Abstract: A method for making a bicyclic lactone comprising heating under aqueous acidic conditions a beta, gamma unsaturated cyclic nitrile and an aldehyde, for a length of time sufficient to convert at least a portion of the reactants to a bicyclic lactone of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.3 is --H; R.sub.4, R.sub.5, and R.sub.6 are independently selected from the group consisting of --H, --CH.sub.3 ; R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of --H, --CH.sub.3, and --CH.sub.3, and --C.sub.2 H.sub.5 ; R.sub.8 is --H or --CH.sub.3 ; m is an integer from 1 to 5; o is 0, 1, 2, or 3; and p is 0, 1, or 2; provided that the sum of m+o+p is an integer from 3 to 5; either R.sub.3 or R.sub.8 together with R.sub.7 represents a carbon-carbon bond. The method uses commercially available and relatively inexpensive raw materials as reactants.

Abstract: A single-stage quadrupole mass analyzer is provided with a highly sensitive electron multiplier, a turbomolecular pump, and a mass correction lens placed between the quadrupole sensor unit and the turbomolecular pump. These components are arranged and selected to provide a substantial increase in sensitivity permitting the direct analysis of organic compounds in the gas phase in the ppb and high ppt concentration range. The placement of the mass correction lens and the area of its aperture has a pronounced effect on the detection limit, the optimum aperture area is a function of the mass of the molecules to be detected, and preferably an iris diaphragm is used to permit manual of automatic adjustment of the aperture area to a predetermined optimum for each of the different substances to be detected. Preferably the electron multiplier voltage is also variably selected and reset during the scanning of each fragment ion to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio of the electron mutiplier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying and using plant protection agents, preferably in agriculture and horticulture, in the form of sheets, webs and fabrics of organic material with integrated active substances. The integrated active substances slowly migrate from the polymer matrix and impose their effects at the point of application over an extended period of time. Such carrier/active substance combinations can be used as plant covers, mulches and for the production of stored crops.