Abstract: The novel substituted 3-thienylthioureas, -isothioureas and -carbodiimides of formula I ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl substituted by a C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl radical, C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, or C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl substituted by a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl radical; R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are each, independently of the others, hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, phenyl, or phenyl substituted by from 1 to 3 radicals from the group halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy and C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 haloalkyl having from 1 to 9 halogen atoms; Z is a group --NH--CS--NH--, --N .dbd.C(SR.sub.5)--NH-- or --N.dbd.C.dbd.N--; and R.sub.5 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.3 -C.sub.5 alkenyl; with the proviso that at least one of the radicals R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 is other than hydrogen; and the salts of compounds of formula I in which Z is the group --N.dbd.C(SR.sub.5 )--NH--, have valuable pesticidal properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of converting .beta.-nitro compounds, specifically alcohols, into the corresponding hydroxy amines with retention of configuration by the use of ammonium formate.