[0001] This invention relates to substituted carbamates, preparation thereof and use thereof
as insecticides for the control of pestiferous insects.
[0002] Belgian Patent No. 848,912, granted May 21, 1977, relates to insecticidal symmetrical
bis-carbamoyl sulfide compounds of the following general formula:

wherein:
R is:

and
R' is alkyl containing from one to four carbon atoms. Among the numerous compounds
which are included in the Belgian Patent are those wherein R2 is.alkyl, optionally substituted with one or more alkylthio groups, and wherein R3 is hydrogen alkyl or alkoxy. The patentee states, however, that while compounds according
to the above formula wherein R2 is an alkylthioalkyl substituent and R3 is hydrogen exhibit good pesticidal activity, their mammalian toxicity is unacceptably
high.
[0003] U.S. Patent 4,004,031 issued January 18, 1977, discloses insecticidal compounds of
the formula:

wherein R is an alkyl group of one to five carbons.
[0004] U.S. Patent 3,576,834 issued April 27, 1971, relates to insecticidal compounds having
the structure:

such as methomyl.
[0005] This invention relates to compounds of Formula I, their preparation, to insecticidal
compositions containing them and to the method of using said compounds as insecticides.

wherein
R is a branched or straight chain alkyl group of 1-3 carbon atoms or CH2OCH3;
R, is a branched or straight chain alkyl group of 1-3 carbon atoms;
R2 is -CH2CH2-,

or -CH2CH2ZCH2CH2-; and Z is oxygen or sulfur.
[0006] Compounds which are preferred for their high insecticidal activity are those compounds
of Formula I wherein
R is methyl or ethyl; and
R1 is methyl.
More preferred for their higher insecticidal activity are those compounds of Formula
I wherein
R is methyl;
R1 is methyl; and
R2 is -CH2CH2-.
[0007] Specifically preferred for its outstanding insecticidal activity is dimethyl N,N'[[l,2-ethane-
diylbis[thio(methylimino)carbonyloxy]]]bis(ethaneimidothioate).
[0008] The compounds of Formula I can be prepared, as shown in Equation A, by reacting preferably
at least two moles of a substituted N-(aminocarbonyloxy)-alkanimidothioic acid ester
of Formula II with one mole of an alkane disulfenyl halide of Formula III in the presence
of a base:

wherein R, R
1, and R
2 are as previously defined and X is halogen.
[0009] The reaction can be carried out in any organic solvent which is inert to the reactants
and the reaction products, e.g. methylene chloride, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform,
1,2-dichlorethane, acetonitrile, benzene, toluene, the xylenes, acetone or methyl
ethyl ketone. Mixtures of such solvents can also be used. A base which will function
as an acid acceptor can be used in synthesizing the compounds of this invention.
[0010] The process can be carried out at a temperature of between about -20° and 60°C, preferably
between about -5° and 40°C. Pressure is not critical; for convenience, atmospheric
pressure is preferred.
[0011] Preparation of the compounds of Formula II used as starting materials is described
in U.S. Patents 3,574,736; 3,576,834 and 3,787,470.
[0012] In the compounds of Formula III, chlorine is the preferred halogen for economic reasons,
and those compounds can be prepared by a suitable modification of the methods described
in the Journal of Heterocvclic Chemistry, 6, 629 (1969). Alkane sulfenyl halides,
such as those of Formula III wherein X is fluorine, bromine, or iodine, are also known
and may be prepared by the methods reviewed in Synthesis, 11, 561-580 (1970). In the
examples which follow, which are ill
ustrat- ive only, temperatures are given in degrees centigrade.
Example 1
Ethane-1,2-bisthioacetate
[0013] To a solution of 141 g of sodium methoxide in 1 ℓ of absolute ethanol, under a dry
nitrogen atmosphere, was added 200 g of thiolacetic acid dropwise with stirring over
a period of 20 minutes. Ethylene dibromide (229.2 g) was then added and the reaction
heated to reflux for five hours. The reaction mixture was cooled, sodium bromide was
filtered off, and the ethanol was removed under vacuum. The residue was taken up in
diethyl ether, washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and the crude
product isolated by distillation of the diethyl ether solvent. After recrystallization
from hexanes, the product, ethane-1,2-bisthiolacetate, melted at 68-70°.
Example 2
Ethane-1,2-Disulfenyl Chloride
[0014] Sulfuryl chloride (54 g) was added dropwise to a solution of 35.6 g of ethane-l,2-bisthiolacetate
in 200 ml of methylene chloride at ambient temperature. After stirring for 45 minutes
at room temperature the methylene chloride solvent and volatile by-products were removed
by vacuum distillation of 0°. The yellow product, ethane-l,2-disulfenyl chloride,
melted at 32-34°.
Example 3
Dimethyl N,N'[[1,2-ethanediylbis[thio(methylimino)-carbonyloxy]]]bis(ethanimidothioate)
[0015] A solution of 6.5 g of N-(methylaminocarbonyloxy)-ethanimidothioic acid, methyl ester,
in 50 ml methylene chloride and 2.0 ml of pyridine was prepared. To that solution
was added dropwise 28 gm of ethane-l,2-disulfenyl chloride,dissolved in 25 ml of methylene
chloride, with stirring over a period of 10 minutes. The reaction was slightly exothermic.
After stirring for about 16 hours at ambient temperature, the reaction mixture was
washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and the crude product isolated.
by distilling off the methylene chloride solvent. After recrystallization from ethyl
alcohol followed by recrystallization from acetonitrile, the product, dimethyl N,N'-[[1,2-ethanediylbis[thio(methylimino)carbonyloxy]]]bis(ethan-
imidothioate), melted at 176-179°.
[0016] By reacting equivalent amounts of other compounds of Formula II with compounds of
Formula III using the procedures of Examples 1, 2, and 3, the following, compounds
of Formula I can be prepared

