A process for the preparation of a compound of general formula ##STR1## wherein X represents a cyano group, a group --COOH or a salt, ester or amido derivative thereof, R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl group, R.sup.2 represents an optionally substituted alkyl or phenyl group, Z represents an alkyl group or a halogen atom and n represents 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, the process comprising reacting a compound of general formula ##STR2## with a first reactant capable of both dehydrating the amide group of said compound of general formula IV, to form a group X wherein X represents a cyano group, and reacting with the carboxy group of said compound of general formula IV to form a group with which a compound of general formula R.sup.1 R.sup.2 NH may react; subsequently reacting the resulting compound with a compound of general formula R.sup.1 R.sup.2 NH to form a compound of general formula III wherein X represents a cyano group; and optionally derivatizing that compound to form other compounds of general formula III, is disclosed.
The invention is directed to azoxycyanobenzene derivatives of the formula: ##STR1## wherein n is 0-3; each R represents halogen, nitro, cyano, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, or haloalkoxy; and each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represents an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, or aralkyl group. The compounds may be used as fungicides.
This invention relates to certain azoxycyanobenzene derivatives of the general formula. ##STR1## in which R represents an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl or heterocyclyl group; R.sup.1 represents a halogen atom, nitro, cyano or optionally substituted alkyl, alkoxy, aryl or aryloxy group; and R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen or halogen atom, nitro, cyano or optionally substituted alkyl or alkoxy group; process for their preparation, compositions containing such compounds and their use as fungicides.