Egg phospholipid-based spray adjuvants comprising organosilicon wetting agents

Abstract

An adjuvant composition comprising lecithin and an organosilicon surfactant as defined herein.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 15 / 714,243, filed September 25, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to adjuvant compositions for formulations of agricultural chemicals and more particularly to such adjuvants comprising lecithin and surfactants.

[0004] In addition to their bioactive components, agrochemicals, such as those formulated as pesticides, plant growth regulators, fertilizers, etc., may also include one or more adjuvants, such as lecithin as an anti-drift or spray drift inhibitor to minimize the spread of a spray beyond its intended target area, and one or more surfactants, such as nonionic surfactants, to enhance or increase the deposition and / or retention of spray droplets on the outer surface of plant tissues, the penetration of bioactive components into the internal structure of plants, the uptake of bioactive components by plants, and / or for water conditioning.

[0005] Surfactants exhibiting superior performance in one or more of these functional abilities have long been a research target within the agrochemical industry and its suppliers. Surfactants exhibiting even a modest improvement in just one of these abilities compared to known surfactants would be highly desirable for formulations of lecithin-based anti-drift adjuvants, which offer significant economic benefits to their users due to their wide distribution and high usage. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, an adjuvant composition for use in formulations of agricultural chemicals is provided, comprising:

[0007] a) lecithin; and,

[0008] b) Organosilicon surfactants of general formula (I):

[0009] R 1 -Si(CH3)2-Z (I)

[0010] in:

[0011] R 1 It is a branched monovalent hydrocarbon group containing at least two methyl groups and 5 to 8 carbon atoms;

[0012] Z is R 2 Or R 3 ;

[0013] R 2 It is CH2CH2CH2-O-(C2H4-O). a (C3H6O) b (C4H8O) c -R 4 , where R 4 The subscript is hydrogen, a linear or branched monovalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, or an acyl group, with subscript a ranging from 1 to about 20, subscript b from 0 to about 19, subscript c from 0 to about 19, and the sum of subscripts a, b, and c being 1 to about 20; and

[0014] R 3 -CH2CH2CH2-O-CH(OH)CH2-N + (CH3)2-R 5 [X - ], where R 5 It is a linear or branched hydrocarbon group with 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, or an acetyl group, and X - It is a saturated or unsaturated carboxylate anion with 2 to about 22 carbon atoms, optionally containing 1 or 2 hydroxyl groups.

[0015] It has been found that agrochemical formulations, when sprayed onto plants and comprising an adjuvant composition (which includes (a) lecithin and (b) one or more organosilicon surfactants (I)), exhibit superior properties of one or more of the aforementioned functionalities, such as more effective anti-drift properties, excellent deposition and / or retention of spray droplets on plant surfaces, such as leaves and stems, faster and / or deeper penetration of the sprayed bioactive substance into the plant's internal tissues, resulting in faster and / or greater uptake of such bioactive substance by the plant, and improved water conditioning. Therefore, for example, the adjuvant compositions of the present invention achieve, with less of such composition used for the same anti-drift effect, or achieve a faster and / or greater anti-drift effect with the same amount, compared to lecithin-based anti-drift compositions formulated with conventional or otherwise known surfactants. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A graph is provided to illustrate the dynamic surface tension of the compositions of the present invention, showing a significantly lower dynamic surface tension (DST) compared to the comparative lecithin-based adjuvant LI-700.

[0017] Figure 2 A graph is provided to demonstrate that the compositions of the present invention provide lower DST than LI-700 in typical droplet impact times in commonly used herbicide solutions (2,4-D dimethylamine salt) for controlling broadleaf weeds.

[0018] Figure 3Illustration of a modified spray track using a custom system for measuring drift resistance.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a bar chart showing the drift control delivered by the composition of the present invention, which is equivalent to or better than the industry benchmark (LI-700).

[0020] Figure 5 A graph illustrating the DST evaluation of a 0.5% solution of Sil-6 prepared in distilled water.

[0021] Figure 6 A chart illustrating that Sil-7 remained stable after one week and did not show any change in DST.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the foam profile of the composition of the present invention in a spray test, which contains 0.1% foam control agent and is compared with the industry benchmark (LI-700) even at half the usage ratio.

[0023] Figure 8 A bar graph showing the response of the herbicide / adjuvant to barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) on day 7 after treatment (days after treatment, DAT) when using the adjuvant composition of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9 A bar graph showing the response of 14DAT herbicide / adjuvant to barnyard grass (Echinochloacrus-galli) when using the adjuvant composition of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In the description and claims herein, the following terms and expressions shall be understood as indicated.

[0026] The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” encompass the plural, and references to a specific value include at least that specific value, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise.

[0027] All methods described herein may be implemented in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise obviously contrary to the context. Any and all instances or exemplary language (such as “for example”) provided herein are intended only to better illustrate the invention and do not impose a limitation on the scope of the invention, unless otherwise claimed.