Formulation
[0017] Useful formulations of the compounds of Formula I can be prepared in conventional
ways. They include dusts, granules, pellets, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, wettable
powders, emulsifiable concentrates and the like. Many of these may be applied directly.
Sprayable formulations can be extended in suitable media and used at spray volumes
of from a few pints to several hundred gallons per acre. High strength compositions
are primarily used as intermediates for further formulation. The formulations, broadly,
contain e.g. about 1% to 99% by weight of active ingredient(s) and at least one of
(a) e.g. about 0% to 20% surfactant(s) and (b) e.g. about 1% to 99% solid or liquid
diluent(s). More specifically, they will contain these ingredients in the following
approximate proportions:

[0018] Lower or higher levels of active ingredient can, of course, be present depending
on the intended use and the physical properties of the compound. Higher ratios of
surfactant to active ingredient are sometimes desirable, and are achieved by incorporation
into the formulation or by tank mixing.
[0019] Typical solid diluents are described in Watkins, et al., "Handbook of Insecticide
Dust Diluents and Carriers," 2nd Edn., Dorland Books, Caldwell, N.J. The more absorptive
diluents are preferred for wettable powders and the denser ones for dusts. Typical
liquid diluents and solvents are described in Marsden, "Solvents Guide," 2nd Edn.,
Interscience, New York, 1950. Solubility under 0.1% is preferred for suspension concentrates;
solution concentrates are preferably stable against phase separation at 0°C. "McCutcheon's
Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual," McCutcheon Division, MC Publishing Co., Ridgewood,
New Jersey, as well as Sisely and Wood, "Encyclopedia of Surface Active Agents," Chemical
Publ. Co., Inc., New York, 1964, list surfactants and recommended uses. All formulations
can contain minor amounts of additives to reduce foam, caking, corrosion, microbiological
growth, etc.
[0020] The methods of making such compositions are well known. Solutions are prepared by
simply mixing the ingredients. Fine solid compositions are made by blending and, usually,
grinding as in a hammer or fluid energy mill. Suspensions are prepared by wet milling
(see, for example, Littler, U.S. Patent 3,060,084). Granules and pellets may be made
by spraying the active material upon preformed granular carriers or by agglomeration
techniques.
[0021] See J. E. Browning, "Agglomeration," Chemical Engineering, Dec. f, 1967, pp. 147ff.
and "Perry's Chemical Engineer's Handbook," 4th Edn., McGraw-Hill, N.Y., 1963, pp.
8-59ff.
[0022] For further information regarding the art of formulation, see for example:
J. B. Buchanan, U.S. Patent 3,576,834 April 27, 1971, Col. 5, line 36 throush Col.
7, line 70 and Exs. 1-4, 17, 106, 123-140.
R. R. Shaffer, U.S. Patent 3,560,616, Feb. 2, 1971, Col. 3, line 48 through Col. 7,
line 26 and Exs. 3-9, 11-18.
E. Somers, "Formulation," Chapter 6 in Torgeson, "Fungicides," Vol. I, Academic Press,
New York, 1967.
Example 4
Wettable Powder
[0023]

[0024] The ingredients are thoroughly blended, passed through an air mill, to produce an
average particle size under 15 microns, reblended, and sifted through a U.S.S. No.
50 sieve (0.3 mm opening) before packaging.
[0025] All compounds of the invention may be formulated in the same manner.
Example 5
Wettable Powder
[0026]

The ingredients are blended, coarsely hammer milled and then air milled to produce
particles of active ingredient essentially all below 10 microns in diameter. The product
is reblended before packaging
Example 6
Wettable Powder
[0027]

