 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-5-methyl-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H)-thione
as a white crystalline solid (0.40 g, 30%), m.p. 121 - 122°C.
Analysis %:-
[0038] Found: C, 58.5; H, 7.1; N, 15.65
[0039] C
13H
19N
3OS requiress C, 58.9; H, 7.2; N, 15.85%.
EXAMPLE 22
[0040] Acetyl chloride (0.168 g, 1.5 mmole) was added dropwise with stirring to a cooled
solution of 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methyl-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H]-thione
(0.60 g, 1 mmole) in dry toluene (45 ml) containing triethylamine (0.3 g, 3 mmole).
After 10 minutes the solution was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirring
was continued for a further 3 hours. The solution was filtered and the solvent removed
under vacuum. The product was chromatographed on a column of silica eluting with dichloromethane
containing 2% methanol to yield an oil. Trituration with diethyl ether gave 5-(2-acetoxyethyl)-1-(2,4-d
imethylphenyl)-3-methyl- tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H-thione.(0.24 g, 35%), m.p. 80-83°C.
Analysis %:-
[0041] Found: C, 59.7; H, 7.3; N, 12.95
[0042] C
16H
23N
3C
2S requires: C, 59.8; H, 7.2; N, 13.1%.
EXAMPLE 23
The method of Example 22 was followed using pivaloyl chloride to give 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-3-methyl-5-(2-pivaloyloxy
ethyl)-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H]-thioneas an oil.
Analysis %:-
[0043] Found: C, 62.35; H; 8.1; N, 10.9
[0044] C
19H
29N
3O
2S requires: C, 62.8; H, 8.0; N, 11.6%
EXAMPLE 24
[0045] Phenylisocyanate (0.62 g, 5.2 mmole) was added to a stirred solution of 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methyl-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H]-thione
(1.0 g, 3.5 mmoles) and triethylamine (0.31 g, 5.2 mmole) in dry toluene (40 ml).
The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours and the solvent was then removed
under vacuum and the residual gum triturated with petroleum ether (b.p. 60 - 80°C)
to yield 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-3-methyl-5-(2-N-phenyl-carbamoyloxyethyl)-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H]-thione
(1.18 g, 84%), m.p. 60 - 65°C.
Analysis %:-
[0046] Found: C, 64.0; H, 6.6; N, 13.5
[0047] C
21H
26N
4C
2S requires: C, 63.3; H, 6.5; N, 14.1.
EXAMPLE 25
[0048] The method of Example 24 was followed using methylisocyanate to give 1 -(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-3-methyl-5-(2-N-tnethyl-carbamoyloxy
ethyl)-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H]-thione, m.p. 110-113°C.
Analysis %:-
[0049] Found:
C, 57.0;
H, 7.2; N, 16.8 C
16H
24N
4O
2S requires: C, 57.1; H, 7.1; N, 16.7%
EXAMPLE 26
[0050] A solution of 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methyl-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2
[1H] -thione (1.0 g, 3.6 mmole) in dimethylformamide (10 ml) was added slowly to a
stirred suspension of sodium hydride (0.172 g, 3.6 mmole as 50
% dispersion in oil) at room temperature.
[0051] When evolution of hydrogen had ceased a solution of cyclohexyl isothiocyanate (0.74
g, 5.3 mmole) in dimethylformamide (5 ml) was added slowly and the mixture was stirred
at room temperature for 3 hours.
[0052] The solution was then poured into water (50 ml) and the product extracted into ether.
The ether layer was separated, washed with water, dried and the solvent removed to
yield an oil. Trituration with petroleum ether (b.p. 60 - 80°C) gave 5-(2-N-cyclohexyl-
thiocarbamoyloxyethyl)-1- (2,4-dimethylphenyl)-3-methyl-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H]-thione
as a white solid (0.18 g, 12
%), m.p. 68 - 72°C.
Analysis %:-
[0053] Found:
C, 59.8; H, 7.7;
N, 13.1
[0054] C
21g
32N
4CS
2 requires: C, 60.1;
H, 7.4; N, 13.4.
EXAMPLE 27
[0055] The method of Example 26 was followed using methyl isothiocyanate to give 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-3-methyl-5-(2-N-methyl-
thiocarbamoyloxyethyl)-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H] -thione, m.p. 82 - 90°C.
Analysis %:-
[0056] Found: C, 55.1; H, 7.0; N, 15.3 C
16H
24N
4OS
2 requires: C, 54.5; H, 6.8;
N, 15.9.
EXAMPLE 28
[0057] The method of Example 26 was followed using phenyl isothiocyanate to give 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-3-methyl-5-(2-N-phenyl-
thiocarbamoyloxyethyl)-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H]-thione, m.p. 64 - 70°C.
Analysis %:-
[0058] Found: C, 61.6;
H, 6.3; N, 13.7
[0059] C
21H
26N
4OS
2 requires: C, 60.9;
H, 6.3; N, 13.5.
