Abstract: The present invention relates to novel herbicidal and plant growth-inhibiting 2-substituted 5-phenoxyphenylphosphonic acid derivatives of the formula ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 independently is hydroxyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, chlorine, benzyloxy or benzylthio, X is halogen or a --CF.sub.3, --NO.sub.2, --CN, --CONH.sub.2 or --CSNH.sub.2 group, n is 0 to 3, and Y is --OH, halogen, NO.sub.2, --CN, NH.sub.2, --NHCO--R, --NHCOOR or --NH--SO.sub.2 --R, wherein R is an unsubstituted or halogenated lower alkyl radical. Preferred compounds are 2-nitro-5-(2'-chloro-4'-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-phenylphosphonic acid and the lower dialkyl esters thereof. The invention also relates to the production of the novel phosphonic acid derivatives, starting from a 3,4-dinitrodiphenyl ether and reacting it with a trialkylphosphite as first step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel herbicidally active and plant growth-regulating glycylmethylphosphinic acid derivatives of the formula ##STR1## wherein R represents hydrogen, --CH.sub.2 COOH or an easily removable radical (e.g. benzyl, tert-butyl), R' represents a --OH or --OR.sub.1 group, in which R.sub.1 is a cation, a lower aliphatic radical, cycloalkyl or NH.sub.2, R" represents hydrogen, a cation or lower alkyl and R'" represents optionally substituted alkyl or phenyl. These compounds are obtained by reacting a N-substituted glycine HOOC--CH.sub.2 --NH--R with formaldehyde and a phosphonous acid ##STR2## in a strongly acid solution and optionally removing the radical R by catalytic hydrogenation or with HBr. The compounds of the formula I are used as active ingredients of compositions especially for the post-emergent control of weeds or for inhibiting plant growth.

Abstract: Phosphonic acid halides are prepared by reacting a dialkylphosponate with thionyl chloride or thionyl bromide in the presence of a nitrogen compound from the group comprising N,N-disubstituted formamides, tertiary amines and N,N-disubstituted phosphoric acid triamides. Phosphonic acid dihalides as well as phosphonic acid alkylester monohalides can be prepared by the new process.

Abstract: Method for synthetizing bis(aminomethyl)phosphinic acid and its salts are disclosed. This acid corresponds to the formula ##STR1## and possesses plant-growth retarding activity.

Abstract: A process for the production of methylaminomethylphosphonic acid of the formula ##STR1## and salts thereof is given. It consists in reacting bis (chloromethyl)phosphonic acid in aqueous medium with ammonia at elevated temperature under pressure.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a new process for preparing bis(carboxyalkylamino) phosphinic acids and derivatives thereof, and especially deals with the novel compound bis(glycylmethyl) phosphinic acid of the formula ##STR1## and derivatives thereof including those substituted on the NH-group. This acid, salts and derivatives thereof have plant-growth regulating and herbicidal properties.

Abstract: Phosphonoether carboxylate esters and acids are intermediates for phosphonoether carboxylate salts useful as sequestering agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for imparting flame resistance to combustible material, and an agent for carrying out the process. It also relates to a flame proofing agent used in the process and to the improved material rendered flame resistant by the process.