Abstract: A process is provided for the hydrogenation of imines with hydrogen under elevated pressure in the presence of iridium complexes as catalysts and one or more co-catalysts selected among compounds comprising a carbon-halogen bond. Further provided are novel ligands and metal complexes thereof useful for the catalytic hydrogenation of imines with hydrogen. The novel ligands are compounds of the formula (VII) or formula (VIII) in the form of racemates, mixtures of stereoisomers or optically pure stereoisomers wherein the radicals are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Preparation of cyclopropane carboxylic acids usable as intermediates and of formula (II), wherein R1 represents halogen, preferably Cl or Br, or haloalkyl, preferably CF3, and X2 represents halogen, preferably Cl or Br, where R1 or X2 may be the same or different, and wherein the configuration of (II) is predominantly Z for R1=CF3 and X2=Cl; by reacting, in the presence of a catalyst, a compound of formula (I), wherein R1 and X2 are as defined, and X1 represents halogen, preferably Cl or Br, where R1, X1 and X2 may be the same or different, with a compound which is a hydrogen donor.

Abstract: The compounds 3-(2,2-dichloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-hydroxypropyl)-2,2-dimethyl-(1R,cis)-cyc lopropane carboxylic acid, cis-3-(2,2-dichloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-hydroxypropyl)-2,2-dimethyl-cyclopro pane carboxylic acid and (1R,5S)-4-(1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-6,6-dimethyl-3-oxabicyclo[3. 1.0]hexan-2-one occur as intermediates in a process for the preparation of insecticidally active cyclopropane carboxylate esters, said process starting from 6,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-one (Biocartol) which is reacted with the compound CF.sub.3 --CC1X.sub.2 (X=halogen) in the presence of zinc.