Abstract: A process for the preparation of 2,2-dimethyl-3-arylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid or ester of the formula ##STR1## in which Ar is naphthyl or the radical ##STR2## R.sup.1 is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, Z is oxygen, sulphur, or 1,2-ethenediyl, andR.sup.2 represents hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro or trialkylsilyl or a radical, which is optionally substituted by halogen, from the series comprising alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkylenedioxy, alkylthio, alkylsulphinyl, alkylsulphonyl, dialkylamino, phenyl and phenoxy,comprising reacting a 1-aryl-1-halogeno-2,2-dimethyl-3-butanone of the formula ##STR3## in which X.sup.1 is chlorine or bromine, with a base in the presence of a diluent at a temperature between about -20.degree. and +150.degree. C., thereby to form a 2,2-dimethyl-3-arylcyclobutanone of the formula ##STR4## and reacting such 2,2-dimethyl-3-arylcyclobutanone with chlorine or bromine in the presence of an inert diluent at a temperature between about -30.degree. and +50.degree. C.

Abstract: The photosensitive polyimide precursor of the invention has a recurring unit represented by the following general formula [I]: ##STR1## (R.sub.1 represents a tetravalent aromatic hydrocarbon residue; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 each represent a divalent aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbon residue; and R.sub.4 represents a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon residue represented by ##STR2## wherein R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, R.sub.10, R.sub.11 and R.sub.12, identical or different, each represent hydrogen atom, a halogen group or an alkyl group). The photosensitive polyimide precursor of the invention has a viscosity of 50 centipoises or above as measured at 23.degree. C. in the state of a 10% (by weight) solution in N,N-dimethylacetamide. Its photosensitivity is as high as about 20-100 times that of prior products. After heat cyclization, it exhibits a heat resistance of 400.degree. C. or above.

Abstract: 4-Acylresorcinol ethers of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is lower alkyl, R.sub.2 is fluorinated lower alkyl, R.sub.3 is hydrogen, lower alkoxy, trifluoromethyl or halogen, alk is an alkylene or hydroxyalkylene radical which is uninterrupted or interrupted by oxygen, one of the radicals R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.7 is a group of the formula --NH--C(.dbd.O)--R.sub.8, a radical R.sub.4 or R.sub.5 which differs from this is a radical R.sub.9 and a radical R.sub.7 which differs from this is a radical R.sub.10, R.sub.6 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, trifluoromethyl, halogen, carboxyl which is free, esterified or amidated, cyano or lower alkanoyl, R.sub.8 is carboxyl which is free, esterified or amidated or 5-tetrazolyl, R.sub.9 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halogen or trifluoromethyl and R.sub.10 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halogen, trifluoromethyl, cyano or carboxyl which is free, esterified or amidated, and their salts have antiallergic and antiinflammatory properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing a class of 5-phenyl-1,3-dioxoalkenyl compounds useful as inhibitors of leukotriene biosynthesis and thus useful in the treatment of conditions associated with leukotrienes. This invention also relates to the use of the 5-phenyl-1,3-dioxoalkenyl compounds in the inhibition of leukotriene biosynthesis and thus in the treatment of conditions associated with leukotrienes. This invention further relates to a novel process for the preparation of the 5-phenyl-1,3-dioxoalkenyl compounds.

Abstract: Novel substituted acetylene-ketones of the formulaR.sup.2 --C.tbd.C--CO--R.sup.1 (I)in whichR.sup.1 represents optionally substituted cycloalkyl with 4 to 7 carbon atoms or the groupings ##STR1## or represents optionally substituted aryl, if R.sup.2 represents optionally substituted cycloalkenyl or optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl;R.sup.2 represents alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted aralkyl;R.sup.3 represents halogen;R.sup.4 represents hydrogen or halogen;R.sup.5 represents alkyl with more than 1 carbon atom, alkenyl, alkinyl or the CHO group or a derivative thereof, or represents methyl, if R.sup.2 represents optionally substituted cycloalkenyl or optionally substituted cycloalkylalkyl;R.sup.6 represents cyano, optionally substituted aryl or the groupings --XR.sup.7 or --CONR.sup.8 R.sup.9 ;R.sup.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing benzophenone derivative of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a group of the formula: --OM (in which M is hydrogen or alkali metal), lower alkoxy, lower acyloxy, a group of the formula: ##STR2## (in which R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are same or different and hydrogen or lower alkyl) or a group of the formula: --OCH.sub.2 COOR.sup.5 (in which R.sup.5 is hydrogen, lower alkyl or alkali metal); R.sup.2 is halogen, nitro, chlorosulfonyl, sulfo, trifluoromethyl or a group of the formula: --SCF.sub.2 H; and m and n are each an integer of 1 to 4 provided that the sum of m and n is not more than 5 having selective herbicidal activities on grasses and crops.

