A facile synthesis of novel optically active R,R-2-(4-(2-(4-(5-chloro-3-halo-pyridin-2-yloxy)-phenoxy)-propionyloxy)-phenoxy)-propionic acid esters using cyanuric chloride as potential herbicide

A facile method for the synthesis of a new series of R,R-2-(4-(2-(4-(5-chloro-3-halopyridin-2-yloxy)-phenoxy)-propionyloxy)-phenoxy)-propionic acid ester derivatives containing a halo-substituted pyridine carrying two R,R chiral centers from (R)-2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)propionic acid, halopyridines and alcohols using base/cyanuric chloride/catalyst system is reported. Their herbicidal activities against grass weeds and crops selectivity were evaluated.