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The aim of this paper was to find the simplest method for the synthesis of (aminoiminomethyl)thioacetic acid and some of its esters ( methyl- and ethyl-) in order to test them biologically as potential plant growth regulators.

Benzoates and particularly, benzoic acids are known biologically for their effects in the regulation of seed germination. A series of monoethanolamine salts of para-substituted benzoic acids (MEASPBAs), the corresponding acids (BAs) and monoethanolamine (MEA) were tested at different concentrations, on Cucumis sativus L. germination in order to assess their biological activity. The correlation between the effects of different substituents of these salts and the corresponding acids with germination rate, root and shoot length, fresh and dry biomass, soluble protein content, isocitrate lyase (ICL, EC 4.1.3.1) and catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6.) activity, was evaluated. Data showed that p-OH and p-CH3 substituents had a lower inhibitory effect compared to the halogenated substituents. Moreover, the inhibition of root and shoot lengths and the dramatic decrease of fresh biomass for halogenated (p-Cl, p-Br, p-I) MEASPBAs and BAs followed the increase of the atomic size of the substituent.