Abstract: A process for the preparation of compounds of the general formula ##STR1## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are identical or different and are hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl, phenyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl-substituted phenyl, C.sub.7 -C.sub.9 phenylalkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.12 cycloalkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl-substituted C.sub.5 -C.sub.12 cycloalkyl,R.sub.3 is hydrogen or methyl,m is 0, 1, 2 or 3, andn is a number from 1 to 4 or 6, andA is as defined in the description,by reacting a compound of the formula II ##STR2## where m, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are as defined above, with a compound of the formula III ##STR3## where A and n are as defined in the description, which comprises carrying out the reaction in the presence of a catalyst which contains, as active material, an alkali metal compound of the formula IVM.sub.m An (IV)in whichM is Li, Na, K, Rb or Cs,m is the valency of An, andAn is a fluoride, hydroxide, phosphate, formate, acetate or --OR.sub.5 radical, andR.sub.

Abstract: Hydroxyphenylpropionates are prepared by Michael addition of an acrylic acid component to a phenol component. The compounds are purified by vacuum rectification after separation of the basic catalyst.

Abstract: Preparation of O,O-dialkylthionophosphoric acid chlorides of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 independently of one another are each an alkyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms, by reacting a dialkyl phosphite-chloride of the formula ##STR2## with sulfur in an inert solvent in the presence of a catalytic amount of titanium tetrachloride.The O,O-dialkylthionophosphoric acid chlorides of the above formula are valuable intermediates for the preparation of insecticidal active compounds.

Abstract: A process for the production of trialkoxy-.beta.-halogenoethylsilanes and dialkoxy-methyl-.beta.-halogenoethylsilanes by reaction of a corresponding .beta.-halogenoethyltrichlorosilane or .beta.-halogenoethyl-methyldichlorosilane with an alcohol in the presence of ammonia is disclosed. The trialkoxy-.beta.-halogenoethylsilanes and dialkoxy-methyl-.beta.-halogenoethylsilanes obtained by this process are active substances for regulating plant growth.

Abstract: Process for the production of phosphite chlorides comprising the reaction of phosphorus trichloride and a trialkyl phosphite or a triphenyl phosphite in the presence of an aprotic solvent.

Abstract: Process for the production of phosphite chlorides comprising the reaction of phosphorus trichloride and a trialkyl phosphite or a triphenyl phosphite in the presence of a hydrous quaternary compound of nitrogen or phosphorus.