[0028] No language in this specification should be construed as indicating that any non-limiting element is necessary for the practice of this invention.

[0029] The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and their grammatical equivalents are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unmentioned elements or method steps, but will also be understood to include the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “substantially consisting of.”

[0030] It will be understood that any numerical range referred to herein includes all subranges within that range and any combination of the different endpoints of such ranges or subranges.

[0031] It will be further understood that any compound, material, or substance that is explicitly or implicitly disclosed in the specification and / or referred to in the claims as belonging to a group of compounds, materials, or substances that are related in structure, composition, and / or function includes individual representatives of that group and all combinations thereof.

[0032] The term "adjuvant" refers to any composition, material, or substance that enhances the potency (efficacy) of a bioactive material. The terms "anti-drift adjuvant," "adjuvant composition," and "anti-drift composition" are used synonymously herein.

[0033] The term "bioactive" refers to agricultural chemicals or materials, including but not limited to pesticides such as herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, acaricides and molluscicides; phytonutrients; defoliants; and plant growth regulators.

[0034] The term "lecithin" refers to a composition of one or more phospholipids, including but not limited to phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylinositol. Lecithin can be obtained from sources including but not limited to soybean, safflower, sunflower, and rapeseed.

[0035] The term "surfactant" refers to any compound that reduces the surface tension of a liquid, the interfacial tension between two liquids, or the tension between a liquid and a solid.

[0036] As used in this article, the term "water conditioning" refers to the property of increasing the solubility of bioactive materials such as herbicides in water and / or their binding with ions in water (including, but not limited to, cations in hard water).

[0037] The term "hydrocarbon group" refers to any hydrocarbon that has had one or more hydrogen atoms removed, and includes alkyl, alkenyl, ynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloynyl, aryl, aralkyl and alkylaryl groups, and also includes hydrocarbon groups containing at least one heteroatom.

[0038] The term "alkyl" means any monovalent, saturated, straight-chain, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon group; the term "alkenyl" means any monovalent, straight-chain, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon group containing one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, wherein the attachment (linking) site of the group may be at a carbon-carbon double bond or other position thereof; and the term "alkynyl" means any monovalent, straight-chain, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon group containing one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds and optionally one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, wherein the attachment site of the group may be at a carbon-carbon triple bond, a carbon-carbon double bond, or other position thereof. Examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, and isobutyl. Examples of alkenyl groups include vinyl, propynyl, allyl, methylallyl, ethylnorbornene (ethylnorbornene), ethylnorbornel, ethylnorbornene, and ethylnorbornenyl. Examples of alkynyl groups include ethynyl, propynyl, and methylethynyl.

[0039] The terms “cycloalkyl,” “cycloalkenyl,” and “cycloalkynyl” encompass bicyclic, tricyclic, and higher cyclic structures, as well as those further substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, and / or alkynyl groups. Representative examples include norbornyl, norbornyl, ethylnorbornyl, ethylnorbornyl, cyclohexyl, ethylcyclohexyl, ethylcyclohexenyl, cyclohexylcyclohexyl, and cyclododecanetrienyl.

[0040] The term "aryl" means any monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group; the term "aralkyl" means any alkyl group (as defined herein) in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by the same number of the same and / or different aryl groups (as defined herein); and the term "alkylaryl" means any aryl group (as defined herein) in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by the same number of the same and / or different alkyl groups (as defined herein). Examples of aryl groups include phenyl and naphthyl. Examples of aralkyl groups include benzyl and phenethyl. Examples of alkylaryl groups include tolyl and xylyl.

[0041] The term "heteroatom" refers to any of the elements in groups 13-17 other than carbon, and includes, for example, oxygen, nitrogen, silicon, sulfur, phosphorus, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine.

[0042] As used herein with respect to the silicone surfactant (I), the term "superspreader" refers to the property of "superspreading" or "superwetting." Superspreading / superwetting is the ability of a solution of a superspreading surfactant to spread to a diameter larger than that of a droplet of distilled water on a hydrophobic surface and also larger than the diameter of a solution of water and a non-superspreading surfactant on a hydrophobic surface. In addition to this difference in spreading diameter, the contact angle of a droplet of a superspreading surfactant solution on a surface is <5° and therefore smaller than the contact angle of a solution of a non-superspreading surfactant on the same surface.

[0043] A. Lecithin

[0044] In one embodiment of the adjuvant composition herein, its lecithin component (a) may comprise 10-70% by weight lecithin as phosphatidylcholine (PC), with the remainder selected from phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidic acid (PA), glycolipids, complex sugars, and triglycerides, and the lecithin component (a) has a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value between 2 and 15. In another embodiment, the lecithin component (a) has an average content of greater than 60% by weight of acetone-insoluble matter (AI). In yet another embodiment, the lecithin component (a) comprises 10 to 70% by weight lecithin as phosphatidylcholine (PC), with the remainder selected from phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidic acid (PA), glycolipids, complex sugars, and triglycerides, the lecithin component (a) having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value between 2 and 15, and having an average content of greater than 60% by weight of acetone-insoluble matter (AI).