Abstract: Triazolyl-alkanones or triazolyl-alkanols of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or substituted aryl, andR.sup.2 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or substituted aryl, orR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are joined to form an aliphatic ring, andA is a keto group or a CH(OH) group,or a salt thereof which possess fungicidal, microbicidal and plant-growth regulating properties.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I below are useful as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and/or anti-pyretic agents: ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is hydrogen, nitro, amino, hydroxyl, alkoxy of one to four carbon atoms, alkyl of one to four carbon atoms or halogen; R.sup.2 is hydrogen or alkyl of one to four carbon atoms; is a saturated or unsaturated bond; A is CO, CHOH, C(R.sup.5)OH or CHOCOR.sup.6, where R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are alkyl of one to four carbon atoms; B is alkyl of one to twelve carbon atoms; and X is H.sub.2 or O.

Abstract: The invention is dealing with arylindane-1,3-diones of the formula: ##STR1## which can be used in the treatment of inflammatories, psoriasis and asthma.

Abstract: Monomethyl-substituted methylene compounds are obtained by reacting methylene compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently of one another represent --CN, --CO--R.sup.3, --SO.sub.2 --R.sup.3 or --NO.sub.2 andR.sup.1 can additionally denote -aryl(R.sup.1).sub.n,whereinR.sup.3 denotes --OH, alkyl, aralkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aralkoxy or aryloxy, or amino which is substituted by alkyl and/or aralkyl and/or aryl, and furthermoretwo radicals R.sup.3 together can be an alkylene group, the radical of an aliphatic diol or of an aliphatic diamine or the group --NH--CO--NH-- and n represents 1, 2 or 3,with formaldehyde and with hydrogen in the presence of a condensation catalyst and a hydrogenation catalyst at elevated temperature, the methylene compound being introduced into the liquid phase of the mixture of reactants in the course of the reaction.

Abstract: A process for the preparation and recovery of m,m'-dinitrobenzophenone and which comprises reacting benzophenone with nitric acid in oleum; adjusting the reaction product to a water content from 12 to 30 weight percent; and extracting the m,m'-dinitrobenzophenone with a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent.

Abstract: A novel ether solution of dinitrobenzophenone and a process for preparing an ether solution of diaminobenzophenone therefrom which comprises subjecting a dinitrobenzophenone dissolved in said ether solvent to hydrogenation in contact with a continuous nickel catalyst to obtain said solution of diaminobenzophenone dissolved in said ether solvent. In a specific embodiment said nickel catalyst is mounted on an inert support. In a still further embodiment, said diaminobenzophenone dissolved in said ether solvent, after removal of water therefrom, is reacted with an aromatic dianhydride to obtain a polyamic acid solution. The polyamic acid solution can be heated at a temperature above 100.degree. C. to drive off water of cyclization and thereby obtain the corresponding polyimide resin.

Abstract: The process of decomposing a hydroperoxide by contacting the hydroperoxide with a catalytic quantity of a catalyst system comprised of chromium and ruthenium. The catalyst system is characterized by its high stability while exhibiting improved activity for hydroperoxide decomposition and selectivity to desired alcohol and ketone products.

Abstract: Improvement in the process for preparing biaryl compounds via coupling of an arylamine with an arene in the presence of a nitrite, an acid and copper metal or a derivative thereof; the improvement is consisting in adding to the reaction mixture a trialkylorthoformate. The process may be used for preparing drugs such as Flurbiprofen and Xenbucin or intermediate compounds particularly useful for preparing Flurbiprofen, Flufenisal, Chlordimorin, Xenbucin, Xenysalate, Xenyhexenic acid and the like.

Abstract: Insecticidally active vinyl-cyclopropane carboxylic acid esters of the formula ##STR1## are prepared by reacting ##STR2## in which R.sup.12 is a radical selected from the group consisting of ##STR3## with an alcoholate of the formulaM--O--R.sup.8.Various processes for making the intermediates are also described. Many of the intermediates and end products are new.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of certain substituted bis-arylpentadienones which are useful and valuable intermediates for the preparation of insecticidal amidinohydrazones. The invention further relates to pentadienone substituted amidimohydrazone insecticides and fire ant control agents.

