Abstract: A process for the selective mono.alpha.-chlorination of alkyl chloroaromatic compounds comprises reacting chlorine with an alkyl chloroaromatic compound of the formula: ##STR1## WHERE R is methyl or ethyl and n is 1 or 2; in the presence of an organic sulfide catalyst selected from the group consisting of aryl sulfides, alkyl sulfides, alkylaryl sulfides and heterocyclic sulfides.

Abstract: New compounds and a process for the preparation thereof are disclosed of the formula: ##STR1## WHEREIN EACH R is independently halogen or lower alkyl and n is from 2 to 4. These compounds are useful as chemical intermediates and fire retardant additives.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 2,5-dichloro-p-xylene comprises reacting p-xylene with chlorine in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a catalyst selected from the group consisting of halides of iron, halides of antimony and mixtures thereof and a co-catalyst selected from the group consisting of organic sulfur compounds characterized by the presence of divalent sulfur.

Abstract: An improved process for the catalytic production of dichlorotoluenes, especially 2,4-dichlorotoluene, formed by reacting para-chlorotoluene with chlorine in the presence of a catalyst to form a mixture of chlorinated toluenes and thereafter separating from said mixture a dichlorotoluene fraction containing 2,4-dichlorotoluene, the improvement comprising reacting para-chlorotoluene in the liquid phase with chlorine gas in the presence of antimony trichloride catalyst. The mixed chlorotoluene product obtained contains in excess of 85% 2,4-dichlorotoluene, which mixture is then treated with a base, catalyst is removed by separation or filtration and the remaining product is distilled to yield a substantially pure 2,4-dichlorotoluene product.

Abstract: There are provided compounds of the formulae ##STR1## WHEREIN: X is a halogen atom, such as chlorine and bromine;Y is selected from the group consisting of halogen, such as chlorine and bromine, an alkyl radical and hydrogen, at least one of said Y substituents being halogen;R is selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, fluorine and trifluoromethyl;Ar is an aromatic nucleus containing a hydrogen substituent on a ring position adjacent to the point of polyhalocyclopentadiene or polyhalocyclopentenone attachments, aromatic being defined herein as a derivative of benzene or a carbon compound which contains one or more carbon rings; andN is from 2 to 4, z is from 1 to 2 inclusive, q is a number from 0 to 1, said q being 0 when z is 2.The compounds of this invention are pesticidal, being especially effective as nematocides.

Abstract: New compounds and a process for the preparation thereof are disclosed of the formula:R.sub.n ArCCl=CClHwherein Ar is an aromatic nucleus, aromatic being defined herein as a derivative of benzene, each R is independently selected from halogen, alkyl and haloalkyl and n is an integer from 2 to 4. The above compounds are useful as chemical intermediates for the preparation of compounds having herbicidal activity.