Abstract: A novel process for producing sulfonylureas of the formula I having a herbicidal action and an action regulating plant growth ##STR1## wherein A is an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, naphthyl, furan, thiophene or pyridine group, E is a nitrogen atom or the methine group, R.sub.a is hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 -haloalkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 -alkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 -haloalkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 -alkylthio or C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 -alkoxyalkoxy, and R.sub.b is the same as R.sub.

Abstract: New 1-phenoxy- or 1-phenylthio-, 2-alkyl-, 2-alkenyl-, 2-alkynyl-oxy or -thio ethane derivatives, their manufacture and use for the control of insects and representatives of the order acarina are disclosed. The compounds correspond to the formula ##SPC1##WhereinW and Z each represent --O--or --S--,Y represents --CH.sub.2 --, --CO-- or --S--,R.sub.1 represents C.sub.1 --C.sub.6 -alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 -alkenyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 -haloalkenyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.4 -alkynyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 -cycloalkyl or benzyl,R.sub.2 represents hydrogen, methyl or ethyl,R.sub.3 represents hydrogen or methyl, orR.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together with the chain represent a saturated 5- or 6-membered ring, andR.sub.4 represents hydrogen, methyl or halogen, andR.sub.5 represents hydrogen or methyl.