Abstract: Optically active enantiomers of the formula I ##STR1## where R is a group of the formulae ##STR2## R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, among others, are halogen or CF.sub.3 and Z is a carboxyl, carboxylate, carboxylic acid ester, thioester, carbonamide, carboxylic acid anilide, carbohydrazide or thioamide group, are interesting herbicides the effect of which is considerably superior to that of the optically inactive racemates.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of compounds of the formula ##STR1## where R is (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, which comprises reacting a compound of the formula II ##STR2## with an alcoholate of the formula IIIMet-OR (III)where Met is Na or K and R has the abovementioned meaning, at temperature from -30.degree. C. to +10.degree. C.

Abstract: The process for the preparation of 2-chlorobenzoxazoles of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, independently of one another, are hydrogen or halogen comprising reacting a benzoxazolinone of the formula ##STR2## with a molar excess of phosphorus pentachloride.

Abstract: Carboxylic acids containing phenol groups are esterified by means of (C.sub.1 -C.sub.3)-alcohols in the presence of acid catalysts without the phenolic hydroxyl groups being esterified at the same time by continuously metering an excess of a water-containing (C.sub.1 -C.sub.3)-alcohol into a boiling hot solution or suspension of the phenol-containing carboxylic acid and of the catalyst in a non-water-miscible solvent (for example xylene) and at the same time distilling off a ternary solvent/alcohol/water mixture via a water separator, the metering rate being such that an aqueous bottom phase separates out in the receiving flask and the water content of the alcohol being so apportioned as not to breach the bottom limit of 0.1% or the upper limit of 1% (based on the contents of the reaction vessel) at any time in the course of the reaction. In this process, the esterification products are obtained free of major impurities and frequently can be used further without further purification.

Abstract: Optically active enantiomers of the formula I ##STR1## where R is a group of the formulae ##STR2## R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, among others, are halogen or CF.sub.3 and Z is a carboxyl, carboxylate, carboxylic acid ester, thioester, carbonamide, carboxylic acid anilide, carbohydrazide or thioamide group, are interesting herbicides the effect of which is considerably superior to that of the optically inactive racemates.

Abstract: Continuous process for the preparation of hydroxyphenoxy-alkanecarboxylic acids of the formula ##STR1## in which A is alkylene, by reaction of dihydroxybenzenes with alpha-haloalkanecarboxylic acids of the formulaHal--A--COOHor the derivatives thereof at 80.degree.-120.degree. C. in a reaction tube.

Abstract: Compounds of the formulaAr--X--C.sub.n H.sub.2n --Rwherein Ar is (substituted) phenyl or naphthyl, X is oxygen, sulfur, SO or SO.sub.2, n is 1-3 and R is CN or C(NH.sub.2)NOR.sub.1, (wherein R.sub.1 is preferably hydrogen) are useful as safeners in crop protection.

Abstract: Diazotization of 4-phenoxy-anilines in aqueous sulfuric acid of 60 to 75% strength and decomposition of the resulting diazonium compound in sulfuric acid of the same concentration range yields the corresponding phenols in high yields and quality. These phenols are intermediate for the corresponding 4-phenoxy-phenoxy alkane carboxylic acids which are pharmaceuticals capable of reducing the blood serum lipid level.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of (phenoxy- or benzyl-)-phenoxypropionic acids by simultaneous addition of 2-chloropropionic acid (ester) and the double molar amount of an aqueous alkali hydroxide to a solution of a phenoxyphenol or benzylphenol in a solvent forming an azeotropic mixture with water, while continuously distilling off the water formed or introduced.