Antifouling Compounds And Use Thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of compounds which have the following general formula (I), wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 alkyl and H; and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently selected from hydroxy, optionally substituted C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl and H, in a method of preventing or reducing fouling, particularly in the marine environment. The compounds of the present invention have the considerable advantage of providing the antifouling coating market with an organic alternative to the existing technology which relies heavily on the addition of copper to obtain significant antifouling effects. The compounds we have developed may be used as cheap, easy to prepare additives that do not contain metals and therefore have reduced toxicity in marine environment. ##STR00001##