| Abstract: | Amino‐substituted derivatives of 2‐ethyl‐1,3,4(2H)‐isoquinolinetrione have been prepared with the aim of enhancing their hydrolytic stabilities relative to other isoquinolinetriones, and hence potentially improving their herbicidal effects. 5‐Amino‐2‐ethyl‐1,3,4(2H)‐isoquinolinetrione has been shown to be 12 and 8 times more stable towards hydrolysis than the isomeric 7‐ and 8‐amino derivatives, respectively, and 120 times more stable than 2‐ethyl‐1,3,4(2H)‐isoquinolinetrione itself. Pulse radiolysis studies have shown 5‐amino‐2‐ethyl‐1,3,4(2H)‐isoquinolinetrione to have free‐radical properties which could enhance the generation of superoxide radicals in plants. The compound is a potent stimulator of the light‐dependent consumption of oxygen at photosystem I in isolated chloroplasts and also shows high activity in isolated leaf discs. Evidence is presented which indicates that the rate of foliar uptake is a major factor affecting herbicidal activity for this compound. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry |
