The key intermediate alpha-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenoxy)-m-toluic acid (IV) is prepared from methyl m-toluate (I) by bromination with N-bromosuccinimide in the presence of benzoyl peroxide, then condensation with 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol, followed by basic hydrolysis. The carboxylic acid group of compound (IV) is converted to dimethylamide (VI) via acyl chloride (V). The nitro intermediate (VI) is hydrogenated over platinum oxide in 2-methoxyethanol. The resulting amine (VII) is then condensed with cyanoguanidine and acetone in the presence of ethanesulfonic acid to give triazinate.