Abstract: The process described makes it possible to obtain optically pure 4-amino-3-hydroxycarboxylic acids by means of a series of stereoselective steps. The starting material is an alpha-amino acid in the L or D configuration, with which Meldrum's acid is reacted. The resulting pyrrolone derivative is reduced prior to opening of the pyrrolidine ring. The invention also relates to the new products obtained by the said process and to the pyrrolone derivatives obtained as intermediates.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of optically active 3-de-methylmevalonic acid derivatives, and intermediates A process for the preparation of optically active 3-de-methylmevalonic acid derivatives of the formula I ##STR1## (3,5-dihydroxy carboxylic acid derivatives) or of the formula II ##STR2## (.beta.-hydroxy lactones) in which R, R.sup.1 and Y have the indicated meanings, is described. The invention furthermore relates to aldehydes of the formula XII ##STR3## in which M represents the indicated protective groups. The 3-demethylmevalonic acid derivatives of this invention are useful for lowering cholesterol levels of a host.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, disclosed herein are compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen, straight or branched loweralkyl, cycloalkyl, amino, loweralkoxy or acylamino, and R.sub.1 is straight or branched loweralkyl, amino, cyclohexyl phenyl or phenyl substituted with loweralkyl, loweralkoxy or halo, benzyl, morpholino, piperidino, tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydrofuranyl, furanyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dioxolanyl, 2,2-dimethyl dioxolanyl, dioxanyl, pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrooxazolyl, and dihydrooxazolyl, R.sub.2 is hydrogen or --COR.sub.3 wherein R.sub.3 is straight or branched loweralkyl, provided, however, when R.sub.1 is loweralkyl or cyclohexyl, R.sub.2 is not hydrogen, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds are useful in the treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract: Cyclohexane derivatives of the formula IR.sup.1 --A.sup.1 --Z.sup.1 --A.sup.2 --R.sup.2 IwhereinR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each H or an alkyl group which has 1-10 C atoms and in which one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups can also be replaced by 0 atoms and/or --CO-groups, and/or --CO--O-- groups and/or --CH.dbd.CH-- groups, or are F, Cl, Br, CN or R.sup.3 --A.sup.3 --Z.sup.2 --,A.sup.1 is --A--, A.sup.4 --Z.sup.o --A-- or --A--Z.sup.o --A.sup.4 --,A is a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-cyclohexenylene group which is unsubstituted or is monosubstituted or polysubstituted in the 2-, 3-, 5- and/or 6-position by F and/or Cl and/or Br and/or CN and/or an alkyl group or a fluorinated alkyl group each of which has 1-10 C atoms and in which one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups can also be replaced by 0 atoms and/or --CO-- groups and/or --CO--O-- groups, which trans-1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-cyclohexenylene group can optionally also be substituted in the 1-position and/or 4-position and one or two CH.sub.

Abstract: Derivatives of 4-cyano-2,3-difluorophenol of the formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is an alkyl group which has 1-12 C atoms and in which one or two CH.sub.2 groups can also be replaced by --O--, --CO--, --CO--O-- and/or --CH.dbd.CH--, no two 0 atoms being directly attached to one another,A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 independently of one another are each 1,4-phenylene which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or two F atoms, and in which one or two CH groups can also be replaced by N, or trans-1,4-cyclohexylene in which one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups can also be replaced by 0 atoms and/or S atoms,Z is --CO--O--, --O--CO--, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 O, --C.tbd.C-- or a single bond,m is 0, 1 or 2 andQ is --CO-- or --CH.sub.2 --.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, disclosed herein are compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is straight or branched loweralkyl, R.sub.1 is hydrogen, straight or branched loweralkyl, lowercycloalkyl, amino, loweralkoxy or acylamino, and R.sub.2 is straight or branched loweralkyl, amino, cyclohexyl, morpholino, piperidino, tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dioxolanyl, 2,2-dimethyl dioxolanyl, dioxanyl, pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrooxazolyl, and dihydrooxazolyl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds are useful in the treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a monohydroxy monocyclic acetal, e.g., trimethylolpropane cyclic formal, of a trihydroxy alcohol, e.g., trimethylolpropane, and an aldehyde, e.g., formaldehyde, by subjecting a "heavier condensation product" of the trihydroxy alcohol and the aldehyde than the desired cyclic acetal, i.e., one having a higher molecular weight and boiling point, to acetal formation conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the product of reaction of the trihydroxy alcohol and aldehyde is treated to remove the desired monohydroxy monocyclic acetal product and at least part of the remainder comprising the heavier condensation product is recycled to the reaction together with a flesh supply of trihydroxy alcohol and aldehyde. The monohydroxy monocyclic acetal product may be further reacted to obtain a desired ester, e.g. trimethylolpropane cyclic formal acrylate, such as by transesterifying the acetal with a low boiling ester of the esterifying acid, e.g.

