Uses
Napropamide M is an amide chiral herbicide used in the control of the most noxious weeds like Echinochloa crus-galli causing yield losses of agricultural produce.
Definition
ChEBI: The (R)-enantiomer of N,N-diethyl-2-(naphthalen-1-yloxy)propanamide.
Production Methods
Napropamide M, the resolved (R) enantiomer of napropamide, is produced commercially through a synthesis and resolution process typical of chiral acetamide herbicides. The production begins with the preparation of the substituted naphthylamine precursor, which is acylated using 2 methoxy N naphthylacetamide intermediates to form racemic napropamide. The racemate is then subjected to enantioselective resolution, either by chiral chromatography, crystallization with resolving agents, or asymmetric synthesis using chiral catalysts, to isolate the pure (R) isomer.
Mechanism of action
Selective, systemic, absorbed through roots and translocated. Acts by preventing root cell elongation and so disrupting growth. Inhibition of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA, inhibition of cell division)