Abstract: Compounds having blood-anticoagulant properties of the general molecular formula: ##STR1## in which Z represents a halogen atom, preferably a chlorine atom, and n is 0, 1 or 2 and R.sup.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a process for separating nitration isomers of 1,3-disubstituted and 1,2,4-trisubstituted benzene compounds. The separated isomers have a variety of uses including precursors for 2-haloacetanilide herbicides.

Abstract: Substituted phenoxyalkanetriones and the use thereof for the control of weeds.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a 5-aryloxy-1-chloro-3,3-dimethyl-2-pentanone of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently is halogen, alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkoxy or alkylthio each having 1 to 2 carbon atoms, halogenoalkyl, halogenoalkoxy or halogenoalkylthio each having 1 to 2 carbon atoms and 1 to 5 halogen atoms, cyclohexyl, dialkylamino having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in each alkyl moiety, nitro, cyano, alkoxy-carbonyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, phenyl or halophenyl, m and n each independently is an integer from 0 to 5, and m+n.ltoreq.5,comprising reacting 1,1,5-trichloro-3,3-dimethyl-1-pentene of the formula ##STR2## with a phenol of the formula ##STR3## in the presence of a base in a diluent, to produce a compound of the formula ##STR4## and subjecting such reaction product to acid hydrolysis.

Abstract: This invention is generally directed to fluorinated squaraine compositions of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4, are independently selected from alkyl groups, containing from about 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, and layered photoresponsive devices containing such compositions.

Abstract: A process for preparing dinitrobenzophenones which comprises reacting benzene with ethylene in the presence of an alkylation catalyst to obtain an alkylation product containing unreacted benzene, ethylbenzene, polyethylbenzenes, 1,1-diphenylethane and heavier products, separating benzene, ethylbenzene and polyethylbenzenes from said alkylation product, recovering from the remainder of said alkylation product a fraction whose boiling points fall within the temperature range of about 260.degree. to about 290.degree. C., reacting said fraction with nitric acid at a temperature within the range of about 130.degree. to about 210.degree. C., wherein the molar ratio of nitric acid to said fraction is in the range of about 3:1 to about 8:1, and thereafter reacting the total resulting reaction product with nitric acid in oleum to obtain a nitration product predominating in dinitrobenzophenones.

Abstract: A process for the production of a monochloromethyl ketone of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each independently is a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkinyl or aryl radical, orR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form an optionally substituted carbocyclic ring,comprising reacting a 1,1-dichloroalkene of the formula ##STR2## with a phenolate of the formula ##STR3## in which R.sup.4 each independently is a halogen atom, a nitro group, or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkoxy or aryl radical,n is 0, 1, 2 or 3, andM is one equivalent of an alkali metal ion or alkaline earth metal ion,thereby to obtain a phenyl ether intermediate, and then subjecting the phenyl ether intermediate to an acid hydrolysis. The products are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of fungicides.

Abstract: Production of a hydroxy arylophenone by reacting an aromatic carboxylic acid Ar(--CO.sub.2 H).sub.p where Ar is an aromatic radical, (--CO.sub.2 H) is an aromatic carboxylic acid group, and p is 1 or 2 with an aromatic compound H--Ar'--OH where Ar' is an aromatic radical and --H and --OH are aromatically bound para to each other in a benzenoid ring, in the presence of an alkyl sulphonic acid, particularly methane sulphonic acid, to produce a hydroxy arylophenone of formula Ar(--CO--Ar'--OH).sub.p where the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups are para to each other in the hydroxyl-containing benzenoid ring of Ar'. The production of the hydroxy arylophenone proceeds through the intermediate ester (H--Ar'--O--CO--).sub.p Ar and the production of the hydroxy arylophenone starting from the ester is also claimed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of phenyl ketones, characterized in that, in a first stage, a halo- or trihalomethylbenzene is reacted with a trihalomethylated aliphatic or aromatic compound in the presence of boron trifluoride in an amount such that the absolute pressure of boron trifluoride within the reaction vessel exceeds 1 bar, and in the presence of hydrofluoric acid as a solvent, and in that, in a second stage, the resultant product is hydrolyzed. The products are used as intermediates in the synthesis of compounds having a pharmaceutical or phytosanitary (e.g., herbicidal) activity.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of .alpha.,.alpha.-difluoroalkoxy or .alpha.,.alpha.-difluoroalkylthiophenyl ketones, in which a polyhaloalkoxybenzene or a polyhaloalkylthiobenzene is reacted with a carboxylic acid, a precursor or a derivative of this acid in the presence of boron trifluoride in such an amount that the absolute pressure of the boron trifluoride within the reaction vessel exceeds 1 bar, and in the presence of hydrofluoric acid as a solvent. The resultant products are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of compounds having phytosanitary (e.g., herbicidal) or pharmaceutical activity.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of di- or trifluoromethoxyphenyl ketones or di- or trifluoromethylthiophenyl ketones, characterized in that, in a first stage, a di- or trihalomethoxybenzene or a di- or trihalomethylthiobenzene is reacted with a trihalomethylated aromatic or aliphatic compound in the presence of boron trifluoride in an amount such that the absolute pressure of boron trifluoride within the reaction vessel exceeds 1 bar, and in the presence of hydrofluoric acid as a solvent and in that, in a second stage, the product of the first stage is hydrolyzed. The resultant products are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of compounds having a pharmaceutical or phytosanitary (e.g., herbicidal) activity.

