Abstract: Herbicidal compounds, compositions containing them, and a method for controlling weeds by application of the compositions are disclosed. The herbicidal compounds are 2-?(4-heterocyclic-phenoxymethyl)phenoxy!alkanoates of the formula ##STR1## in which A is a derivative of an alkanoate bonded to the phenoxy oxygen at the alpha carbon; X is hydrogen, methyl, fluorine, or chlorine; Y is hydrogen; W is oxygen or sulfur; Z is hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, lower alkyl, or methoxy; Z' is hydrogen, fluorine, or chlorine; and the group AO-- may be in the 2, 3, or 4-position of the phenyl ring.