[0045] Lecithin can be derived from eggs or one or more vegetable sources such as soybeans, safflower, sunflower, and rapeseed. Non-limiting examples of usable lecithin include... Lecithin, such as that from American Lecithin Company F-100, SGU SGB S, 40P and XTRA-A; and Lecithin, such as that from Archer Daniels Midland Company SS TS and F; and Topcithin from Cargill, Incorporated TM Leciprime TM Lecisoy TM and Epikuron TM Lecithin.

[0046] Lecithin, regardless of its composition or source, will be present in the adjuvant composition in an effective amount that reduces or inhibits drift, i.e., an effective amount that is at least anti-drift, for example, 1-80, preferably 10-70, and more preferably 10-50% by weight based on the total weight of lecithin and organosilicon surfactant (I).

[0047] B. Organosilicon surfactant (I)

[0048] The organosilicon surfactant component of the adjuvant composition described herein is derived from formula (I)R as described herein. 1 -Si(CH3)2-Z represents this.

[0049] In some embodiments of organosilicon surfactants of the following general formula (I):

[0050] R 1 -Si(CH3)2-Z,

[0051] R 1 branched alkyl CR 6 R 7 R 8 (CR 9 R 10 ) m (CR 11 R 12 ) n CHR 13 CH2-, where R 6 R 7 R 8 R 9 R 10 R 11 R 12 and R 13 Each is independently hydrogen or methyl, R 6 R 7 R 8 R 9 R 10 R 11 R 12 and R 13 Two to four of them are methyl groups, and the subscripts m and n are each independently 0 or 1.

[0052] In general formula (I)R 1 In other embodiments of the organosilicon surfactant -Si(CH3)2-Z, R 1 Contains 2 to 4 methyl groups, CR 6 R 7 R 8 Selected from H3C-, (H3C)2CH-, and (H3C)3C-, with subscripts m and / or n being 0, and Z being R. 2 And R 2 It is -CH2CH2CH2-O-(C2H4O) a (C3H6O) b -R 4 , where R 4It is hydrogen, a linear or branched alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an acyl group, with subscript a being 1 to about 20, preferably 2 to about 15, and more preferably 4 to about 10, subscript b being 0 or 1 to about 10, preferably 0 or 1 to about 6, and more preferably 0 or 1 to about 4, and the sum of subscripts a and b being 1 to about 20, preferably 2 to about 15, and more preferably 4 to about 10.

[0053] In general formula (I)R 1 In even other embodiments of the organosilicon surfactant -Si(CH3)2-Z, R 1 Contains 2 to 4 methyl groups, CR 6 R 7 R 8 Selected from H3C-, (H3C)2CH-, and (CH3)3C-, m is 0 or 1, n is 0, and Z is R. 2 And R 2 It is -CH2CH2CH2-O-(C2H4O) a -R 4 , where R 4 It is hydrogen, a linear or branched alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an acyl group, and the subscript a is 1 to about 20, preferably 2 to about 15, and more preferably 4 to about 10.

[0054] In general formula (I)R 1 In a further embodiment of the organosilicon surfactant -Si(CH3)2-Z, CR 6 R 7 R 8 Selected from H3C-, (H3C)2CH- and (H3C)3C-, m and / or n are 0 or 1, and Z is R. 3 And R 3 -CH2CH2CH2-O-CH2(OH)-CH2-N + (CH3)2-R 5 [X - ], where R 5 It is a linear or branched alkyl group with 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, and X - As defined above.

[0055] In general formula (I)R 1 In a further embodiment of the organosilicon surfactant -Si(CH3)2-Z, R 1 Contains 2 to 4 methyl groups, CR 1 R 2 R 3 Selected from (H3C)2CH- and (H3C)3C-, m is 0 or 1, n is 0, and Z is R. 3 And R 3-CH2CH2CH2-O-CH(OH)-CH2-N + (CH3)2-R 5 [X - ], where R 5 It is a linear or branched alkyl group with 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, and X - It is a carboxylate anion that optionally contains 1 or 2 hydroxyl groups and has 2 to about 22 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to about 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0056] In a specific embodiment of the organosilicon surfactant of general formula (I) herein, X - The anions are: monocarboxylic acids, such as acetic acid, propionic acid, or butyric acid; dicarboxylic acids, such as succinic acid, maleic acid, or oxalic acid; tricarboxylic acids; α-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, or mandelic acid; β-hydroxy acids, such as hydroxypropionic acid, salicylic acid, carnitine, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric acid, or 3-hydroxybutyric acid; dihydroxy acids, such as dimethylolpropionic acid; or saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, such as caprylic acid, capric acid, hexanoic acid, oleic acid, myristoleic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, or erucic acid.

