Abstract: Clethodim, known for its high efficacy, low toxicity, broad herbicidal spectrum, extended application window, and safety to subsequent crops, has become a representative cyclohexenone herbicide.?5-[2-(Ethylthio)propyl]-2-propionyl-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one?(abbreviated as?Jing-Santong), a key intermediate of clethodim, faces challenges in traditional batch synthesis, such as low reaction efficiency and high energy consumption.This study developed a?continuous-flow microchannel technology?for the critical synthesis steps. By optimizing the?cyclization and hydrolysis processes, the reaction time was reduced from?90 min to 4.8 min, achieving a?65.2% yield?and?95.2% purity. The novel process significantly improves?reaction efficiency?and?product quality, offering a promising approach for the?industrial production of clethodim.

Key words: Herbicide, Clethodim, Microchannel continuous flow technology, Synthesis process