Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing 1-acetyl-1-chlorocyclopropane from 1,3 dichloro-2-pentanone by reaction with base in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst. The reaction may be run in the presence or absence of an organic solvent and in a continuous or batch process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spectral analysis systems and methods for determining physical and chemical properties of a sample by measuring the optical characteristics of light emitted from the sample. In one embodiment, a probe head for use with a spectrometer includes an optical blocking element for forcing the optical path between the light source and an optical pick-up optically connected to the spectrometer into the sample. The probe head also includes a reference shutter for selectively blocking light emitted from the sample from reaching the optical pick-up to facilitate calibration of the spectrometer.

Abstract: Processes for preparing &agr;-substituted benzylnitroguanidines include the steps of providing a reaction mixture comprising water, alcohol, an S-alkyl nitroisothiourea, and an &agr;-substituted benzylamine; heating the reaction mixture; steam distilling the alcohol from the reaction mixture; and isolating an &agr;-substituted benzylnitroguanidine from the remaining water layer.

Abstract: Processes for preparing &agr;-substituted benzylnitroguanidines include the steps of providing a reaction mixture comprising water, alcohol, an S-alkyl nitroisothiourea, and an &agr;-substituted benzylamine; heating the reaction mixture; steam distilling the alcohol from the reaction mixture; and isolating an &agr;-substituted benzylnitroguanidine from the remaining water layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spectral analysis systems and methods for determining physical and chemical properties of a sample by measuring the optical characteristics of light emitted from the sample. In one embodiment, a probe head for use with a spectrometer includes an optical blocking element for forcing the optical path between the light source and an optical pick-up optically connected to the spectrometer into the sample. The probe head also includes a reference shutter for selectively blocking light emitted from the sample from reaching the optical pick-up to facilitate calibration of the spectrometer.

Abstract: Percentage concentrations of constituents of a sample of cereal grain or other agricultural product in a flowing stream are determined while harvesting or processing using a short wave near infrared analyzer. The analyzer irradiates the sample, picks up diffuse reflectance of individual wavelengths from the sample and spatially separates the diffuse reflectance into a response at individual wavelengths. The result is to simultaneously detect the intensities of the individual wavelengths in parallel from the same portion of the product being analyzed. Percentage constituents of the composite substance may then be compared with known percentage constituents to determine the constituents. The analyzer is optically stabilized and is therefore suitable for attaching to the agricultural combine to perform real time measurements in the field.

Abstract: The invention relates to process for the preparation of an O-alkyl, O-alkyl phosphorochloridothioate by 1) reacting A) a thiophosphoryl halide with B) an alcohol, in the presence of C) a tertiary amine acid acceptor and D) a solvent, and 2) reacting the resultant product with a second alcohol, different from the alcohol used in step 1). In the preferred embodiment, the intermediate product is not isolated before reaction with the second alcohol.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved process for preparing methyl dithiocarbazinate by reacting carbon disulfide and hydrazine in an effective ratio to form hydrazinium dithiocarbazinate, followed by methylating the hydrazinium dithiocarbazinate with methyl bromide. The improvement resides in conducting the reaction of the carbon disulfide and hydrazine in the presence of a specified amount of a non-alcoholic solvent to reduce dithiocarbazinate buildup.

Abstract: Substituted 4-amino-1,2,4-triazine-5-ones are purified to remove unwanted N-isomers by maintaining the crude product at a temperature of from about 55.degree. C. to about 70.degree. C. in the presence of a hydroxide, preferably an alkali metal hydroxide for at least 0.5 hour.