A series of herbicidal molecules derived from 3-acetyl-4-hydroxy-5-sec-butylpyrroline-2-ketone, a natural substance, and their potential use in agriculture for weed control. Through the modification of the 5-sec-butyl hydrocarbon chain and 3-acetyl group and the analysis of their biological functioning, newly designed molecules are superior to the original compound in herbicidal activity. These molecules inhibit the photosynthesis of the plants. The treated plants show significant damage in 24 hours and die within 3-5 days after the chemical treatment. In addition, the new molecule has relatively simple structure, they are easy to make and they have better physical properties. They are broad-spectrum, high potency herbicides.