[0028] The ingredients are thoroughly blended. The liquid surfactant is added by spraying
upon the solid ingredients in the blender. After grinding in a hammer mill to produce
particles essentially all below 100 microns, the material is reblended and sifted
through a U.S.S. No. 50 sieve (0.3 mm opening) and packaged.
Example 7
Aqueous Suspension
[0029]

[0030] The ingredients are ground together in a ball or roller mill until the solid particles
have been reduced to diameters under 10 microns.
Example 8
Oil Suspension
[0031]

[0032] The ingredients are ground together in a sand mill until the solid particles have
been reduced to under about 5 microns. The resulting thick suspension may be applied
directly, but preferably after being extended with oils or emulsified in water.
Example 9
Granule
[0033]

(U.S.S. No. 20-40; 0.84-0.42 mm) A slurry of wettable powder containing 50% solids
is sprayed on the surface of attapulgite granules in a double-cone blender. The granules
are dried and packaged.
Example 10
Extruded Pellet
[0034]

[0035] The ingredients are blended, hammer-milled and then moistened with about 12% water.
The mixture is extruded as cylinders about 5 mm diameter which are cut to produce
pellets about 3 mm long. These may be crushed to pass a U.S.S. No. 20 sieve (0.84
mm opening). The granules held on a U.S.S. No. 40 sieve (0.42 mm opening) may be packaged
for use and the fines recycled.
Example 11
High Strength Concentrate
[0036]

[0037] The ingredients are blended and ground in a hammer mill to produce a high-strength
concentrate essentially all passing a U.S.S. No. 50 sieve (0.3 mm opening). This material
may then be formulated in a variety of ways.
Example 12
Dust
[0038]

[0039] The ingredients are thoroughly blended and packaged for use.
Example 13
Emulsifiable Concentrate
[0040]

[0041] The ingredients are combined and stirred to. produce a solution which can be emulsified
in water for application.
Example 14
Emulsifiable Concentrate
[0042]

