Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, containing compounds containing the group [IMAGE cpc-sch-A01N-0948.gif], wherein m+n>=1, both X together may also mean —Y— or a direct carbon-to-carbon bond, and the carbon atoms marked with an asterisk are not part of any ring system other than that which may be formed by the atoms X, the carbon atoms in square brackets being part of any acyclic or cyclic structure, or the group [IMAGE cpc-sch-A01N-0949.gif], wherein A means a carbon atom or Y, n>=0, and not more than one of these carbon atoms being a member of the same ring system, e.g. juvenile insect hormones or mimics thereof (containing hydrocarbons A01N27/00)