[0057] C. Preparation method of organosilicon surfactants of general formula (I)

[0058] The organosilicon surfactant of general formula (I) of the present invention can be prepared by any of several synthetic processes, the requirements of which are well known in the art.

[0059] According to the general formula (I)R of the present invention 1 A method for preparing an organosilicon surfactant of -Si(CH3)2-Z involves reacting at least one branched olefin and a dimethylsilyl chloride under catalytic hydrosilylation conditions to provide a chlorosilane adduct, followed by reduction to provide the corresponding silylhydride intermediate. This method can be used to prepare the general formula (I)R described herein. 1 The branched olefins used in the preparation of the organosilicon surfactants -Si(CH3)2-Z from the aforementioned chlorosilane adducts and silyl hydride intermediates include, for example, the following olefins and mixtures thereof:

[0060]

[0061] The reduction of chlorosilane adducts (including mixtures thereof) used to provide silyl hydride intermediates can be conveniently carried out using any of a variety of metal complexes known in the art (e.g., complexes of metals such as aluminum, lithium, nickel, palladium, or platinum). Many aluminum catalysts for the reduction of halosilanes are known, and such complexes can be used to produce the hydride intermediates described herein. In one embodiment, the metal complex is the organoaluminum compound sodium bis(2-methoxyethyl)aluminum hydride, which is commercially available as Vitride (Vertellus) or Red-Al (Sigma-Aldrich).

[0062] The hydride intermediate reacts with one or more allyl- or methylallyl-ethers or polyethers (e.g., having the general formula H2C=CR) 13 CH2-O-(C2H4O) a (C3H6O) b (C4H8O) c -R 4 , where R 4 It is hydrogen or methyl and R 13 The reactions (and subscripts a, b, and c as defined above) are carried out under catalytic hydrosilylation conditions to provide the ether / polyether-modified monosilyl compound (organosilicon surfactant) of formula (I) of the present invention.

[0063] Suitable olefin-modified ethers / polyethers (including mixtures thereof) that are reactive with silyl hydride intermediates and are used to provide the ether / polyether-modified monosilyl compounds of the present invention include allyl propyl ethers, methyl allyl propyl ethers, polyethylene glycol allyl ethers, polyethylene glycol polypropylene glycol allyl ethers, polypropylene glycol allyl ethers, methoxy polyethylene glycol allyl ethers, methoxy polyethylene glycol polypropylene glycol allyl ethers, butoxy polyethylene glycol polypropylene glycol allyl ethers, methoxy polyethylene glycol allyl ethers, butoxy polyethylene glycol allyl ethers, polyethylene glycol polybutylene glycol allyl ethers, polyethylene glycol polypropylene glycol polybutylene glycol allyl ethers, and mixtures thereof. Allyl- and methyl allyl-terminated polyethers include random and block polyethers.

[0064] Hydrosilylation catalysts and their use are well known in the art, and include complexes of metals such as rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum. Many platinum-containing hydrosilylation catalysts are applicable herein, such as those having the formula PtCl2 olefins and HPtCl3 olefins as described in U.S. Patent No. 3,159,601, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Other platinum-containing hydrosilylation catalysts include complexes and mixtures thereof of chloroplatinic acid and alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, as described in U.S. Patent No. 3,220,972, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Further platinum-containing hydrosilylation catalysts that can be used in the preparation of the organically modified silylated compounds of the present invention are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,715,334, 3,775,452, and 3,814,730 (Karstedt catalysts), which are hereby incorporated by reference. Further background on hydrosilylation can be found in J.L. Pier's "Homogeneous Catalysis of Hydrosilylation by Transition Metals," Advances in Organometallic Chemistry, Vol. 17, pp. 407-447, edited by F.G. Stone and R. West, Academic Press (New York, 1979), which is hereby incorporated by reference. Those skilled in the art can readily determine the effective amount of catalyst for a given hydrosilylation reaction. Generally, for the desired hydrosilylation, an amount of hydrosilylation catalyst in the range of about 0.1 to 50 parts per million by weight will be satisfactory.

