Heterocyclic pentalene derivatives for use in combating microorganisms

Abstract

The invention provides a method of combating a microorganism which comprises allowing a heterocyclic pentalene derivative of general formula I ##STR1## wherein X represents an oxygen atom, a sulphur atom or an --SO-- moiety; Y represents a sulphur, selenium or tellurium atom, provided that when Y represents a selenium or tellurium atom X is an oxygen atom; and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together represent a --CH.sub.2 --C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 --CCl(CONH.sub.2)-- or --CH.sub.2 --A--CH.sub.2 -- linkage where A is a --CH.sub.2 --, --CH(CH.sub.3)-- or --S(O).sub.n -- moiety, where n is 0, 1 or 2; provided that when X is an oxygen atom and Y is a sulphur atom R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together represent a --CH.sub.2 --S(O).sub.n --CH.sub.2 -- linkage and when X is an --SO-- moiety and A is a S(O).sub.n --, n is 2; to act on the microorganism or its environment; and such derivatives for use as a therapeutic substance.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.