Abstract: Liquid crystalline ethane derivatives by the described method in order to form liquid crystalline compositions with known liquid crystalline compounds have a general formula I: ##STR1## wherein, if ring A idicates a 1,4-substituted benzene ring, then ring B indicates 1.4-substituted benzene ring or 1.4-trans-substituted cyclohexane ring or 1.4-substituted bicyclo[2,2,2]octane ring or 2.5-substituted pyrimidine ring or 2.5-substituted 1.3- dioxane ring, or if ring B indicates a 1.4-substituted benzene ring, then A indicates 1.4-trans-substituted cyclohexane ring or 1.4-substituted bicylo[2,2,2]octane ring or 2.5-substituted pyrimidine ring or 2.5-substituted 1.3-dioxane ring, and R indicates a normal alkyl chain C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 or a non-branched alkoxy group C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 O or an alkylcarboxylic group C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 COO or an alkyl carbonato group C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 OCOO or a branched alkyl chain CH.sub.3 --CH.sub.2 --CH(CH.sub.3)--(CH.sub.2).sub.k -- or a branched alkoxy group CH.sub.3 --CH.sub.

Abstract: Cyclohexane derivatives of the formula IR.sup.1 --A.sup.1 --Z.sup.1 --A.sup.2 --R.sup.2 Iin whichR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each an alkyl group having 1-10 C atoms, in which one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups can also be replaced by O atoms and/or --CO-- groups and/or --CO--O-- groups and/or --CH.dbd.CH-- groups, one of the radicals R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 also being H, F, Cl, Br, CN or R.sup.3 --A.sup.3 --Z.sup.2 --,A.sup.1 is --A--, A.sup.4 --A-- or --A--A.sup.4 --,A is a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group which can be substituted in the 2-, 3-, 5- and/or 6-position one or more times by F and/or Cl and/or Br and/or CN and/or an alkyl group or a fluorinated alkyl group which each have 1-10 C atoms and in which one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups can also be replaced by 0 atoms and/or --CO-- groups and/or --CO--O-- groups, and which may also be substituted in the 1- and/or 4-position,A.sup.2, A.sup.3 and A.sup.

Abstract: Compounds of the formulaR.sup.1 --Q.sup.1 --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(COO).sub.n --(CH.sub.2).sub.p --Q.sup.2 --R.sup.2whereinR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently alkyl or alkoxy each of 1-12 C atoms, F, Cl, Br, CN or --Q.sup.3 --R.sup.3, or one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can also be H;Q.sup.1, Q.sup.2 and Q.sup.3 are each independently 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-bicyclo(2,2,2)-octylene or 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, each of which is unsubstituted or substituted by 1-4 fluorine, chlorine or bromine atoms;R.sup.3 is alkyl or alkoxy each of 1-8 C atoms, H, F, Cl, Br or CN;m is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6; n is 0 or 1; and p is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; the sum of (m+p) being 2, 4 or 6 and the sum of (m+n+p) being at least 3;but with the proviso that Q.sup.3 is unsubstituted 1,4-phenylene or 1,4-phenylene substituted by a fluorine, chlorine or bromine atom, only when n=1 or (m+p)=6 or at least one of R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 is F, Cl or Br or none of R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 is CN or two of the radicals R.sup.1 to R.sup.

Abstract: The new esters derived from a chiral compound containing two OH groups and at least one mesogenic carboxylic acid which have the general formula (I) ##STR1## in which X.sup.1 =O--H or O--CO--(C.sub.1 to C.sub.12)alkyl and X.sup.2 =O--MC or X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 denote O-MC independently of each other, where MC is the molecular radical of a mesogenic monocarboxylic acid after splitting off an OH group.The esters or esters substituted in the aromatic part of the phenolic part preferably find application as an admixture intwistable liquid crystal phases in which they produce a temperature compensation and a high degree of twisting.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and are each hyrogen or alkyl of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, the radicals X are identical or different substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or hydrogen, m is from zero to 5, n is an integer from 2 to 6 and Y is --CO-- or --CH(OH)--, their intermediates of the formula (II) ##STR2## and the use of the compounds (I) as plant growth regulators.

Abstract: N-Phenylsulfonyl-N'-pyrimidinylureas and --N'-triazinylureas of the general formula ##STR1## and the salts of these compounds with amines, alkali metal bases and alkaline earth metal bases or with quaternary ammonium bases, have good selective herbicidal and plant growth regulating properties when applied pre- and postemergence.In the formulaR.sub.1 is hydrogen, halogen, nitro, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 alkenyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxycarbonyl,R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkoxy, each unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms,R.sub.3 is halogen, hydrogen, --NR.sub.4 R.sub.5, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, or is C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted by methoxy, ethoxy, or 1 to 3 halogen atoms,R.sub.4 is hydrogen or methyl,R.sub.5 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 alkyl or methoxy,A is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkylene or C.sub.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula IR.sup.1 --A.sup.1 --Z.sup.1 --A.sup.2 --R.sup.2 IwhereinR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each an alkyl group having 1-10 C atoms, in which one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups can also be replaced by O atoms and/or CO groups and/or --OCO-- groups and/or --COO-- groups and/or --CH.dbd.CH-- groups, or are F, Cl, Br, CN or R.sup.3 --A.sup.3 --Z.sup.2 --,A.sup.1 is --A--, --A.sup.4 --A-- or --A--A.sup.4 --,A is a 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl or 1,3-dithiane-2,5-diyl group which is monosubstituted or polysubstituted in the 2-position and/or 4-position by alkyl each having 1-10 C atoms and/or in the 5-position by alkyl, alkoxy, fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkoxy each having 1-5 C atoms, or by F, Cl, Br or CN,A.sup.2, A.sup.3 and A.sup.4 each are 1,3-dithiane-2,5-diyl, piperidine-1,4-diyl, 1,4-bicyclo[2,2,2]octylene, decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl, 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-phenylene which is substituted by one or two F and/or Cl atoms and/or CH.sub.

Abstract: Iodopropargyl ethers of the formula ##STR1## wherein A represents oxygen or a methylene group,R.sup.1 denotes hydrogen or lower alkyl,R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are identical or different and represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, alkenyl or unsubstituted or halogen-substituted phenyl, or R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 together form a carbocyclic ring with 4 to 7 C atoms,L and m represent 0, 1 or 2,k denotes 0 or 1 andn denotes an integer from 0 to 4, with the proviso that if 1 is 0, n represents 1, 2, 3 or 4,can be prepared by reaction of the corresponding propargyl ethers with iodinating agents. The iodopropargyl ethers are active compounds in microbicidal agents.

Abstract: Liquid crystalline mixtures containing compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein n stands for the number 0 or 1; X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 denote single covalent bonds or one of the symbols X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 also denotes --COO--, --OOC-- or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --; the rings A.sup.1, A.sup.2 and A.sup.3 represent 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or trans-1,4-cyclohexylene or one of these rings also represents a 2,5-disubstituted pyrimidine ring or a trans-2,5-disubstituted m-dioxane ring; R.sup.1 signifies 4-alkenyl or on a cyclohexyl ring also 2Z-alkenyl; and R.sup.2 denotes alkyl, alkoxy, --CN or --NCS,as well as the manufacture of these compounds and the use for electro-optical purposes are described.

Abstract: The oxime ethers of the formula I below are able to act as antidotes or safeners to protect cultivated plants from the phytotoxic effects of herbicides. Such cultivated plants are preferably sorghum, cereals, maize and rice, and herbicides are principally chloroacetanilides and thiocarbamates. The oxime ethers have the formula I ##STR1## wherein n is 1 or 2, each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl each of R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 is hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkylthio, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkylthio, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkylsulfinyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkylsulfonyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkylsulfinyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkylsulfonyl or nitro; each of R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 independently of the other is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 alkoxyalkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.4 alkenyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula IR.sup.1 --A.sup.1 --Z.sup.1 --A.sup.2 --R.sup.2 IwhereinR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each H, an alkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, alkanoyloxy or alkoxycarbonyl group with in each case 1-10 C atoms, F, Cl, Br, CN or R.sup.3 --A.sup.3 --Z.sup.2 --,A.sup.1 is --A--, --A.sup.4 --A--or --A--A.sup.4 --,A is a 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl or a 1,3-dithiane-2,5-diyl group,A.sup.2, A.sup.3 are each a 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl,and A.sup.4 1,3-dithiane-2,5-diyl, piperidine-1,4-diyl or 1,4-bicyclo(2,2,2)octylene group, or a 1,4-phenylene, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl or pyridazine-3,6-diyl group which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or two F and/or Cl atoms and/or CH.sub.3 groups and/or CN groups,Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 are each --CO--O--, --O--CO--, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 O or a single bond andR.sup.3 is H, an alkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, alkanoyloxy or alkoxycarbonyl group with in each case 1-10 C atoms, F, Cl, Br or CN, with the proviso that(a) at least one group A.sup.2, A.sup.

Abstract: A novel liquid crystal compound suitable to use as a component of liquid crystal dielectrics and a liquid crystal composition containing the same are provided, which compound is a dihalogeno-aromatic compound expressed by the formula ##STR1## wherein R represents an alkyl group or an alkoxy group, each of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or an alkoxymethyl group of 2 to 12 carbon atoms.

Abstract: New compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein the symbols X stand for carbon atom bonded with two hydrogen atoms /--CH.sub.2 -- group/ and the symbols Z stand for oxygen atom or the symbols X stand for oxygen atom and the symbols Z stand for carbon atom bonded with two hydrogen atoms /--CH.sub.2 -- group/, m is an integer of 1 to 2, R represents an alkyl /H.sub.2n+1 C.sub.n / or an 4-alkylphenyl /H.sub.2n+1 C.sub.n --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 / or an alkylbiphenyl /H.sub.2n+1 C.sub.n --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 / or an alkylcyclohexylphenyl group /H.sub.2n+1 C.sub.n --C.sub.6 H.sub.10 --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 /, the term alkyl group signifies an alkyl chain containing 1 to 15 carbon atoms or it also signifies a branched-chain alkyl group C.sub.2 H.sub.5 --CH/CH.sub.3 /--/CH.sub.2 /.sub.k where k in an integer of 1 to 3, have utility as liquid crystals. A process for manufacture of compounds of the general formula I.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen or straight-chain alkyl; R.sup.2 is --CN, --R, --COR, --COOR or when R.sup.2 is positioned on an aromatic ring R.sup.2 also can be --OR, --OOCR or --F; R is alkyl; A is a group with 1 to 4 six-membered rings, these rings being linked directly with one another and with ring B in each case via a single covalent bond or being linked at one or two positions also via --COO--, --OOC-- or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.