[0065] Using 3,3-dimethyl-but-1-ene as an example, a process for preparing the ether / polyether-modified monosilyl compound of the present invention can be considered as follows:

[0066]

[0067] The following ether / polyether modified organosilicon surfactants of general formula (I) of the present invention can be prepared according to the above synthesis:

[0068]

[0069] According to the preparation of general formula (I)R 1Another process for the organosilicon surfactant of -Si(CH3)2-Z, particularly the process for providing the quaternary ammonium-modified monosilyl compound of the present invention (i.e., the organosilicon surfactant of general formula (I)), involves reacting the silyl hydride intermediate obtained as shown above with glycidyl ether and / or methyl allyl glycidyl ether, followed by a ring-opening reaction with an alkyl dimethyl quaternary ammonium salt, or a quat-forming mixture of the desired acid X and an alkyl dimethyl tertiary amine, as illustrated in the following reaction scheme:

[0070]

[0071] The following general formula (I)R of the present invention can be prepared according to the above synthesis. 1 Quaternary ammonium modified forms of organosilicon surfactants of -Si(CH3)2-Z:

[0072]

[0073] Organosilicon surfactants (I) act as penetrants, that is, to facilitate the penetration of bioactive substances contained in agricultural sprays formulated with the adjuvant compositions described herein into the internal structure of plants, and in many such formulations, they also increase the amount of spray deposited on the surface of plant tissues and / or the amount of spray already deposited on the surface of plant tissues, thus leading to increased plant uptake of the bioactive substances and thereby improved effectiveness of them.

[0074] The amount of organosilicone surfactant (I) present in the adjuvant composition can vary widely, as long as it is effective for enhancing the penetration of the bioactive substance into the internal structure of the plant and advantageously for increasing the deposition and / or retention of spray droplets containing the bioactive substance on the plant surface. Thus, for example, the adjuvant composition described herein may contain 1-99, more particularly 1-50, and even more particularly 1-10% by weight of organosilicone surfactant (I) relative to the total weight of lecithin (a) and organosilicone surfactant (I).

[0075] D. Optional components

[0076] The adjuvant compositions of the present invention may contain one or more optional components, such as those known for doping agricultural chemical formulations, such as one or more acidifiers, wetting agents, foam control agents, solvents, water, etc.

[0077] 1. Acidifier

[0078] When the pH of the spray solution is greater than pH 5, an acidifier may be included in the adjuvant composition. Lowering the pH to pH 4-5 can help with herbicide uptake and address water hardness issues.

[0079] Suitable acidifiers include carboxylic acids (including hydroxy acids) and phosphoric acids, with specific, non-limiting examples including propionic acid, dimethylolpropionic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, butyric acid, glycolic acid, valeric acid, cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, etc. When used, the acidifier may be present in an amount of up to 50% by weight, more particularly up to 30% by weight, and even more particularly up to 20% by weight of the adjuvant composition.

[0080] 2. Wetting agent

[0081] When it is desired to further reduce the dynamic surface tension of the spray solution, as a means of improving spray droplet deposition, a wetting agent selected from nonionic, anionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants can be incorporated into the adjuvant composition described herein.

[0082] Non-limiting examples of suitable nonionic surfactant wetting agents include alcohol ethoxylates, alkyl polyglycosides, epoxide copolymers (random or block) of ethylene oxide with propylene oxide and butane oxide, alkyl polyglycerols, alkynyl diol alkoxylates, etc. Non-limiting examples of suitable anionic surfactant wetting agents include alkyl sulfates (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl ethoxylate, and 2-ethylhexyl sulfate), alkylbenzene sulfonates (e.g., sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate), C8-C... 18 Phosphates, mono-, di-, and tri-esters with alkylene oxides, alkyl sarcosine salts such as sodium lauryl sarcosine, etc. Non-limiting examples of suitable cationic surfactant wetting agents include C8-C... 18 Alkoxylated fatty amines and imidazolines. Non-limiting examples of suitable zwitterionic surfactant wetting agents include C8-C. 18 Amide propyl betaine, such as, but not limited to, lauryl betaine, myristyl betaine, lauramidopropyl betaine, soybean oleamidopropyl betaine, lauramidopropyl betaine, oleylene betaine, etc.

[0083] These and other wetting agents may be included in the adjuvant composition at widely varying levels, such as up to 80%, more particularly up to 40%, and even more particularly up to 10% by weight.

[0084] 3. Foam control agent

[0085] The adjuvant compositions of the present invention may include foam control agents to inhibit foam formation. Suitable foam control agents include, without limitation, silica-filled polydimethylsiloxanes or reaction products of silica and polydimethylsiloxanes.

[0086] The amount of foam control agent present in the adjuvant composition of the present invention can vary in a wide range, for example, 0.001-0.25 and more particularly 0.005-0.1% by weight.

[0087] 4. Solvent

[0088] One or more solvents may be doped into the adjuvant composition of the present invention as a solubilizer (compensator).

[0089] Suitable optional solvents include, without limitation, C1-C10 alcohols, methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl fatty acid esters such as methyl oleate, methyl soyate, isopropyl myristate, etc.

[0090] The amount of such optional solvent can vary widely depending on the circumstances, for example, up to 80% by weight for this composition, more particularly up to 50% by weight and even more particularly up to 10% by weight.

