Nitro-diphenyl ethers

Abstract

Nitrodiphenyl ether derivatives of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein X stands for Cl, F, CH.sub.3 or CF.sub.3, n is an integer of 1-3 with the proviso that X may be the same or different when n is 2 or 3 but X.sub.n should not be 2,4-dichloro substituent, Are valuable as herbicides possessing an excellent herbicidal activity to a wide variety of undesirable weeds with an extremely low toxicity to useful crops. These nitrodiphenyl ether derivatives are prepared by hydroxyethylation of a compound of the above general formula except that a halogen atom is present in place of nitro group and subsequent halogenation of the .beta.-hydroxyethoxy group of the resulting compound.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.