Abstract: An alpha-thio-alpha-aryl-substituted alkanonitrile of the general formula ##STR1## wherein Ar represents an aromatic group, R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, R.sup.1 represents an alkyl group or an aromatic group, and Y represents an oxygen atom or a carbonyl group. The above compound can be prepared by reacting an alpha-aryl-substituted-alpha-thio-acetonitrile of the general formula ##STR2## wherein Ar, Y and R.sup.1 are as defined above, with an alkylating agent in the presence of a strong base. This compound is useful as an intermediate for producing an alpha-aryl-substituted alkane-carboxylic acid of the general formula ##STR3## wherein Ar, Y and R.sup.1 are as defined above.

Abstract: Sulphoalkyl and sulphoalkenyl quaternary salts of heterocyclic nitrogen compounds are prepared by reacting heterocyclic compounds containing a tertiary ring nitrogen atom at an elevated temperature with an O-sulphoalkyl or O-sulphoalkenylisourea compound.

Abstract: Imides derived from 2-thioxo-3-benzothiazoline acetic and propionic have been found to be effective as herbicides and plant growth regulants. Imides derived from 2-thioxo-3-benzoxazoline acetic and propionic acid have been found to be effective plant growth regulants.

Abstract: Sulphoalkyl quaternary salts of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is --O--, --Se--, --S--, --NR-- or --CR(R)--, R is hydrogen or alkyl, R.sub.1 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each hydrogen or substituents or together represent the atoms necessary to complete an optionally substituted benzene ring, R.sub.4 is optionally substituted alkylene of 3 or 4 carbon atoms and n is 1 or 0, except that when n is 1, R.sub.1 cannot be hydrogen, are prepared by heating at a temperature above 80.degree. C. a heterocyclic base of the formula ##STR2## wherein X, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and n have the indicated meanings with a hydroxysulphonic acid of the formula HOR.sub.4 SO.sub.3 H.

Abstract: Novel 2-substituted-3-hydroxythiazolo[2,3-b]benzo-(and azabenzo)thiazolium salts, the mesoionic didehydro derivatives thereof and related compounds are disclosed, as well as the use thereof as modulators of the immune response.

Abstract: Heterocyclic phenyl ethers of the formula ##STR1## in which (R).sub.n is hydrogen or up to three identical or different substituents selected from halogen, CF.sub.3, NO.sub.2, CN, alkyl, alkoxy and alkylthio, and A is oxygen, sulfur or N(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, provided that the --OH group is not in para-position if (R).sub.n is hydrogen and A is sulfur, are useful as starting materials for the manufacture of selective herbicides.

Abstract: Fluorinated-alkyl sulfides represented by [R.sub.f (CH.sub.2).sub.n S].sub.z Q where R.sub.f is fluoroalkyl, n is 2 or 3, z is 1 or 2, and Q is an aryl, alkylaryl, alkyl heterocyclic or heterocyclic radical, are useful as surfactants or as intermediates for the preparation of salt-type, quaternary-salt, or amphoteric surfactants.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a disperse methine dye containing at least one dicyanomethylidene group comprising the steps of(A) preparing an anhydrous solution of an aldehyde formed by contacting an aromatic amine, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline or benzomorpholine compound capable of undergoing the Vilsmeier-Haack reaction with POCl.sub.3 and a N,N-di-alkylformamide wherein the alkyl moiety is 1-4 carbon atoms;(B) subsequently adding to said solution at least one equivalent of cyanoacetamide based on the equivalents of aldehyde formed in (A), thereby forming a reaction mixture of aldehyde and in situ generated malononitrile; and(C) adjusting the pH of the solution to a point sufficient for the condensation of the aldehyde and in situ generated malononitrile to occur thereby producing a disperse methine dye.

Abstract: A lubricating oil composition comprising 0.001% to 10%, based on the total lubricating composition, of a compound of formula I: ##STR1## wherein x is an integer from 1 to 25; R, R.sup.1 and R" are the same or different and each is hydrogen, an optionally substituted straight- or branched-chain alkyl residue having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkenyl or alkynyl residue having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an optionally substituted cycloalkyl residue having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, an optionally substituted aryl residue having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms, an optionally substituted aralkenyl or aralkynyl residue each having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms, an optionally substituted aralkyl residue having from 7 to 20 carbon atoms or an optionally substituted heterocyclic residue having from 3 to 10 ring members, an alkylene residue having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkylene residue having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms or an arylene residue having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms; or R is the group -(S).sub.