AbstractThe efficacies of nine structural analogues of the herbicide antidote naphthalene‐1,8‐dicarboxylic acid anhydride (naphthalic anhydride, NA) for the protection of maize (Zea maysL. cv. DeKalb XL72AA and DeKalb XL67) against injury by the herbicideS‐ethyl dipropyl(thiocarbamate) (EPTC) were elevated under greenhouse conditions. The chemical analogues of NA tested were: acenaphthenequinone (ACQ); 4‐aminonaphthalene‐1,8‐dicarboxylic acid anhydride (NH2NA); 1,8:4,5‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (NDiA); naphthalene‐ 1,8‐carboximide (NHNA); 4‐chloronaphthalene‐1,8‐dicarboxylic acid anhydride (C1NA); biphenyl‐2,2′‐dicarboxylic acid anhydride (diphenic anhydride; DA); 2‐phenylglutaric anhydride (PGA); phthalic anhydride (PHA); phenalen‐1‐one (PA). Pre‐plant incorporated applications of EPTC at 2.2, 4.5, 6.7, and 9.0 kg ha−1were highly toxic to XL67 maize. Appreciable injury to XL72AA maize by EPTC was observed only with the high rates of EPTC (6.7 and 9.0 kg ha−1). Of the analogues tested PGA and PA were very toxic and inhibited germination of both maize hybrids. NA, ACQ, NH2NA, NDiA, NHNA, C1NA, DA, and PHA applied as seed dressings at 5.0 and 10 g per kg of seed offered satisfactory protection to XL72AA maize against EPTC rates higher than 6.7 kg ha−1. The same antidotes significantly antagonised the EPTC activity against XL67 maize but the overall protection obtained was partial and not agronomically important. The presence of the dicarboxylic anhydride group and of at least one aromatic ring attached directly to the anhydride appeared to be essential for the exhibition of protective activity by the structural analogues of NA. NA was slightly toxic to both hybrids of maize and chlorination of NA increased the phytotoxicity of this molecule. A genetic component that is present in the thiocarbamate‐tolerant XL72AA hybrid but absent from the thiocarbamate‐susceptible XL67 hybrid of maize appeared to be important for the phytotoxic activity of EPTC and may be involved in the protect