Synthesis and Plant Growth-inhibitory Activity of Methyl 3-(Alkylthio)carbonylthiazolidine-dine-4(R)-carboxylates

A new series of 3-(alkylthio)carbonyl derivatives of methyl thiazolidine-4(R)-carboxylate were synthesized, and they inhibited growth of the roots of Brassica campestris L. subsp. rapa Hook. fil. et Anders. Among them, the S-cyclopentyl derivative was the strongest inhibitor. These compounds, except for a n-octylthio derivative, decreased chlorophyll contents in the cotyledons of this plant as compared with the control.