[0091] 5. Water

[0092] To solubilize the formulation, water may be incorporated into the adjuvant compositions herein in a wide range of amounts. For example, in the cases employed, water may be present at a level of up to 30% by weight, and more particularly up to 20% by weight, of the adjuvant composition.

[0093] 6. Preparation of adjuvant compositions

[0094] The adjuvant composition according to the invention can be prepared using procedures known in the art, which, without limitation, include mechanically blending lecithin (a), an organosilicon surfactant (I), and optional components (if any) at temperatures ranging from ambient (~15°C) to up to 70°C. The adjuvant composition can be prepared in various forms, such as liquid solutions, solid-in-liquid dispersions, liquid-in-liquid dispersions, solid mixtures, solid solutions, etc.

[0095] D. Agricultural chemical formulations prepared using adjuvant compositions

[0096] The adjuvant compositions described herein are typically combined with any of a variety of agricultural chemicals in accordance with procedures known in the art and in amounts sufficient to improve, enhance, or strengthen the delivery, utilization, and / or efficacy of their bioactive components, including, without limitation, pesticides, fertilizers, and micronutrients.

[0097] For example, agricultural chemical formulations can be prepared by combining the adjuvant compositions of the present invention as tank-mix or "in-can" formulations. The term "tank-mix" means adding at least one agricultural chemical to a spray medium such as water or oil before use. The term "in-can" refers to a formulation or concentrate containing at least one agricultural chemical component. Thus, "in-can" formulations can typically be diluted to the use concentration in a tank-mix before use, or they can be used undiluted.

[0098] The term "pesticide" as used herein refers to any compound used to eliminate pests, such as rodenticides, insecticides, acaricides, fungicides, herbicides, etc. Typical uses of pesticides include agricultural, horticultural, lawn, ornamental, backyard and garden, livestock, and forestry applications. The pesticide formulations of this invention also include at least one pesticide, wherein the quaternary ammonium organosilicon surfactant of this invention is present as a concentrate or in a form diluted in a tank mixture in an amount sufficient to deliver a final use concentration between 0.005% and 2%. Optionally, pesticide formulations may include excipients, co-surfactants, solvents, foam control agents, sedimentation aids, drift inhibitors, biological agents, micronutrients, fertilizers, etc. Illustrative examples of pesticides that may be used include, but are not limited to, mitotic disruptors, lipid biosynthesis inhibitors, cell wall inhibitors, and cell membrane disruptors. The amount of pesticide used in agricultural chemical formulations may vary depending on the type of pesticide used. More specific examples of pesticide compounds that can be used with formulations include, but are not limited to, herbicides and plant growth regulators such as phenoxyacetic acid, phenoxypropionic acid, phenoxybutyric acid, benzoic acid, triazine and mesazine, substituted urea, uracil, bentazon, betaine, metribuzin, benzoyl dimethoate, pyrazosulfuron, chlorpyrifos, isoxaflutole, fluazinam, doxycycline, dinitroaniline, isoxaflutole, fenvalerate, pendimethalin, aminopropoxyfen, trifluralin, glyphosate, sulfonylurea, imidazolinone, clethodim, quizalofop-p-ethyl, fensulfuron-methyl, fensulfuron-methyl, quizalofop-p-ethyl, fensulfuron-methyl, quizalofop-p-ethyl, fensulfuron-methyl, fensulfuron-p-ethyl ... Acetylamine and bipyridine Compounds.

[0099] Fungicidal compositions that can be used with the present invention include, but are not limited to, pyraclostrobin, clotrimazole, dodecyl morpholine, dimethomorph; flusilazole, tebuconazole, cyclophosphamide, flutriafol, furazolidone, propiconazole, tebuconazole, etc.; imazalil, thiophanate-methyl, benomyl, carbendazim, chlorothalonil, chlorpyrifos, azoxystrobin, fluoxystrobin, fenpyroxime, pyraclostrobin, furcaranil, prochloraz, sulfadiazine, oxadixyl, captan, mancozeb, mancozeb, dodine, and metalaxyl.

[0100] Insecticides (including larvicides, acaricides, and ovicides) that can be used with the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, Bacillus thuringiensis, spinosad, abamectin, doramectin, rapamycin, pyrethroids, carbaryl, primicarb, aldicarb, methomyl, amitraz, boric acid, amitraz, metronidazole, diflubenzuron, diflubenzuron, imidacloprid, diazinon, acetamiprid, endosulfan, kevlan, dimethoate, phosmet, glutathione, and isothione. Izoxathion, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin, bifenthrin, cypermethrin, etc.

[0101] Fertilizers and micronutrients include, but are not limited to, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, ammonium sulfate, urea, urea ammonium nitrogen, ammonium thiosulfate, potassium sulfate, monoammonium phosphate, urea phosphate, calcium nitrate, boric acid, potassium and sodium salts of boric acid, phosphoric acid, magnesium hydroxide, manganese carbonate, calcium polysulfide, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, ferric sulfate, calcium sulfate, sodium molybdate, and calcium chloride.

