Abstract: A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I): wherein Ar represents an optionally substituted aromatic carbocycle or heterocycle, and R1 and R2 independently represent hydrogen, C1-10 alkyl, C(O)C1-10 alkyl or optionally substituted aryl provided that R1 and R2 are not both hydrogen which process comprises reacting together a compound of formula (II): Ar—X??(II) wherein Ar is as defined in relation to formula (I) and X represents a leaving group with a a compound of formula (III) wherein R1 and R2 are as defined in relation to formula (I) under aqueous conditions in the presence of a Pd (II) salt, a ligand and a Group I or Group II metal hydroxide base at a pH greater than 7. Compounds of formula (I) may be hydrolysed to the corresponding hydrazine.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an aromatic organozinc compound is provided. The process comprises reacting a zinc chloride, bromide or iodide and an organometallic compound of another metal comprising an aromatic moiety, producing a reaction product comprising an organozinc compound and a halide salt of the other metal. The reaction product is then contacted with a liquid hydrocarbon, in which the organozinc compound is soluble and the halide salt of the other metal is of low solubility. The halide salt of the other metal is separated from the hydrocarbon, and the organozinc compound can be recovered from the hydrocarbon. Organozinc compounds produced by this process can be employed to generate chiral centres in suitable substrates.

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.