Abstract A series of novel types of 7-(4, 6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl) oxy-and-thio-3-methyl-1 (3H)-isobenzofuranones were discovered at Dr R Maag AG. From the thio-isobenzofuranyl series, CGA 279 233—BSI-proposed common name pyriftalid—was chosen for further development as a grass herbicide for use in rice. General synthetic approaches to these new phthalic acid-derived compounds are given, with emphasis on the synthesis of ...