Fourteen 2-(1-anilinobutylidene)-5,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-ones were prepared by condensation of 2-butanoyl-5,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one with various substituted anilines in good yield. These were tested for herbicidal activity against six different submerged paddy weed species. Most compounds showed significant activity against Echinochloa crus galli and Sagittaria pygmaea with excellent tolerance to rice.