Novel aryloxyphenoxypropionate derivates containing benzofuran moiety: Design, synthesis, herbicidal activity, docking study and theoretical calculation

A series of novel aryloxyphenoxypropionate (APP) herbicides containing benzofuran moiety were designed, synthesized and tested for herbicidal activity. The bioassay results indicated that most of target compounds possessed moderate to good herbicidal activity against monocotyledonous weeds. Compounds 5a-5d and 6a-6d showed 100% control efficiency against crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) and barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) in both pre-emergence and post-emergence treatments at the dosage of 1500 g a.i. ha−1. Compound 6c was the most promising, with herbicidal activity better than clodinafop-propargyl. Molecular docking for compound 6c and its hydrolysis acid 1c were performed. ACCase activities of some compounds were also tested. Theoretical calculations for corresponding hydrolysis products 1a-1ewere carried out. Based on the results of molecular docking, enzyme activity test and theoretical calculation, the potential mechanism for herbicidal activity of these compounds was evaluated. [Display omitted] •A series of novel aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicides were designed,synthesized and tested for herbicidal activity.•The herbicidal activity of compound 6c was better than that of clodinafop-propargyl.•The potential mechanism of action has been proposed by molecular docking, enzyme activity test and theoretical calculation.•The results of this study will contribute to designing higher herbicidal activity compounds.