[0043] The ingredients are combined and stirred with gentle warming to speed solution. A
fine screen filter is included in packaging operation to ensure the absence of any
extraneous undissolved material in the product.
Use
[0044] The compounds of this invention are useful for control of insects which are detrimental
to agriculture.
[0045] As demonstrated in Examples 16 to 18 below, improved residual insecticidal properties
as well as decreased phytotoxicity are obtained with a formulation containing a compound
of Formula I.
[0046] The compounds readily control pestiferous insects belonging to such orders as Lepidoptera,
Coleoptera, and Diptera. More specifically, insects controlled by the compounds of
this invention include but are not limited to: cotton bollworm (Heliothis zea), tobacco
budworm (Heliothis virescens), southern armyworm (Spodoptera eridania), beet armyworm
(Spodoptera exigua), soybean looper (Pseudoplusia includens), Mexican bean beetle
(Epilachna varivestis), and the house fly (Musca domestica).
[0047] The insects are controlled by applying the compound to the locus of infestation,
to the area to be protected, or to the pests themselves. For the control of insects
in agricultural crops, a compound of Formula I is generally applied to the foliage
or other plant parts which are infested or which are to be protected. Effective amounts
to be applied depend upon the species to be controlled, its life stage, its size and
location, the amount of rainfall, the time of year, moisture, temperature, type of
application, and other variables. In general, 0.1 to 10 kg/ha may be required for
insect control in agriculture with rates of .2 to 4 kg/ha usually being sufficient
in many situations. In large-scale field operations, rates in the range of 1/4 to
2 kg/ha are generally used.
[0048] The compounds of this invention will generally be used in formulation with a carrier
that commonly will contain oil or water. Applications may be made with
' concentrated or dilute suspensions of the insecticide in the carrier. Low-volume
applications utilizing dispersions containing about 20% of the active ingredient may
be preferred by some applicators while others may prefer dilute suspensions containing
only 25 ppm in high-volume applications.
[0049] The compounds of this invention possess significant advantages over prior art compounds,
e.g fewer applications are required to provide a given level of insect control due
to this distinctly longer residual insecticidal action. Use of fewer applications
results in greater economy to the grower and dissemination of less insecticide in
the environment. An additional advantage is lower phytotoxicity to cotton.
[0050] Conventionally, the compounds will be incorporated into a formulation in a known
manner with incorporation of other components such as (a) surfactants, (b) diluents,
(c) additives to reduce foam or corrosion, or (d) preservatives to control microbiological
growth.
[0051] The compounds of this invention can be mixed with fungicides, bactericides, acaricides,
nematicides, other insecticides, or other biologically active compounds in order to
achieve desired results with a minimum expenditure of time, effort and material. Amounts
of these biologically active materials added for each part by weight of the composition
of this invention may vary from 0.05 to 25 parts by weight. Suitable agents of this
type are well-known to those skilled in the art. Some are listed below:
fungicides:
[0052]
methyl 2-benzimidazolecarbamate;
tetramethyl thiuram disulfide (thiuram);
n-dodecylguanidine acetate (dodine);
manganese ethylenebisdithiocarbamate (maneb);
1,4-dichloro-2,5-dimethoxybenzene (chloroneb);
methyl 1-(butylcarbamoyl)-2-benzimidazolecarbamate (benomyl);
N-trichloromethylthiotetrahydrophthalimide (captan);
N-trichloromethylthiophthalimide (folpet);
Bactericides:
[0053]
tribasic copper sulfate;
streptomycin sulfate;
Acaricides:
[0054]
senecioic acid, ester with 2-sec-butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol (Morocide®);
6-methyl-l,3-dithiolo[4,5-b]quinoxalin-2-one (Morestan®); ethyl 4,4'-dichlorobenzilate
(Folbex®);
l,l-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane (Kelthane®);
bis(pentachloro-2,4-cyclopentadien-lyl) (Pentac®); tricyclohexyl tinhydroxide (cyhexatin);
Nematicides:
[0055]
S-methyl l-(dimethylcarbamoyl)-N-(methylcarbamoyloxy)-thioformimidate (oxamyl);
S-methyl l-carbamoyl-N-(methylcarbamoyloxy)thiofor- mimidate;
N-isopropylphosphoramidic acid, O-ethyl-O'-[4-(methyl- thio)-m-tolyl]diester (fenamiphos);
Insecticides:
[0056]
methylcarbamic acid, ester with 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranol (Furadan®);
0-[2,4,5-trichloro-α-(chloromethyl)benzyl]phosphoric acid, O',O'-dimethyl ester (tetrachlorvinphos);
0-ethyl-0-(4-nitrophenyl)phenylphosphonothioate (EPN); octachlorocamphene (toxaphene);
cyano(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl-4-chloro-alpha-(1-methylethyl)benzeneacetate (Pydrin
™);
(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl(±)-cis,trans-3-(2,2-dichloro-, ethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate
(Ambush®);
3-phenoxybenzyl-dl-cis,trans-chrysanthemate (phenothrin);
2-mercaptosuccinic acid, diethyl ester, S-ester with thionophosphoric acid, dimethyl
ester (malathion);
phosphorothioic acid, O,O-dimethyl, O-p-nitrophenyl ester (methyl parathion);
methylcarbamic acid, ester with α-naphthol (carbaryl);
methyl N-(methylaminocarbonyloxy)ethaneimidothioate (methomyl);
N'-(4-chloro-o-tolyl)-N,N-dimethylformamidine (chlordimeform);
O,O-diethyl-O-(2-isopropyl-4-methyl-6-pyrimidylphosphoro- thioate (Diazinon®);
O,S-dimethylacetylphosphoramidothioate (acephate);
O,S-dimethylphosphoramidothioate (methamidophos).
Example 15
[0057] The foliage only of red kidney bean plants in the two-leaf stage was sprayed to run-off
with aqueous dispersions of dimethyl N,N'-[[1,2-ethanediylbis[thio-(methylimino)carbonyloxy]]]bis(ethanimidothioate)
(I) at the dilutions indicated. The sprays contained Duponol L-144-WDG (sulfonated
oleyl acetate surfactant) at a concentration of 1:3000. After drying, a single leaf
from each treated plant was excised and placed in a covered 20 x 100 mm Petri dish
containing a moistened filter paper and 10 southern armyworm (SAW) larvae approximately
13 mm in length. The test was conducted in duplicate. Insect mortality was evaluated
two days later and is recorded below.

Example 16
[0058] The plants from the test described in Example 1 were kept in a growth room at 77
± 2°F and 53 + 5% relative himidity for 7 days. At the end of that period of time
the remaining cotyledonary leaf from each bean plant was placed singly in a Petri
dish with southern armyworms as previously described. Insect mortality was again read
2 days later and is set forth below.

Example 17
[0059] Cotton plants approximately 22 cm in height having 3-4 true leaves were sprayed to
run-off with an aqueous dispersion of dimethyl N,N'-[[1,2-ethane- diylbis[thio(methylimino)carbonyloxy]]]bis(ethanimi-
dothioate) (I) at a concentration of 0.05%. The spray contained Duponol L-144-WDG
at a concentration of 1:3000. Another set of plants was similarly treated with methomyl.
Plant injury was evaluated 6 days after treatment and is recorded below.