[0102] The pesticide or fertilizer may be liquid or solid. If it is solid, it is preferred that it is soluble in a solvent or the quaternary ammonium organosilicon surfactant of the present invention before application, and that the organosilicon can act as a solvent, or perform this function for such a soluble surfactant or other surfactant.

[0103] Agricultural chemical compositions may also contain known and conventional amounts of agricultural excipients such as buffers, preservatives, and other standard excipients known in the art.

[0104] Solvents may also be included in agricultural chemical formulations. Examples include water, alcohols, aromatic solvents, oils (i.e., mineral oils, vegetable oils, silicone oils, etc.), lower alkyl esters of vegetable oils, fatty acids, ketones, glycols, polyethylene glycols, diols, paraffins, etc. Specific solvents, without limitation, include 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol and its alkoxylated (particularly ethoxylated) forms, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,674,832 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference), and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.

[0105] Wetting agents and co-surfactants suitable for agricultural chemical formulations include nonionic, cationic, anionic, amphoteric, amphoteric, polymeric surfactants, or any mixture thereof. Surfactants are typically hydrocarbon-based, silicone-based, or fluorocarbon-based. Co-surfactants with short-chain hydrophobic groups that do not impede superspreading, as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,558,806, which is incorporated herein by reference, are also available.

[0106] Available surfactants, without limitation, include block copolymers comprising alkoxylates, particularly ethoxylates (including copolymers of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butane oxide, and mixtures thereof); alkylaryl alkoxylates (particularly ethoxylates or propoxylates) and their derivatives (including alkylphenol ethoxylates); arylaryl alkoxylates (particularly ethoxylates or propoxylates) and their derivatives; amine alkoxylates (particularly amine ethoxylates); fatty acid alkoxylates; fatty alcohol alkoxylates; alkyl sulfonates; alkylbenzene and alkylnaphthalene sulfonates; sulfated fatty alcohols, amines, or amides; esters of sodium hydroxyethyl sulfonate; esters of sodium sulfosuccinate; sulfated or sulfonated fatty acid esters; petroleum sulfonates; N-acylsarcosinates; alkyl polysaccharides; alkyl ethoxylated amines; etc. Specific examples of available surfactants include, in particular, alkyl alkynyl diols (Surfynol or Dynol from Air Products), 2-ethylhexyl sulfate, isodecanol ethoxylates (e.g., RhodasurfDA530 from Rhodia / Solvay), ethylenediamine alkoxylates (Tetronics from BASF), ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymers (Pluronics from BASF), Gemini surfactants (Rhodia / Solvay), and diphenyl ether Gemini surfactants (e.g., Dowfax from Dow Chemical). Preferred surfactants include ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymers (EO / PO); amine ethoxylates; alkyl polysaccharides; oxo(oxa)-tridecyl alcohol ethoxylates, etc.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural chemical formulation of the present invention further comprises one or more herbicides, insecticides, growth regulators, fungicides, acaricides, fertilizers, biological agents, plant nutrients, micronutrients, biocides, paraffin mineral oils, methylated seed oils (i.e., soybean methyl ester or canola methyl ester), vegetable oils (e.g., soybean oil and canola oil), and water conditioning agents such as... (Loveland Industries, Greeley, CO) and (Helena Chemical, Collierville, TN), modified clay, for example (BASF), foam control agents, surfactants, wetting agents, dispersants, emulsifiers, sedimentation aids, anti-drift components, and water.

[0108] The following examples illustrate the organosilicon surfactant of general formula (I) of the present invention, its preparation, its properties and its use in herbicide compositions.

[0109] Example

[0110] Ingredient description:

[0111] Table 1 provides a description of the organosilicon surfactant components of this invention:

[0112] R 1 -Si(CH3)2-Z

[0113] Table 1 : The organosilicon surfactant of formula (I), wherein:

[0114]

[0115] Table 2 provides a description of the lecithin components of this invention:

[0116] Table 2 Lecithin components

[0117]

[0118] HLB = Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value

[0119] Table 3 provides a description of the wetting agent of the present invention:

[0120] Table 3 wetting agent

[0121]

[0122] Comparative lecithin-based adjuvants:

[0123] A comparative lecithin-based adjuvant is LI-700 (Loveland Products, Inc., Loveland, CO, USA), which has the following label information:

[0124] Phosphatidylcholine, methylacetic acid, and alkyl polyoxyethylene ethers (80%)

[0125] Preparation method:

[0126] The composition of the present invention is prepared as a physical mixture of the components by adding lecithin, water (5% of the total amount), and propionic acid (20% of the total amount) to a 250 mL plastic beaker placed in a heating bath between 45-55°C. The components are mixed at 200 RPM for 5 minutes using a Lightnin' mixer equipped with Coulomb paddles.

