Abstract: Methods for the preparation of substituted meta-phenylalkoxynitrobenzenes and their use as starting materials for the synthesis of herbicidal meta-phenylalkoxyphenylurea.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 4-nitrothioanisole comprising successively in a single vessel and without intermediate isolation reacting 4-nitrochlorobenzene with Na.sub.2 S.sub.2, then with an alkaline Na.sub.2 S solution and with a methylating agent. Advantageously the reactions are effected in methanol or aqueous methanol, the reactions with Na.sub.2 S.sub.2 and Na.sub.2 S are carried out at a temperature between about 50.degree. to 70.degree. C., the Na.sub.2 S.sub.2 is formed in situ in about 20% excess from Na.sub.2 S and sulphur, the Na.sub.2 S solution is rendered alkaline with sodium methylate or sodium hydroxide, and methylation is effected with methyl chloride at about 27.degree. to 35.degree. C. The product is produced in such high yield and purity that it can be employed directly for chlorination, without extensive purification, to produce insecticide intermediates.

Abstract: Benzenoid ethers/thioethers are prepared by reacting an activated halobenzene with an anionic reactant, RA.sup.- M.sup.+, in the presence of at least one tertiary amine sequestering agent having formula:N--CHR.sub.1 --CHR.sub.2 --O--CHR.sub.3 --CHR.sub.4 --O--.sub.n R.sub.5 ].sub.

Abstract: Novel diphenyl ether compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein X represents a hydrogen atom or a nitro group, process for preparing the same and diphenyl ethers of the general formula: ##STR2## wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, alkenyl group or alkynyl group, and Y represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or the group ##STR3## wherein R' is defined as R above, by reacting 2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl-3,4-dinitrophenyl ether with a compound of the general formula:RYH (III)wherein R and Y have the same meanings as defined above, respectively. The latter diphenyl ether compounds of the general formula (II) are useful as herbicides.

Abstract: Compounds are disclosed which have a juvenile hormone action on insects and also exhibit acaricide action. Said compounds are unsaturated aliphatic compounds having a trichloromethyl end group and the other end group of which is a phenol group which may be substituted and/or condensed, and which are capable of hindering the growth of insects from the larval to the adult stage and also exhibit an acaricide action on both adult acari and their eggs.