In an attempt to find high efficient, safe and economical herbicidal compounds, a series of novel 2-[2-(alkoxycarbonylphenoxycarbonyl)phenoxy]-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidines were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by IR, ¹H NMR, LC/MS spectra and elemental analysis. Preliminary bioassay showed that the title compounds had larger than 90% control herbicidal activity against Abutilon theophrasti, Echinochloa crus-galli and Setaria viridis at 2250 g/ha. Especially 5b, 5e and 5h also had larger than 90% control herbicidal activity at 187.5 g/ha.

Key words: benzoate, synthesis, salicylic acid ester, herbicidal activity