[0127] Next, add the silicone surfactant (I) and nonionic surfactant and mix at 250 RPM for 10 minutes. At this point, add the remaining water and propionic acid and then mix at 300 RPM for another 15 minutes.

[0128] Remove the heating bath and allow the composition to cool to ambient temperature (~22°C). At this point, add 0.1% of SAG 1572 defoamer from Momentive Performance Materials and mix to form the final composition, then filter.

[0129] Example 1 :

[0130] Examples of preparation of organosilicon / lecithin-based adjuvant compositions:

[0131] Several formulations were prepared by changing the organosilicon component of formula (I) while maintaining a fixed ratio of lecithin, acid, and wetting agent. Table 4 provides the composition of each example.

[0132] Table 4 Examples of preparation of organosilicon / lecithin-based adjuvant compositions

[0133]

[0134] Table 5 illustrates that the compositions of the present invention form stable formulations when different organosilicon surfactants (I) are used.

[0135] Table 5 Stability of the preparation examples from Table 4

[0136]

[0137] Example 2 – Dynamic surface tension properties of lecithin-based adjuvants

[0138] This embodiment demonstrates that the dynamic surface tension of the composition of the present invention provides a significantly lower dynamic surface tension (DST) compared to the comparative lecithin-based adjuvant LI-700 (see [link]). Figure 1 Dynamic surface tension was measured using a Kruss BP-100 maximum bubble pressure tensiometer.

[0139] Similarly, Figure 2 (see Figure 2 This indicates that the composition of the present invention provides a lower DST than LI-700 in commonly used herbicide solutions (2,4-D dimethylamine salt) for controlling broadleaf weeds, at typical droplet impact times (100 to 200 milliseconds, in ground dispersion).

[0140] Example 3–Water conditioning (pH adjuster)

[0141] Many pesticides are weak acids that exhibit better efficacy due to improved penetration under acidic conditions. Table 6 illustrates the effectiveness of the compositions of the present invention in reducing the concentration of Ca300 ppm. 2+ and Mg 2+ The ability to lower the pH of hard water. This pH-lowering ability is comparable to industrial standards.

[0142] Table 6: The effect of adjuvants on water conditioning (pH adjusters)

[0143]

[0144] Example 4 Stability in hard water

[0145] Dispersibility and emulsion stability in soft and hard water were evaluated by adding 1 mL of the composition of the present invention or a comparative adjuvant to 99 mL of water in a graduated cylinder. The water hardness ranged from 100 to 1000 ppm Ca. 2+ and Mg 2+ (Table 7). The graduated cylinder was then manually inverted ten times. Emulsion stability was assessed by observing the appearance after 1 hour and recording the separation volume (mL of emulsion, foam, and oil). Additionally, the number of inversions required to completely disperse the product was determined (where 1-3 = easy to disperse; 4-6 = slow to disperse; 7-10 = difficult to disperse).

[0146] Table 7 shows that, compared with the comparative adjuvant, the compositions of the present invention are easier to disperse and provide improved emulsion stability in both soft and hard water.

[0147] Table 7 - Emulsion stability for water hardness

[0148]

[0149] Example 5 -Stability during freeze-thaw cycles

[0150] Freeze-thaw stability was evaluated by five cycles: the product was left to stand overnight at -5°C and then its appearance was evaluated after 2 hours at room temperature. After each cycle, the composition of the present invention formed a uniform dispersion upon thawing, while the comparative adjuvant was an insoluble material in the upper part, only moderately redispersible upon shaking.

[0151] Example 6 – Anti-drift properties

[0152] The drift retardation properties of the compositions of the present invention were also tested. The anti-drift effect was tested with a glyphosate-IPA solution (Rodeo, Dow AgroSciences) alone at 1.0% a.e. (acid equivalent) / L and in the presence of 0.50% of the compositions of the present invention. The method is as follows:

[0153] In a modified spray tracer using a custom system as shown in Figure 3 (see Figure 3 ), the drift reduction was tested. In this test, a hair dryer was turned on and allowed to operate for 10 - 20 seconds before spraying to allow the wind pattern in the spray cabinet to reach equilibrium. Then, the spray solution was sprayed for 10.0 seconds at 40 psi using a UNIJET 8002E flat fan spray nozzle. Approximately 5 s after spraying, the water-sensitive paper was collected and pictures of each paper coupon were taken using an optical microscope at a magnification of 6.7x. The number of droplets per unit area was calculated using DepositScan software from the USDA. Each treatment was repeated four times and the data was analyzed using the Tukey method and One-Way ANOVA with a 95% confidence interval in Minitab 17.

[0154] Figure 4 (see Figure 4 ) showed that the compositions of the present invention deliver equivalent or even better drift control compared to the industrial benchmark (LI-700).

[0155] Example 7 - