AGENT FOR PLANT GROWTH REGULATION AND METHOD OF ITS ACTIVE COMPONENT PREPARATION

The invention relates to new bicyclo(2.2.1)heptane derivatives of the general formula I (I) wherein R represents a C1-12 alkyl group optionally substituted by a lower alkoxy group, a C2-4 alkenyl group or a phenyl-(lower alkyl) group optionally substituted on (I), phenyl ring by one or more lower alkoxy groups or halogen atoms. The invention relates further to plant growth regulating compositions comprising as active agent 0.001 to 95% by weight of a racemic and/or optically active compound of the general formula I, wherein R has the above defined meanings, along with a conventional organic or inorganic, solid and/or liquid carrier and/or filler and/or diluent and/or surfactant. The invention encompasses also the preparation of the compounds of the general formula (I) which comprises reacting a racemic or optically active compound of the general formula (II) (II) wherein Y is an oxygen or sulfur atom or an oxim group, with a compound of the general formula (III) R-X wherein R is as defined above, and X represents a leaving group, preferably a halogen atom, a sulfonyloxy or an aminooxy group, with the proviso that when using a compound of the general formula (II), in which Y is an oxim group, X is other than aminooxy group, in the presence of a basic condensing agent, and optionally resolving the racemic compound of the general formula (I) obtained into its optically active antipodes.