[N,N-Di-(1-ethylpropyl)amides of benzoic and naphthoic acids having phytotoxic activity]

N,N-di-(1-ethylpropyl)amides of benzoic and naphthoic acids suitable substituted in the nucleus were prepared and tested for selective phytotoxic activity in both pre- and post-emergence tests against some weed species. All the amides tested showed good generic phytotoxicity, often with good selectivity, on absorbance through the roots of graminaceous weeds. The nature and degree of phytotoxic activity was influenced by the nature, position and number of substituents on the aromatic nucleus. Confirmation was again obtained of the importance of alpha-substitution in the two alkyl substituents on the amide nitrogen in producing selective phytotoxic activity.