N-(Alkenyl)-chloroacetanilides of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group,R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, hydroxyalkyl or benzyl group,R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkylcarbonyl-alkyl, alkoxycarbonyl or alkoxycarbonylalkyl group, orR.sup.1 and R.sup.2, together with the C.dbd.C double bond, represent an optionally substituted mono-unsaturated or polyunsaturated ring which can also contain heteroatoms, orR.sup.2 and R.sup.3, together with the adjacent carbon atom, represent an optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated ring which can also contain heteroatoms and/or a carbonyl group, orR.sup.2 and R.sup.3 together represent a radical of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.6 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group andR.sup.7 represents an alkyl or phenyl group andX.sup.1, X.sup.2 and X.sup.3 independently of one another represent a hydrogen or halogen atom or an alkyl group,which possess herbicidal and plant growth regulating properties.