Abstract: Ethane derivatives of the formula IR.sup.1 --A.sup.1 --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --A.sup.2 --(A.sup.3).sub.n --R.sup.2 IwhereinR.sup.1 is H, an alkyl group with 1-12 C atoms, in which one or two non adjacent CH.sub.2 groups can also be replaced by O atoms and/or CO groups and/or --O--CO-- groups and/or --CO--O groups, F, Cl, Br or R.sup.3 --A.sup.4 --Z.sup.1 --,R.sup.2 is --CN or --Z.sup.2 --A.sup.4 --CN,A.sup.1 is --A--, --A--A.sup.5 -- or --A.sup.5 --A--,A.sup.2 is an 1,4-phenylene group which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or two F and/or Cl atoms and/or CH.sub.3 groups and/or CN groups and in which one or two CH groups can also be replaced by N atoms,A is a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, in which one or two non adjacent CH.sub.2 groups can also be replaced by O atoms, or is a 1,3-dithiane-2,5-diyl group or 1,4-bicyclo(2,2,2)-octylene group,A.sup.3, A.sub.4 are each a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, in which one or two non adjacent CH.sub.

Abstract: Combating fungi with a 3-cycloalkyl-1-(1,3-dioxan-5-yl)-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-propan-1-one or -propan-1-ol of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is optionally substituted cycloalkyl,R.sup.2 is hydrogen or alkyl,R.sup.3 is hydrogen or alkyl andX is ##STR2## or a plant-tolerated addition product with an acid or metal salt.

Abstract: New decalin-carbonitriles of the formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is an alkyl group with 1-10 C atoms, it being possible for up to two CH.sub.2 groups to be replaced by O atoms, Z is --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CO--O--, --O--CO--, --O--CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 O-- or a single bond, A is 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, 1,4-bicyclo(2,2,2)octylene, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl or a single bond, and R.sup.2 is an alkyl group with 1 to 10 C atoms, it being possible for up to two CH.sub.2 groups to be replaced by O atoms, or is F, Cl, Br, CN, --O--COR.sup.3 or --COOR.sup.3, or, if at least one of the groups Z and A is not a single bond, can also be H and R.sup.3 is alkyl of 1 to 6 C atoms, and the acid addition salts of basic compounds of this type, are suitable for use as components of liquid crystal dielectrics.

Abstract: A colorless liquid crystalline compound having at least one 6-membered ring and non-cyclic end groups in the molecular skelton, said 6-membered containing two or more carbon atoms, at least one of which is directly bonded to a methylene group of a non-cyclic group having an alkoxy group at another end has a wide mesomorphic range. When said colorless liquid crystalline compound is mixed with a liquid crystal composition, the resulting mixture also has an enlarge mesomorphic range and in almost all cases has a reduced viscosity.

Abstract: 2S-(2.beta.,4.beta.,5.beta.)-5-Arylmethoxy-4-substituted 2-alkyl-1,3-dioxane and derivatives thereof. The compounds are especially useful as herbicides.

Abstract: The oxime ethers of the formula I below are able to act as antidotes or safeners to protect cultivated plants from the phytotoxic effects of herbicides. Such cultivated plants are preferably sorghum, cereals, maize and rice, and herbicides are principally chloroacetanilides and thiocarbamates. The oxime ethers have the formula I ##STR1## wherein n is 1 or 2, each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl each of R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 is hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkylthio, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkylthio, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkylsulfinyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkylsulfonyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkylsulfinyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkylsulfonyl or nitro; each of R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 independently of the other is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 alkoxyalkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.4 alkenyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to nematic liquid crystals, especially for electro-optical components for the modulation of transmitted or reflected light, as well as for the display of numbers, symbols and images, exhibiting favorable physical characteristics, as well as to a method for the production of the new substances.It has been found that new liquid crystal 2-substituted-1,3-dioxane-5-carboxylic acid esters of the general formula ##STR1## are suited for use in electro-optical components for the modulation of the light, as well as for the display of numbers, symbols and images, and can be used alone, in mixtures with each other and/or in mixtures with additional liquid crystal or non-liquid crystal substances.

Abstract: Fumaric acid monoesters can be prepared by introducing a hydroxyl compound at a rate corresponding to the progress of the reaction into a solution or a melt of maleic anhydride, which may optionally be substituted, if appropriate in the presence of a cis-trans catalyst. New fumaric acid monoesters can be formed by the process.

