Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for the preparation of an insecticidal benzoylurea having the structural formula I ##STR1##

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of N-benzoylcarbamates of general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group, a C.sub.1-4 alkoxy group or a trifluoromethyl group, R.sup.2 represents a halogen atom, a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group, a C.sub.1-4 alkoxy group or a trifluoromethyl group, R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a methyl group or a trifluoromethyl group, and R represents a C.sub.1-8 alkyl group optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms or a phenyl group optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from halogen atoms and methyl groups, characterized by reacting an alkali metal salt of a benzamide of general formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining mechanical and petrophysical properties (density, porosity, bulk compressibility, Young's modulus, Poisson's Ratio) of a material undergoing mechanical deformation studies with an imaging (CT, NMR) apparatus. The methods may also be used to measure and depict any fractures in the material.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for performing mechanical deformation studies of a sample of material to determine mechanical and petrophysical properties of such a sample. The apparatus is useful in conjunction with an imaging (NMR or CAT) apparatus.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a compound of formula or a salt thereof ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a group of formula R.sub.2 SO.sub.2 or phenyl--CH(R.sub.3)-- wherein R.sub.2 represents a phenyl, tolyl or C.sub.1-4 alkyl group and R.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom or a phenyl or C.sub.1-4 alkyl group, which process comprises contacting nickel in an oxidation state of at least 3 with a 3-hydroxymethyl azetidine derivative of formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.4 represents a group of formula R.sub.2 SO.sub.2 or phenyl--CH(R.sub.3)-- and R.sub.5 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxymethyl group or a group of formula COOH or a salt thereof, followed, where R.sub.5 is not a hydrogen atom, by the decarboxylation of the compound of the 3,3-dicarboxylic intermediate product or a salt thereof and, if desired to produce a compound in which R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom, by deprotection of the N-atom.

Abstract: Preparation of azetidine-3-carboxylic acid or a salt thereof from N-benzylazetidine-3-carboxylic acid or a salt thereof by catalytically hydrogenating the N-benzylazetidine-3-carboxylic compound in the presence of water, formate ions, and ammonium and/or alkylammonium ions. Novel ammonium and alkylammonium salts are claimed.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a compound of formula or a salt thereof ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a group of formula R.sub.2 SO.sub.2 or phenyl--CH(R.sub.3)--wherein R.sub.2 represents a phenyl, tolyl or C.sub.1-4 alkyl group and R.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom or a phenyl of C.sub.1-4 alkyl group, which process comprises contacting nickel in an oxidation state of at least 3 with a 3-hydroxymethyl azetidine derivative of formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.4 represents a group of formula R.sub.2 SO.sub.2 or phenyl--CH(R.sub.3)--and R.sub.5 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxymethyl group or a group of formula COOH or a salt thereof, followed, where R.sub.5 is not a hydrogen atom, by the decarboxylation of the compound of the 3,3-dicarboxylic intermediate product or a salt thereof and, if desired to produce a compound in which R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom, by deprotection of the N-atom.