Process for the preparation of azoxycyanide compounds

Abstract

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of azoxycyanide compounds of the general formula ##STR1## in which R represents an optionally substituted aryl or heterocyclyl group, which comprises treating a compound of the general formula R--N.dbd.O (II) in which R is as defined above, with cyanamide or a metal salt thereof and a compound of the general formula ##STR2## in which R.sup.1 represents an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl group and R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl group or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together represent a group ##STR3## where m is 2, 3, 4 or 5, k is 0 or 1 and each of R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and X represents a chlorine, bromine or iodine atom or a cyano or --SO.sub.2 R.sup.5 group where R.sup.5 represents a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl group. Compounds of general formula I exhibit biocidal activity.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.