Abstract: The present invention concerns improved crystalline metal complexes of the fungicide 1-[N-propyl-N-2-(2,4,6-trichlorophenoxy)-ethyl carbamoyl]-imidazole, known by the common name prochloraz, its improved formulations and their use in combatting fungi, especially powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginia) and coffee berry disease (Colletotrichum coffeanum).

Abstract: N-n-propyl-N-2-(2,4,6-trichlorophenoxy)-ethylamine is prepared by selectively chlorinating 2-phenoxy ethanol by reacting it with chlorine either in the presence of hydrogen chloride at a temperature of from -10.degree. C. to 50.degree. C. or in the presence of urea at a temperature of from 20.degree. C. to 55.degree. C. in a water/carbon tetrachloride solvent mixture to form 2-(2,4,6-trichlorophenoxy)ethanol; reacting the 2-(2,4,6-trichlorophenoxy)ethanol with thionyl chloride in the presence of a catalytic amount of tetraalkyl ammonium chloride, optionally in the presence of a solvent to form 2-(2,4,6-trichlorophenoxy)ethyl chloride; and reacting the 2-(2,4,6-trichlorophenoxy) ethyl chloride with n-propylamine at a temperature of from 20.degree. C. to 150.degree. C., optionally in the presence of water to form N-n-propyl-N-2-(2,4,6-trichlorophenoxy) ethyl amine.