Abstract: N-(D)-ribitylxylidine (I) is prepared by reacting (D)-ribose (II) with 3,4-dimethylaniline (III) or 3,4-dimethyl-1-nitrobenzene (IV) in aqueous or aqueous/organic solution or in solution in a water-soluble organic solvent under an elevated hydrogen pressure and in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst and of a boric acid compound,(a) using the boric acid compound in a catalytic amount of from about 6 to 35 mmol, preferably from 6 to 20 mmol, per mol of ribose,(b) carrying out the reaction under a hydrogen pressure of from 1 to 20, preferably from 2 to 9, bar and(c) carrying out the hydrogenation at from 40.degree. to 80.degree. C. over Raney nickel as hydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: Cyanoheterocyclic sulfonylureas and agricultural compositions containing them are useful as general preemergence or postemergence herbicides or plant growth regulants.

Abstract: Polyquaternary ammonium methylene phosphonates and uses thereof, particularly as scale inhibitors, chelating agents, bactericides, etc.