A method of forming a compound of formula (I) is provided. Some embodiments of the compound of formula (I) are known to have herbicidal activity.




The method comprises combining a compound of formula (II) and a compound of formula (IIIa) or (IIIb), or a salt or ester thereof:




in a liquid mixture comprising the compounds of formula (II), formula (IIIa) or (IIIb), water, a non-aqueous solvent, a surfactant, a catalyst, and a ligand at certain temperature, pH, and HLB ranges to form a chemical reaction product mixture comprising the compound of formula (I) and by-products.