Abstract: N-di-n-propyl-2,6-dinitro-4-trifluoromethylaniline ("Trifluralin") with a low content in nitrosamines (less than 1 ppm) is prepared by reacting 4-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-chlorobenzene with di-n-propylamine under the following critical conditions:feeding to the chlorobenzoderivative the di-n-propylamine containing an alkali metal hydroxide or an alkaline carbonate so that the pH value of the reaction mass is comprised between 7 and 7.5;regulating the temperature of the reaction mass so that it does not exceed 70.degree. C.; andoperating in the presence of at least 50% by weight of water in the reaction mass.

Abstract: There are disclosed derivatives of thiazolidin-4-carboxylic acid, more particularly alkali and ammonium salts of zinc bis-(N,N'(dithiocarboxy)-(thiazolidin-4-carboxylic acid prevent the infection of plants by fungi and, at the same time, stimulate plant growth. A method for preparing said derivatives is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adduct of zinc chloride and benzyl-N,N-di-sec. butyl-thiolcarbamate, and use thereof as catalyst for preparing benzyl-N,N-di-sec.butyl-thiolcarbamate from carbamoyl chloride and benzyl mercaptan are disclosed.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for quaternarizing 4,4'-dipyridyl diacetate to N,N'-dimethyl-4,4'-dipyridylium dihalide by reaction with an alkyl halide, preferably a lower alkyl halide such as methyl chloride, the reaction being carried out by:Using acetic acid as solvent for the 4,4'-dipyridyl diacetate in amounts of at least 1:1 by weight in respect of the diacetate subjected to reaction; andHeating the reactants at temperatures ranging from 60.degree. to 150.degree. C. and at pressures ranging from 2 to 10 kg/cm.sup.2. The acetic acid used as a solvent may be utilized for further quaternarizations of 4,4'-dipyridyl diacetate. Preferably the acetic acid is recycled to the zone of oxidation of diacetyl-tetrahydrodipyridyl, the resulting product being quaternarized in the same recycled acetic acid.

Abstract: There is disclosed a one-step process for dinitrating 4-trifluoromethylchlorobenzene to obtain the 2,6-dinitro-derivative.

Abstract: The N-monomethylamide of O,O-dimethyl-dithiophosphorylacetic acid is prepared continuously, in the form of essentially pure, beautiful colorless crystals, by reacting the methyl ester of O,O-dimethyldithiophosphoryl acetic acid with a 34% aqueous solution of methylamine (CH.sub.3 NH.sub.2) at a temperature between 0.degree. C and 10.degree. C, in water containing a surfactant which is an alkyl sulphonate or an alkylarylsulphonate and, as an essential feature of the process, recycling, back to the reaction vessel, from 1/10 to 1/20 of the slurry obtained as a result of the reaction between the methyl ester of O,O-dimethyl-dithiophosphorylacetic acid and the 34% solution of CH.sub.3 NH.sub.2.

Abstract: Colorless O,O-dimethyldithiophosphoric acid is produced by reaction between a phosphorus sulfide, in particular P.sub.4 S.sub.7 or P.sub.4 S.sub.10, and methanol, at temperatures of 60.degree.-75.degree. C, with short reaction times, and using toluene as diluent. Colorless alkaline salts of the acid are obtained by neutralizing the toluene solution of the acid at a temperature higher than 30.degree. C and at a pH maintained at 2 to 6.

Abstract: The methyl ester of O,O-dimethyl-dithiophosphoryl acetic acid is prepared with minimal formation of by-products by reacting the sodium salt of O,O-dimethyl-dithiophosphoryl acid with the methyl ester of 2-chloroacetic acid at a pH of 5.5 to 7, at relatively high temperatures, of the order of 80.degree. to 100.degree. C, for reaction times of 10 to 15 minutes. The process can be carried out continuously.