Studies on plant growth‐regulating substances XVI. The auxin‐activity of ω‐(N,N‐dimethylthiocarbamoylthio)alkanecarboxylic acids, and their β‐oxidation within plant tissues

SUMMARY Members of the homologous series (CH3)2NC(S)S(CH2)nCO2H n= 1–6, were prepared and their plant growth‐regulating activities were examined in three different tests. Derivatives of some of these acids with methyl groups in the fatty acid chain were also studied. The metabolism in wheat and broad‐bean plant tissues of two of the homologues were investigated, the products of metabolism being identified by chromatography. All results are shown to be consistent with the theory that the fatty acid chain in this series of compounds becomes degraded in the plant by β‐oxidation.