Abstract: Novel antibacterially active compound, 1,2,8,8a-cyclopropa?c!benzo?1,2-b:-4,3-b'!dipyrrol-4(5H)-one, prepared by a novel chemical process. This compound, as well as antibacterially-active intermediates, can be used to eradicate or control susceptible bacteria, for example B. subtilis, K. pneumonia, S. lutea, S. aureus, and M. avium.

Abstract: 2-Aryl-1, 3-cyclohexanedione enol ester compounds exhibit outstanding miticidal,mite ovicidal and herbicidal activity.

Abstract: Novel antibacterially-active compound, 1,2,8,8a-cyclopropa[ c]-benzo[1,2-b:-4,3-b']dipyrol-4(5H)-one, prepared by a novel chemical process. This compound, as well as antibacterially-active intermediates, can be used to eradicate or control susceptible bacteria, for example, B. subtilis, K. pneumonia, S. lutea, S. aureus, and M. avium.

Abstract: Derivatives of 2-substituted-cyclohexane-1,3-diones possessing antihypertensive activity.

Abstract: Novel antibacterially-active compound, 1,2,8,8a-cyclopropa[c]-benzo[1,2-b:-4,3-b']dipyrol-4(5H)-one, prepared by a novel chemical process. This compound, as well as antibacterially-active intermediates, can be used to eradicate or control susceptible bacteria, for example, B. subtilis, K. pneumonia, S. lutea, S. aureus, and M. avium.

Abstract: 4-Isopropyl-4'-nitrobenzophenone and other benzophenones of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, alkyl having 2 to 20 carbon atoms interrupted by oxygen, or alkoxy having 2 to 20 carbon atoms interrupted by oxygen, are prepared by reacting a substituted benzene compound of the formula ##STR2## with p-nitrobenzoyl halide at temperatures of 10.degree. to 140.degree. C. in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst and an inert solvent which is an aliphatic hydrocarbon, a chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon or chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A process for preparing substituted or unsubstituted benzoxazoline compound by reacting ammonia, a cycloalkanone and oxygen in the presence of metal cations.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a 1-aryloxy-methyl ketone of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each independently is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or optionally substituted aryl, orR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together are an alkylene chain,R.sup.4 each independently is halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, optionally substituted aryl or nitro, andn is 0, 1, 2 or 3,comprising hydrolyzing a 1-halogeno-2-aryloxy-1-alkene of the formula ##STR2## in which Hal is chlorine or bromine, under acidic conditions at a temperature from about 20.degree. to 150.degree. C. until it is about 95 to 100% complete, adding a base, and then bringing the reaction to completion under weakly alkaline conditions at about 20.degree. to 150.degree. C. Advantageously all stages of the reaction are effected in a single vessel at a temperature from about 40.degree. to 100.degree. C.

Abstract: Anti-inflammatory compositions are prepared which comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is CO or CHOH; Y is CO; the dotted line represents a double bond which is present or absent; R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, methyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxyl, hydroxyl, acetoxyl, nitro or amino; R.sub.3 is alkyl of 3 to 8 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 3 to 8 carbon atoms, alkenyl of 3 to 8 carbon atoms, cycloalkenyl of 5 to 8 carbon atoms or phenyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, methoxyl, ethoxyl, benzyloyl, hydroxyl, acetoxyl, trifluoromethyl, nitro, amino, acetyl, methylthiol, methylsulphonyl, methylamino and dimethylamino. Compounds of formula I above are also novel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of telluroxides as mild and selective oxidizing agents serving to oxidize certain functions, notably >C.dbd.S groups, in the presence of other relatively easily oxidized functions which remain unaffected; telluroxides of interest as oxidizing agents include, for example, compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R and R.sup.1, which may be the same or different, each represent an optionally substituted aryl or heterocyclic group; or R and R.sup.1 together with the tellurium atom therebetween represent a heterocyclic ring, which may contain one or more further heteroatoms, and which may carry substituents and/or fused aromatic rings.