EXAMPLE 29
[0060] A solution of p-toluenesulphonyl chloride (3.0 g) in pyridine (5 ml) was added slowly
to a cold stirred solution of 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methyl-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H]-thione
(1.5 g, 1.8 mmole) in pyridine (10 ml). Stirring was continued for a further 10 minutes
and the solution was allowed to stand overnight at 3
0C. The solution was poured into ice/water (400 ml) and the product extracted into
ether (2 x 100 ml). The combined ethereal extracts were washed with dilute hydrochloric
acid and with water and dried. The solvent was removed and the residual gum was taken
up in ethyl acetate. The solution was chilled and petroleum ether (b.p. 40 - 60°C)
added slowly to give 1-(2,4-dimethyl-
[0061] phenyl)-3-methyl-5-(p-toluenesulphonyloxyethyl)-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H]-thione
as a white solid (0.9 g, 58%), m.p. 82 - 85°C.
Analysis %:-
[0062] Found: C, 58.4; H, 6.3; N, 9.6
[0063] C
21H
27N
3S
2O
3 requires: C, 58.2; H, 6.2; N, 9.7%
EXAMPLE 30
[0064] Aqueous formaldehyde (3.6 g, 4 mmole) was added to a suspension of N-2,4-dimethylphenyl-N'-methyl-thiourea
(1.94 g, 2 mmole) in ethylene glycol (500 ml) followed by slow addition of a solution
of N,N-dimethyl-ethylenediamine (1.76 g, 2 mmole) in a little ethylene glycol. The
mixture was heated for 1 hour at 80 - 90°C and then cooled and poured into water.
The product was extracted into ether, the ether layer separated, washed with water,
dried and evaporated.
[0065] The crude product was chromatographed on a column of silica eluting with dichloromethane
containing 3% methanol to yield an oil which solidified on trituration with petroleum
ether (b.p. 40 - 60°C) to give 1-(2,4-dim ethylphenyl)-3-methyl-5-dimethylaminoethyl-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2
[1H] -thione (0.6 g, 20%), m.p. 65 - 70°C.
Analysis %:-
[0066] Found: C, 62.25; H, 8.6; N, 17.8
[0067] C
16H
26N
4S requires: C, 62.7; H, 8.5; N, 18.3%.
EXAMPLE 31
[0068] A solution of hydrogen chloride in ether was added to an ether solution of 1- (2,4-dimethylphenyl)
-3,5-dimethyl-tetrahyrlro -s-triazin-2 [1H] -thione. The mixture was allowed to stand
in the cold for 1 hour and the precipitated hydrochloride salt was collected, washed
with a little cold ether and dried, m.p. 164 - 165°C.
Analysis %:-
[0069] Found: C, 54.45; H, 7.6; N, 15.2;Cl, 12.6
[0070] C
13H
19N
3S.HCl requires:
C, 54.6;
H, 7.0; N, 14.7; Cl, 12.4
%.
1. Compounds of the formula:

wherein R is an alkyl, cycloalkyl, adamantyl, lower alkenyl, or a lower-alkynyl group
or a substituted-lower alkyl group wherein the substituent is a hydroxy, lower alkoxy,
lower alkanoyloxy, carbamoyloxy, N-lower alkyl-carbamoyloxy, N-cycloalkyl-carbamoyloxy,
N-aryl-carbamoyloxy, thiocarbamoyloxy, N-lower alkyl-thiocarbamoyloxy, N-cycloalkylthiocarbamoyloxy,
N-aryl-thiocarbamoyloxy, aryl-sulphonyloxy, mono- or di-lower alkyl-amino or an aryl
group;
R is a lower alkyl or hydroxy-methyl group;
and X is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group;
and acid addition salts thereof.
2, Compounds of the formula (I) as claimed in claim 1 wherein R is an alkyl, cycloalkyl,
lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, hydroxy-lower alkyl or an aryl-lower alkyl group and
R and X are as defined in claim 1.
3. Compounds as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein X is a lower alkyl group.
4. Compounds as claimed in claim 3 wherein X is a methyl group in the 4- position.
5. Compounds as claimed in any preceding claim wherein R is a methyl group.
6- Compounds as claimed in any preceding claim wherein R is a methyl, isopropyl or
t-butyl group.
7. 3-(2,4-Dimethylphenyl)-1,5-dimethyl-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2 [1H]-thione,
3-(2,4-Dimethylphenyl)-l-methyl-5-isopropyl-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H]-thione, or
3-(2,4-Dimethylphenyl)-1-methyl-5-t-butyl-tetrahydro-s-triazin-2[1H]-thione.
8. A process for preparing a compound of the formula (I) as defined in claim 1 which
comprises reaction of a thiourea of the formula:

wherein R
2 is hydrogen or lower alkyl and
X is as defined in claim 1; with an amine of the formula RNH
2, where R is as defined in claim 1, in the presence of formaldehyde; optionally acylating,
sulphonylating or reacting with potassium isocyanate or isothiocyanate or with a lower
alkyl, cycloalkyl or an aryl isocyanate or isothiocyanate the compound formed when
R is a hydroxy-lower alkyl group; and, in the case where
R2 is hydrogen reacting the product with formaldehyde; and, if desired forming the acid
addition salt of the product.
9. An acaricidal composition comprising an effective amount of a compound of the formula
(I) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7
together with a diluent or carrier.