Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is an alkylene diradical of 2 to 3 carbon atoms, X is oxygen or sulfur, and R' is a hydrocarbyl group possessing herbicidal activity.

Abstract: 1,4-Di-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2,5-piperazinedione has been found to be highly effective for the control of late blight, downy mildew and Phytophthora crown and root rot fungal diseases.

Abstract: In the preparation of a catalyst for the alkalinecatalyzed polymerization of pyrrolidone, an alkali metal alkoxide is contacted with excess 2-pyrrolidone and the product alcohol is removed by passing an inert gas through the reaction mixture at high temperatures.

Abstract: Moisture-containing nylon-4 powder is treated under heat and pressure to produce a solid material of bulk density suitable for melt-spinning.

Abstract: Film extrusion-fibrillation and film extrusion-narrow slitting processes for preparing fibrillated or narrow-width thermoplastic tape. The process is characterized by conducting the extrusion-orientation stage and the slitting or fibrillation stage as separate operations, thereby minimizing process disruptions caused by film defects and breakage, and further characterized by certain film shrinkage and heat treatment modifications which facilitate such separate stage operation. The fibrillated tapes can be twisted into cordage products. The narrow-width tapes are used to make carpet backing and indoor-outdoor carpet.

Abstract: In an improved process for making catalyst for the alkaline-catalyzed polymerization of 2-pyrrolidone, potassium metal is contacted with a 5-7 membered-ring lactam and the product, potassium lactamate, is substantially isolated. The potassium lactamate so-derived finds use as a catalyst in the polymerization of 2-pyrrolidone or may be contacted with carbon dioxide to form an isolatable adduct which is used as an activator in the polymerization of 2-pyrrolidone.

Abstract: O-alkylsulfonyl- and O-haloalkylsulfonyl-alpha-halo-2,6-dihalobenzaldoximes are active pre-emergent herbicides.

Abstract: Fungus and mold growth in crops and organic matter are inhibited by the use of bis-carboxylic acid esters and compositions thereof. In a preferred embodiment, crops and animal feedstuffs are preserved during storage by applying a microbiocidal amount of a mono-, di or trioxymethylene, or lower alkylidene bis-alkanoate, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: O-alkylsulfonyl-, O-haloalkylsulfonyl- and O-dialkylaminosulfonyl-alpha-cyano-2,6-dihalobenzaldoximes are active pre-emergent herbicides.

Abstract: 4-HALO-5-ARYL-1,2,3-DITHIAZOLE, USEFUL AS FUNGICIDES, OVICIDES, INSECTICIDES AND HERBICIDES, ARE PREPARED BY REACTING A N-aryl cyanothioformamide and a sulfur dihalide in the presence of a catalytic amount of a formamide compound or quaternary ammonium salt.

Abstract: A catalyst solution for the anionic polymerization of 2-pyrrolidone is produced by contacting an alkali metal hydroxide and excess 2-pyrrolidone. The catalyst solution is dehydrated under stripping conditions.

Abstract: A process for producing N-acyl-2-pyrrolidone which comprises contacting N-acyl allylamine with carbon monoxide in the presence of an aliphatic carboxylic acid solvent and a homogeneous catalyst of palladium or platinum coordinated with triphenylphosphine. According to a preferred embodiment, the acyl group is removed from the N-acyl-2-pyrrolidone by contacting and heating the N-acyl-2-pyrrolidone with allylamine to thereby effect transacylation and obtain product 2-pyrrolidone and N-acyl-allylamine as a recycle feed stream. Alternatively, N-acyl-2-pyrrolidone can be hydrolyzed to 2-pyrrolidone and the carboxylic acid derived from the acyl group.

Abstract: A process for producing sulfur foam containing at least 50 weight percent sulfur, which comprises: (a) reacting molten sulfur with an organic protonic acid which is reactive with molten sulfur so as to incorporate the organic acid with sulfur to form a sulfur-organic acid adduct containing protonic acid groups; (b) mixing an organic surfactant agent with the adduct to obtain a mixture of adduct and surfactant agent; and then (c) reacting the mixture with a polyisocyanate to obtain sulfur foam.

Abstract: In vivo and in vitro cellulose fermentation by cellulose-digesting microorganisms is increased by conducting the fermentation in the presence of a minor amount of a 2-(chloromethyldithio)acetic acid.

Abstract: O,S-dihydrocarbylphosphoroamidothioates and S,S-dihydrocarbylphosphoroamidodithioates have a high degree of insecticidal activity with relatively low mammalian toxicity.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or aryl; R.sup.2 is alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl or aryl; and R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 individually are alkyl or aryl, possess pesticidal activity.

Abstract: 3-(N-acyl-N-arylamino)-gamma-lactones, delta-lactones, gamma-lactams and delta-lactams have fungicidal activity.

Abstract: A grass-like carpet comprises 1-20 plies of a fibrous web needle-punched into a substrate. The fibrous web is made from a uniaxially oriented polymer film.

Abstract: Copolymers of 2-pyrrolidone and C.sub.7 -C.sub.12 lactams are provided in solid form, at relatively high rates and molecular weights by polymerization in the presence of alkaline catalysts and carbon dioxide, by the inclusion of an auxiliary catalyst and a copolymerization promoter comprising certain onium salts and N-acyl lactams, respectively.

Abstract: Mites and mite eggs are killed with an N-tetrachloroethylthio-substituted sulfonamide of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or aryl, R.sup.1 is alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or aryl, and R.sup.2 is tetrachloroethyl, with the proviso that R and R.sup.1 are not both cycloalkyl or aryl.