Its shares are down $2.72, or 5.9 percent, at $43.80 in morning trading.

DuPont makes chemicals used in a wide range of products, including electronics, cars, paint, plastics, and agriculture.

The company says sales growth slowed in the quarter because of global economic uncertainty. It says some of its customers are being conservative about the way they manage cash, although it says sales for agriculture remain strong.

DuPont now expects an adjusted 2011 profit of $3.87 to $3.95 per share. That's 10 cents per share less than the guidance it gave in late October. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had been expecting a profit of $4.04 per share.