Abstract: A process for preparing m,m'-dinitrobenzophenone which comprises reacting benzophenone with nitric acid in oleum.

Abstract: A process for reducing the amount of ortho nitro aromatic keto compounds in a mixture containing the same which comprises contacting such mixture with oleum.

Abstract: Derivatives of .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated ketones having anticonvulsant activity and methods of their preparation from heterocyclic phosphonium salts and acyclic phosphoranes are disclosed.

Abstract: 2-Aryl-1,3-cyclopentanedione compounds and their alkali metal and ammonium salts exhibit outstanding herbicidal and acaricidal activity.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I ##STR1## in which p, m, Z, R, R' and Y are as defined in claim 1, can be obtained in a simple and economical manner by a novel process which comprises reacting a halide of the formula ##STR2## with the corresponding acrylic acid derivative, in the presence of a base and of certain palladium catalysts, such as palladium acetate. The compounds (I), and functional derivatives prepared therefrom, are useful for the preparation of photocrosslinkable polymers, which can in particular be employed as (so-called) photoresists.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I ##STR1## in which Z, Z.sub.1, R, m and p are as defined in patent claim 1, can be obtained in a simple and economical manner by a novel process wherein a halide of the formula II ##STR2## is reacted with a substituted or unsubstituted vinylbenzene or vinylnaphthalene derivative in the presence of a base and of certain palladium catalysts, such as palladium acetate. The compounds (I) or functional derivatives preparable therefrom are useful, for example, for the preparation of known dyes or fluorescent brighteners, or can be used directly as fluorescent brighteners or as scintillators.

Abstract: 2,3-Dichloro-7-hydroxy-1H-inden-1-one derivatives of the formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or one of the groups ##STR2## R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 independently of one another are each hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, trifluoromethyl or nitro,R.sub.4 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl or C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 -alkenyl, each of which is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, or R.sub.4 is phenyl which is unsubstituted or is substituted by C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxy, halogen, trifluoromethyl, cyano or nitro, or it is a C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 -cycloalkyl group, andR.sub.5 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 -cycloalkyl or C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 -alkenyl.These compounds exhibit a microbicidal action against in particular phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria.

Abstract: A compound of the formula: ##STR1## which is useful as a herbicide, is effectively produced by reacting a compound of the formula: ##STR2## with dimethyl sulfate in a two phase reaction medium consisting of water and a hydrophobic organic solvent in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst, or produced through a novel intermediate of the formula: ##STR3##

Abstract: This invention is directed to 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthyl or indanyl stilbene derivatives which are useful as tumor inhibiting agents, in the treatment of neoplasms, dermatological conditions and rheumatic illnesses.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a trihalomethyl group, an alkyl group, or a cyano group;Y is a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom;R is CHOHR' or COR'; andR' is hydrogen or (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl;and compositions containing these compounds which exhibit herbicidal activity.

Abstract: Benzenoid ethers/thioethers are prepared by reacting an activated halobenzene with an anionic reactant, RA.sup.- M.sup.+, in the presence of at least one tertiary amine sequestering agent having formula:N--CHR.sub.1 --CHR.sub.2 --O--CHR.sub.3 --CHR.sub.4 --O--.sub.n R.sub.5 ].sub.

Abstract: 2-Aryl-1,3-cyclopentanedione compounds and their alkali metal and ammonium salts exhibit outstanding herbicidal and acaricidal activity.

Abstract: 4-substituted 3,3-dimethyl-butan-2-ones of the formula ##STR1## in which R represents cyano or the group --X--R',whereinR.sup.1 represents n-alkyl with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, isopropyl, isobutyl, sec.-butyl, alkenyl with 3 to 4 carbon atoms, alkynyl with 3 to 4 carbon atoms, optionally substituted aryl or substituted aralkyl, or represents cyano provided that X represents --O-- or --S--, andX represents --O--, --S--, --SO--, or --SO.sub.2 --,which are intermediates for the synthesis of fungicides.