Transformations of the Herbicide N-(1,1-dimethylpropynyl)-3,5-dichlorobenzamide in Soil

Abstract

Transformation of N-(1,1-dimethylpropynyl)-3,5-dichlorobenzamide (compound I) in soil occurs readily and two products are produced, initial cyclization giving 2-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-5-methyleneoxazoline (compound II) followed by subsequent hydrolysis to N-(1,1-dimethylacetonyl)-3,5-dichlorobenzamide (compound III). These transformations can be brought aboutin vitro, the first step by means of acid or base, and the second by extended treatment with acid. The rate of cyclization and hydrolysis of compound I varies directly with soil temperature, being rapid at high temperature (37 C) and very slow at low temperature (5 C). The rate of chemical change of compound I in soil is influenced to a much greater degree by temperature than by soil moisture content. The effect of soil type on transformation of compound I was studied and compounds II and III were present in five of the six soils examined. The herbicidal activity of compounds II and III was negligible in comparison to compound I.