Synthesis and Biological Activity of O,O-Dimethyl-2,6-Pyridinyl Diformyloxy Alkyl Phosphonates

In an attempt to discover novel compounds with high activity and low toxicity, a series of new O,O-dimethyl-2,6-pyridinyl diformyloxy alkyl phosphonates 4a-4p has been designed and synthesized by the reaction of 2,6-pyridinyl diformyloxy chloride with alpha-hydroxyalkyl phosphonate. The structures of all new compounds were characterized by elementary analysis, IR, (1)H NMR, and MS spectroscopies. The results of a preliminary bioassay indicate that some of the target compounds have obviously promotive action for plant growth against the stalk of barnyard grass.