Abstract: The four isomer compound derived from racemic cis/trans-3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid and (S)(cyano)(3-phenoxyphenyl) methanol is twice as effective as cypermethrin against certain insect species, but quite unexpectedly is significantly less toxic to mammals and certain species of fish at rates giving commercial control of target crop insects.

Abstract: Novel 2-[(4-substituted phenyl)methyl]-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone plant regulators of the following structural formula ##STR1## or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, agricultural compositions thereof and a method for regulation growth and development of plant growth therewith are disclosed and exemplified.

Abstract: 2-[(4-aminophenyl)methyl]-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone plant regulators are represented by the following structural formula ##STR1## or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in which A is hydrogen or halogen, B is hydrogen or halogen, or A and B together form --C.sub.4 H.sub.4 -- bridging adjacent carbon atoms and use thereof to modify growth and development of plants are described and exemplified.

Abstract: Benzoxazole compounds of the following structural formula modify the growth and development of plants: ##STR1## wherein U is selected from -hydrogen, -halogen, -lower alkyl, -lower alkenyl, -phenylmethyl, -phenyl, -nitro, -hydroxycarbonyl, -phenylcarbonyl, -halophenylcarbonyl, -phenylthio, -phenylsulfoxy, -phenylsulfonyl, and a substituent of the formula--OZin which Z is -aryl or -aryl carring 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from -halogen, -lower alkyl, -lower haloalkyl, -lower alkoxy, -acetamido, and -phenyl;V is selected from -hydrogen, -halogen and -lower alkyl, or U and V taken together are -C.sub.4 H.sub.4 -- joining adjacent ring positions; andW is selected from -hydrogen, -lower alkyl optionally substituted with -alkoxycarbonyl, and an agriculturally acceptable cation.

Abstract: Benzimidazole compounds of the following structural formula modify the growth and development of plants: ##STR1## wherein U is selected from -hydrogen, -halogen, -lower alkyl, -lower alkoxy, phenyl, and -phenoxy optionally carrying 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from -halogen and -lower haloalkyl;V is selected from -hydrogen, -halogen, or U and V taken together are --C.sub.4 H.sub.4 -- joining adjacent ring positions;W is selected from -hydrogen and -lower alkyl; andZ is selected from -hydroxy, -lower alkoxy, and --OM where M is an agriculturally acceptable cation, or W and Z together may constitute a chemical bond.

Abstract: Benzothiazole compounds of the following structural formula modify the growth and development of plants: ##STR1## wherein U is selected from -hydrogen, -halogen, -lower alkyl, -lower haloalkyl, -lower alkoxy, -phenyl, and -phenoxy optionally carrying -halogen and -lower haloalkyl substituents;V is selected from -hydrogen and -halogen, or U and V taken together are --C.sub.4 H.sub.4 -- joining adjacent ring positions;Y is selected from -hydrogen and -lower alkoxy;Z is cyclic and either (a) -phenyl optionally carrying 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from -halogen, -nitro, or two substituents taken together are --C.sub.4 H.sub.4 -- joining adjacent ring positions, or (b) Z may be a saturated or partially unsaturated carbocycle, optionally carrying a bicyclic --CH.sub.

Abstract: Certain alpha-cyano esters are prepared by reacting an acyl halide with an aldehyde in a substantially water-immiscible aprotic solvent and an aqueous solution of water-soluble cyanide salt in the presence of a rate-promoting agent selected from acid salts of tertiary amines.

Abstract: Certain alpha-cyano esters are prepared by reacting an acyl halide with an aldehyde in a substantially water-immiscible aprotic solvent and an aqueous solution of water-soluble cyanide salt in the presence of an amphoteric surfactant rate-promoting agent.

Abstract: Certain alpha-cyano esters are prepared by reacting an acyl halide with an aldehyde in a substantially water-immiscible aprotic solvent and an aqueous solution of water-soluble cyanide salt in the presence of an amine or cryptate rate-promoting agent.

Abstract: Certain alpha-cyano esters are prepared by reacting an acyl halide with an aldehyde in a substantially water-immiscible aprotic solvent and an aqueous solution of water-soluble cyanide salt in the presence of an amine or cryptate rate-promoting agent.

Abstract: Certain alpha-cyano esters are prepared by reacting an acyl halide with an aldehyde in a substantially water-immiscible aprotic solvent and an aqueous solution of water-soluble cyanide salt in the presence of a rate-promoting agent selected from acid salts of tertiary amines.

Abstract: Certain alpha-cyano esters are prepared by reacting an acyl halide with an aldehyde in a substantially water-immiscible aprotic solvent and an aqueous solution of water-soluble cyanide salt in the presence of an amphoteric surfactant rate-promoting agent.