CHEMICALS

Monsanto Weighs Split: Monsanto Co. said it may split into a chemicals company and a food ingredients, biotechnology and agricultural products company. Monsanto said a split is one of several options it’s considering. The company said it also could restructure its chemical business or combine it with another chemical company or companies. The 95-year-old firm has been shifting its focus in recent years toward its more profitable “life sciences” business--including its Nutrasweet artificial sweetener, Roundup herbicide and Daypro arthritis treatment--and away from its traditional chemical business. Shares of St. Louis-based Monsanto rose 50 cents to $41.125.