Abstract: Stable S,S,S-tributylphosphorotrithioate having reduced levels of the odorous by-product dibutyl disulfide is produced by adding a caustic solution having a concentration of less than 10% to crude S,S,S-tributylphosphorotrithioate until the pH remains constant. In a preferred embodiment, a solution of sodium hydroxide having a concentration of less than 10% is used in an amount such that at least 0.1 mole of sodium hydroxide is present for each mole of crude S,S,S-tributylphosphortrithioate.

Abstract: Tri-n-butylphosphorothioite is produced on a continuous or semi-continuous by simultaneously adding phosphorus trichloride and butylmercaptan to a reaction vessel at a rate such that an excess of butylmercaptan is present and allowing the resultant mixture to react at a temperature of from about 120.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. One or more reactors may be employed. This process is particularly advantageous for safety reasons and produces high quality phosphite which may be oxidized without purification to produce S,S,S-tri-n-butylphosphorotrithioate.

Abstract: Trimethylsulfonium halides are made by reacting dimethyl sulfide and a methyl halide in the presence of a solvent mixture which includes water and a water-immiscible organic solvent. The organic water-immiscible solvent is generally present in an amount which is at least 40% but no more than 95% of the total solvent mixture. The reaction is preferably conducted under pressure.

Abstract: Trimethylsulfonium halides are made by reacting dimethyl sulfide and a methyl halide in the presence of water. The reaction is preferably conducted under pressure.

Abstract: Regulating plant growth with carbamoyl and substituted carbamoyl alkyl trihydrocarbyl phosphonium organic and inorganic salts of the formula ##EQU1## in which R is alkyl of 1-14 carbons, phenyl, tolyl or dimethylamino;R' is hydrogen or lower alkyl;R" and R'" each is hydrogen, alkyl of 1-14 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 3-7 carbon atoms, alkenyl of 2-6 carbon atoms, cyanoalkyl having 1-4 carbon atoms in each corresponding alkyl moiety, aralkyl having 1-4 carbon atoms in each corresponding alkyl moiety and optionally substituted with 1-3 chlorine atoms, furfuryl, phenyl, phenyl substituted with 1-3 chloro or methoxy or methylthio or 1-2 alkyl groups having 1-3 carbon atoms; orR" and R'" combined are piperidino, morpholine, 3-aza (3,2,2) bicycloheptyl; andX.sup.- is monovalent anion.Many of the cmpounds are new.