Compositions comprising a physiologically-active agent and an azacycloalkene having at least one double bond in the ring and of general formula (I), wherein X and Y, each, may represent sulfur, oxygen or two hydrogen atoms, A is a straight or branched chain, divalent aliphatic radical having from 0 to 2 double bonds; R' is selected from the group consisting of H, a lower alkyl group having 1-4 carbon atoms, phenyl, lower alkyl or halogen substituted phenyl, acetamido, halogen, piperidinyl, lower alkyl or halogen substituted piperidinyl, carbalkoxy, carboxamide, and alkylformyl; m is 3-7; q is 2m-2x, wherein x equals the number of double bonds in the lactam ring and may be 1, 2 or 3; and R is CH3, (II) or (III), wherein R'' is H or halogen in an amount effective to enhance the penetration of the physiologically-active agent through the skin or other membrane of the body of an animal. Other compositions of 1-substituted azacycloalkenes and their uses relate to an improved method of dyeing fibers, improved delivery of plant nutrients, improved plant pest control, improved delivery of plant growth regulations, improved acid-catalyzed conversion of a reactant into a reaction product and an improved insect repellant.
