Abstract: A granule suitable for aqueous spray application after tank mix dispersion or dissolution comprises an active ingredient or auxiliary agent, an inert filler and a water-swellable material wherein the water-swellable material is incorporated into the granule in a substantially dry form. Preferred water-swellable materials are non-ionic or predominantly non-ionic and an especially preferred water-swellable material is Xantham gum. The granules provide reduced sludge residues in the spray tank and are particularly well suited for use when housed in a water-soluble bag.

Abstract: Microcapsules containing a biologically active material which is sensitive to ultraviolet light are prepared which contain an ultraviolet light protectant selected from titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and mixtures thereof, suspended and thoroughly dispersed in a liquid.

Abstract: Methyl 2-(chloro- or bromomethyl)phenylacetate is prepared by treating 3-isochromanone with thionyl chloride or thionyl bromide in the presence of methanol.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel optionally substituted heterocyclic N-oxide compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein: R, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, A, X, Z and m are defined herein. In other aspects, this invention relates to herbicidal compositions containing a optionally substituted heterocyclic N-oxide compound or derivative thereof and an agriculturally acceptable carrier and to a method of controlling undesirable vegetation by applying to an area where control is desired an herbicidally effective amount of an optionally substituted heterocyclic N-oxide compound or derivative thereof.

Abstract: A compound of the following formula ##STR1## wherein M is an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal atom and a process for the preparation of the compound is provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing 4,6-dichloropyrimidine is described, comprising treating 4,6-dihydroxypyrimidine with phosphorus oxychloride in the presence of a saturated hindered amine, the hydrochloride salt of a saturated hindered amine, or an unsaturated 5-membered nitrogen containing ring or a mixture thereof, and, as a first step, directly extracting the 4,6-dichloropyrimidine so formed.

Abstract: A process for preparing 2-(6-substituted pyrid-2-yloxymethyl)phenyacetates especially useful as intermediates for producing agricultural fungicides. The invention provides a compound having the formula (I): wherein A and D are independently selected from the group comprising halo, hydroxy, halo(C.sub.1-4)alkyl, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, thio(C.sub.1-4)alkoxy, halo(C.sub.1-4)alkoxy, phenyl, phenoxy, nitro, amino, aclyamino, cyano, carboxy, C.sub.1-4 alkoxycarbonyl and C.sub.1-4 alkylcarbonyloxy, or D is C.sub.1-4 alkyl, and m is 0 or an integer of from 1 to 3. The process comprises treating a compound of formula (II): ##STR1## wherein A, D and m are defined as above and M is a metal atom, with a compound of formula (III): ##STR2## wherein L is a leaving group.

Abstract: Microcapsules containing a suspension of a soild, biologically active compound in an organic, water-immiscible liquid and processes for their preparation.

Abstract: New and useful herbicidal compositions comprising N-phosphonomethylglycineor an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, an ethoxylated alkyl glycoside surfactant, and an ethoxylated alcohol are provided.

Abstract: 3-Isochromanone is prepared by reacting o-tolyacetic acid with sulphuryl chloride in the presence of a free radical initiator, e.g. AIBN, followed by ring closure of the 2-chloromethylphenylacetic acid so formed with a base, e.g. potassium bicarbonate.

Abstract: A new and novel solid, microencapsulated product comprising a microencapsulated material contained within a cast, water-soluble, film-forming polymer and the process for preparing such product is disclosed.

Abstract: Microcapsules containing a suspension of a solid, biologically active compound in an organic, water-immiscible liquid and processes for their preparation.

Abstract: The trimethylsulphonium salt of N-phosphonomethylglycine is prepared by reacting N-phosphonomethylglycine, preferably in the form of a solid, with an aqueous solution of trimethylsulphonium carbonate or trimethylsulphonium bicarbonate or a mixture thereof. The trimethylsulphonium carbonate or trimethylsulphonium bicarbonate may be prepared by bubbling carbon dioxide through an aqueous solution of trimethylsulphonium hydroxide. It is possible to manufacture trimethylsulphonium carbonate or bicarbonate at one site and then transport them to a different site for local manufacture of N-phosphonomethylglycine in a relatively unsophisticated plant which produces minimal effluent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of 2-(pyrid-2-yloxymethyl)phenylacetates of formula (I) useful as intermediates for agricultural pesticides, which comprises reacting a 2-pyridine of formula (II), wherein L is a leaving group and A, D and m are as defined in the description with a compound MO--CH.sub.2 R where M is a metal atom and R is the residue of a metal salt of phenylacetic acid. It also includes the compounds MO--CH.sub.2 R, a process for their preparation and a "one-pot" process for the preparation of 2-(pyrid-2-yloxymethyl) phenylacetates from 3-isochromanone.

Abstract: A compatibility agent comprising a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide comprising about 30-80% ethylene oxide and about 20-70% propylene oxide which has been found useful for making pesticidal compositions compatible when combined.

Abstract: A process for preparing an aldehyde or ketone comprising reacting a primary or secondary alcohol with oxygen in the presence of a base, a catalytic amount of a copper salt and a suitable lignad under anhydrous conditions.

Abstract: Metal chelates of herbicidal dione compounds of the formula ##STR1## are chemically stable for long periods of time under normal as well as extreme temperature conditions. Chemically stable liquid herbicidal formulations containing metal chelates of the herbicidal compounds of formula (I) and water, an organic solvent or a liquid co-herbicide and processes for producing chemically stable herbicidal compositions containing such metal chelates are also described.

Abstract: A process for removing N-(phosphonomethylglycine) (glyphosate) or a salt or ionic form thereof from an aqueous mixture in which it is present, wherein the aqueous mixture is an effluent from a glyphosate manufacturing process, the process comprising adding to the mixture of ions capable of forming an insoluble or partially soluble complex glyphosate salt, and removing the complex salt from the mixture. An additional process permits recovery of glyphosate from the precipitate of complex salts by a process comprising forming an aqueous slurry of the precipitate having a pH greater than 8 and removing the resultant metal oxide from the slurry to give an aqueous solution containing glyphosate.

Abstract: A glyphosate composition comprises (I) N-phosphonomethylglycine or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, (ii) an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant, (iii) an ethoxylated alcohol, for example an ethoxylated alcohol obtained by ethoxylation of a linear or branched chain aliphatic mono alcohol having a chain length of from 8 to 20 carbon atoms and a mean degree of ethoxylation of from 2 to 50 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, and optionally (iv) an additional surfactant, and optionally (v) a humectant.

Abstract: A tethered ball practice device comprising a base member supported by a horizontal surface; a vertical support member supported by the base member; a retaining member connected to and supported by the vertical support member, wherein the retaining member includes structure for allowing orbital rotation of a ball about the vertical support member; and a tether assembly connected to and supported by the retaining member wherein the tether assembly comprises a tether cord having first and second ends, the first end connected to the retaining member, and structure for connecting the second end to the ball.