Abstract: A process for preparing agrochemical intermediates of formula (I), wherein W is (CH.sub.3 O).sub.2 CH.CHCO.sub.2 CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.3 O.CH.dbd.CCO.sub.2 CH.sub.3 ; Z.sup.1 is a halogen atom; and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1-4 alky, C alkoxy, acetoxy or acyl; the process comprising the steps of: (a) reacting a compound of formula (II), wherein X, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are as defined above, with a compound of formula ROCH.sub.3, wherein R is a metal; and, (b) reacting the product of (a) with a compound of formula (III), wherein Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 are halogen atoms. A process for the preparation of compounds of formula (II) and compounds of formula (II) themselves. A process for obtaining, in substantially pure form, a compound of formula (11) and compounds of formula (II) themselves. A process for obtaining, in substantially pure form, a compound of formula (11) wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are all hydrogen.

Abstract: A process for making a 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one by cycling a bisamide precursor under alkaline conditions in the presence of oxygen or an oxygen-release compound in the presence of a nitrogen, sulphur or phosphorus nucelophile.

Abstract: The trimethylsulphonium salt of N-phosphonomethylglycine is prepared by reacting N-phosphonomethylglycine, preferably in the form of a solid, with an aqueous solution of trimethylsulphonium carbonate or trimethylsulphonium bicarbonate or a mixture thereof. The trimethylsulphonium carbonate or trimethylsulphonium bicarbonate may be prepared by bubbling carbon dioxide through an aqueous solution of trimethylsulphonium hydroxide. It is possible to manufacture trimethylsulphonium carbonate or bicarbonate at one site and then transport them to a different site for local manufacture of N-phosphonomethylglycine in a relatively unsophisticated plant which produces minimal effluent.

Abstract: A process for the preparing agrochemical intermediates of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein W is (CH.sub.3 O) CH.CHCO.sub.2 CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.3 O.CH.dbd.CCO.sub.2 CH.sub.3 ; Z.sup.1 is a halogen atom; and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, acetoxy or acyl; the process comprising the steps of:(a) reacting a compound of formula (II): ##STR2## wherein X, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are as defined above, with a compound of formula ROCH.sub.3, wherein R is a metal; and,(b) reacting the product of (a) with a compound of formula (III): ##STR3## wherein Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 are halogen atom. A process for the preparation of compounds of formula (II) and compounds of formula (II) themselves. A process for obtaining, in substantially pure form, a compound of formula (II) wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are all hydrogen.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, acetoxy or acyl, and processes for preparing the same.