Preparation of benzyl and aryl esters of n-phosphonomethylglycines, herbicidal compositions and use thereof

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Alkyl-di(benzyl) or di(aryl)esters of N-phosphonomethyl glycine are produced by the reaction of a dibenzyl or diaryl phosphite with an N-methylene alkyl glycinate trimer. The esters and the hydrolysis products thereof containing at least one benzyloxy or aryloxy group bonded to phosphorus are novel compounds having the formula, wherein R is a member of the group consisting of phenyl benzyl, naphthyl, biphenylyl, benzyloxyphenyl and phenyl benzyl or, naphthyl groups substituted with from 1 to 3 groups selected from the class consisting of hydroxyl, lower alkyl lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, trifluoromethyl carbo (lower alkoxy), nitro, or halo; R1 is hydrogen or an R group and R2 is a lower …