Abstract: N-Acyl sarcosinates, when combined at relatively low concentrations with 2-amino-4-(hydroxymethyl phosphinyl) butanoic herbicide (glufosinate) as an adjuvant, provide for beneficial herbicide formulations exhibiting excellent activity, little or no phytotoxicity (including aquatic toxicity), and low irritancy (including ocular irritancy).

Abstract: Mild detergent formulation comprising N-acyl ED3A, preferably as the sodium or potassium salt. The acyl group is not particularly limited, and can include straight or branched aliphatic or aromatic groups containing from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Applications include shampoos and skin cleansers.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of phosphonomethylglycine in nearly quantitative yields which eliminates the use of a noble metal co-catalyst and its concomitant problems. The oxygen-containing gas is replaced with the much more chemically active hydrogen peroxide, which in combination with activated carbon, oxidizes the PMIDA to PMG in very high yield. The amount of oxidant allowed to react with PMIDA is a function of the concentration of oxygen in the gaseous reaction products, and is controlled by monitoring that concentration. In another embodiment, the oxidizing agent is an oxygen-containing gas. In either case, the concentration of oxygen in the gaseous reaction product is monitored to determine the end point of the reaction.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of phosphonomethylglycine in high yields is disclosed. In accordance with the process of the present invention, alkali metal IDA, such as disodium IDA, is reacted with a strong mineral acid, such as HCl, to convert the salt of IDA to IDA. The IDA is then converted to soluble IDA phosphite salt by the addition of phosphorous acid, and the alkali metal salt of the strong acid is precipitated. The phosphite salt of IDA is phosphonomethylated, such as by the addition of PCl.sub.3 and formaldehyde. Optionally, phosphorous trichloride can be hydrolyzed to provide the phosphorous acid source for phosphonomethylation of the phosphite salt.

Abstract: Novel thioglycerol derivatives, processes for their manufacture, and optical materials made from such compounds. The thioglycerol derivatives have high concentrations of sulfur relative to compounds conventionally used for optical materials, and thus exhibit high refractive indices without sacrificing processability.

Abstract: Compositions including one or more enzymes and as the compatible chelating surfactant, salts of N-acyl ethylenediaminetriacetic acid ("ED3A"). Salts of N-acyl ED3A do not readily denature various enzymes, and thus are highly compatible with such enzymes, and enhance their detergent effectiveness to an unexpected degree.

Abstract: Plant micronutrient compounds comprising N-acyl ED3A or salts thereof. The N-acyl ED3A derivatives chelate various trace metals, including iron, copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt and nickel.

Abstract: An adjuvant for glyphosate having increased activity, lower irritancy and lower toxicity than conventional adjuvants, and method of controlling weeds using the same. The adjuvant is C.sub.8 to C.sub.22 sarcosinate or sarcosinate salt, such as sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, or combinations thereof, which is combined with glyphosate in low concentrations and provides effective activity.

Abstract: Novel thioglycerol derivatives, processes for their manufacture, and optical materials made from such compounds. The thioglycerol derivatives have high concentrations of sulfur relative to compounds conventionally used for optical materials, and thus exhibit high refractive indices without sacrificing processability.

Abstract: Plant micronutrient compounds comprising N-acyl ED3A or salts thereof. The N-acyl ED3A derivatives chelate various trace metals, including iron, copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt and nickel.

Abstract: A pesticidal composition including isocyanate capped high molecular weight diols, triols and polyols. A pesticide and water are combined with hydrophilic isocyanate end-capped prepolymers in order to significantly improve the efficacy of the pesticide. The liquid pesticidal compositions of the present invention can be prepared by simply mixing the various constituents. The order of addition can be used effectively to cap free isocyanate groups in the hydrophilic prepolymer.

Abstract: Compositions including one or more enzymes and as the compatible chelating surfactant, salts of N-acyl ethylenediaminetriacetic acid ("ED3A"). Salts of N-acyl ED3A do not readily denature various enzymes, and thus are highly compatible with such enzymes, and enhance their detergent effectiveness to an unexpected degree.

Abstract: Process for the production of TMEDA in high yield by reducing 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane with hydrogen in the presence of a chromium promoted Raney cobalt catalyst. A solution of 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane in a suitable solvent is fed to a reactor while avoiding the accumulation of 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane in the reaction medium, such as by feeding it at a rate no greater than its rate of reaction with hydrogen. In a preferred embodiment, the resulting TMEDA is recovered by converting it to an amine salt by sparging carbon dioxide through the solution.

Abstract: A method of preparing acylated .alpha.-amino carboxylic acid amides directly from amino nitriles in high yield and purity. The method involves acylating the amino nitrile with an acyl halide under Schotten-Baumann conditions, and hydrolyzing the resulting nitrile to the amide. The resulting acylated amino carboxylic acid amide precipitates and can be isolated by filtration in high purity.

Abstract: A process of preparing alkali metal N-acyl amino acids, especially sodium N-acyl sarcosinates. The process of the invention eliminates the use of phosphorus trichloride or thionyl chloride and carboxylic acid chlorides. The process involves reacting the alkali metal N-acyl amino acid directly with a fatty acid at elevated temperatures with constant removal of water generated in the reaction.

Abstract: Silver chelating agent and surfactant that exhibits photosensitivity and antimicrobial activity. The silver can be chelated with ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (ED3A) or salts thereof, or preferably with N-acyl ED3A or salts thereof. Antimicrobial activity is exhibited even at very low silver levels.

Abstract: An adjuvant for Fluazifop-butyl, and preferably Fluazifop-P-butyl, having increased activity, lower irritancy and lower toxicity than conventional adjuvants. The adjuvant is C.sub.8 to C.sub.22 sarcosinate or sarcosinate salt, such as sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, or combinations thereof, which is combined with Fluazifop-P-butyl and provides more effective activity.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing nitriles, and in particular iminodiacetonitrile (IDAN), ethylendiamine-triacetonitrile (EDTN), and especially nitrilotriacetonitrile (NTAN). The present invention also encompasses the resulting stabilized nitrile. The method of the present invention comprises contacting the nitrile with a mixture of silica and alumina, zeolites or glass.

Abstract: A herbicidal composition including isocyanate capped high molecular weight diols, triols and polyols. Glyphosate and/or a herbicidally active derivative thereof such as a glyphosate salt is combined with hydrophilic isocyanate end-capped prepolymers in order to significantly improve the efficacy of the herbicide. A combination of surfactant, glyphosate, and a hydrated polymer or hydrophilic prepolymer consisting of isocyanate capped prepolymers which are substantially comprised of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide or butylene oxide units or a combination thereof demonstrates increased efficacy over conventional glyphosate formulations. The liquid herbicidal compositions of the present invention can be prepared by simply mixing the various constituents. The order of addition can be used effectively to cap free isocyanate groups in the hydrophilic prepolymer.

Abstract: A process for the purification of bis(difluoromethyl)ether. Bis(difluoromethyl)ether is exposed to molecular sieves in order to reduce or completely remove impurities. In a further embodiment, the present invention optionally includes means for preferentially inhibiting the formation of CF.sub.2 HOCCl.sub.3 in the formation of bis(difluoromethyl)ether prior to exposing the bis(difluoromethyl)ether to the molecular sieves.