Abstract: A compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein X.sup.1 is a free or esterified carboxyl group, a hydroxymethyl group, a cyano group, a group of the formula: ##STR2## (R.sup.a and R.sup.b are each independently a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, a C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 cycloalkyl group, a benzyl group, a phenyl group, a phenyl group substituted with a halogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, or, when taken together with the adjacent nitrogen atom to which they are attached, they represent a 5 to 7-membered saturated heterocyclic group) or a group of the formula: ##STR3## (R.sup.a and R.sup.b are each as defined above), Y is an ethylene group or a vinylene group, R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or a protected hydroxyl group, R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, when taken together, means a single linkage to form a double bond between the carbon atoms which they are linked, R.sup.3 is a hydroxyl group or a protected hydroxyl group, R.sup.4 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.

Abstract: There are presented new diphenyl ether derivatives having a substituent selected from a halogen atom, a trifluoromethyl group and a methoxy group at the 4-position in one phenyl moiety, having optionally also halo-substituents at the 2- and 6-positions, and having a nitro group at the 4'-position and a substituent selected from an unsubstituted or substituted (1,3-dioxorane-4-yl)methoxy group, an unsubstituted or substituted (1,3-dioxa-5-cyclohexyloxy) group and an alkyl- or (substituted)amino-sulfonyloxy group at the 3'-position in the other phenyl moiety. They exhibit improved herbicidal effects on various weeds without any adverse phytotoxic effect on crops, e.g. rice seedlings.

Abstract: N-[1-(2'-substituted-alkyl)-amidomethyl and carboalkoxymethyl]-substituted-N-acylanilines have fungicidal activity.

Abstract: Cetane rating of diesel fuel is increased by adding a dioxane nitrate such as m-dioxan-5-ol nitrate and 1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol nitrate.

Abstract: There are disclosed a 4-alkoxy-1,3-dioxane-5-carbonitrile which is a novel compound represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R represents a lower-alkyl group, and which is useful as an intermediate for the synthesis of Vitamin B.sub.1, and a process for preparing the novel compound by subjecting a 3-alkoxy-2-propenenitrile to reaction with a formaldehyde in the presence of an acid catalyst.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## where Ar, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and X have the meanings given in the claims, their preparation and their use as plant growth regulators.

Abstract: Novel 1,3-dioxan-5-yl-alkenyltriazoles of the formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and each is hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, Ar is furanyl, thienyl, biphenylyl or naphthyl, or is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by alkyl, alkoxy or alkenyl, each of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or by fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, nitro, trifluoromethyl or phenoxy, and X is C.dbd.O, --CH(OH)-- or --CH(O--COR.sup.3)--, where R.sup.3 is unsubstituted or halogen- or alkoxy-substituted alkyl of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or alkenyl of 2 to 5 carbon atoms or aryl, their salts and metal complexes, and their preparation. The novel compounds are plant growth regulators.

Abstract: Novel cyano- and hydroxyl-substituted cyclic compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein B, R, R' and R" are named substituents are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns crystalline liquid substituted 1,3-dioxanes and compositions containing the same for use in electro-optical components, characterized by at least one compound of the general formula: ##STR1## R.sup.3 =C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 ; C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 O, Cl, Br, CN, NO.sub.2, and where R.sup.4 =C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 and n=1 to 10.

Abstract: 2-Hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol trinitrate, processes for its preparation, and compounds related thereto are disclosed. The final product is useful as a plasticizer of relatively low volatility in double based propellant compositions and as a liquid explosive.

Abstract: Novel liquid crystalline compounds having low viscosity, low transition temperatures, positive dielectric anisotropy and extremely low optical birefringence are provided. The compounds are represented by the formula: ##STR1## where R and R.sup.1 can be the same or different straight chain alkyl or alkoxy group and m can be 1 or 2.Guest-host electrooptical displays including a mixture of one or more of the compounds with a suitable pleochroic dye exhibit much improved contrast and low driving voltage while eliminating the need for polarizers and excessive dye additions.