Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for preparing herbicidal sulphonylurea salts of the formula (I) ##STR1## in which M.sup.+ represents an alkali metal ion or an alkaline earth metal ion equivalent,Z represents N, CH or C-halogen,R.sup.1 represents in each case optionally substituted aryl, aralkyl or heteroaryl,(where R.sup.2, X and Y have the meanings given in the description).