Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents hydrogen or halogen and R.sup.2 represents C.sub.1-8 alkyl or C.sub.1-8 haloalkyl, useful as insecticides and knockdown agents. The invention also provides compositions comprising them, methods of their use in controlling insects, and processes for their preparation.

Abstract: Insecticidal compounds with effective knockdown activity against public health pests and having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein Z is selected from 3-allyl-2-methyl-4-oxocyclopent-2-en-1-yl; 3-propargyl-2-methyl-4-oxocyclopent-2-en-1-yl; 1-ethynyl-2-methylpent-2-en-1-yl; 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalimidomethyl; (6-phenoxypyrid-2-yl)methyl; 1-cyano-1-(6-phenoxypyrid-2-yl)methyl; 1-propargylimidazolin-2,4-dione-3-ylmethyl; 5-benzylfur-3-ylmethyl; and a group of formula: ##STR2## wherein X represents hydrogen, hydroxy, methoxy or ethynyl. The invention also provides processes for the preparation of, and insecticidal compositions comprising, the compounds of formula (I).

Abstract: The invention provides insecticidal compositions exhibiting excellent knockdown activity against public health pests, in particular cockroach species, comprising compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein X represents a group of formula: ##STR2## where (i) R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each selected from hydrogen, halo and C.sub.1-4 alkyl, or (ii) R.sup.1 is hydrogen and R.sup.2 represents either R.sup.3 (R.sup.4)C.dbd.CH-- or R.sup.3 (R.sup.4)(R.sup.5)C--CH(R.sup.5)--, where R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are selected from hydrogen, methyl, halo and C.sub.1-2 haloalkyl and R.sup.5 is selected from chloro and bromo. The invention also provides methods of use of the compositions, novel compounds of formula (I) and processes for their preparation.

Abstract: A method of killing or controlling insect, mite or nematode pests which method comprises applying to the insect or to the locus thereof an effective amount of a compound of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or C.sub.1-4 alkyl; and X, Y and Z are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, or OR.sup.1 where R.sup.1 is optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl group. Certain of the compounds are new.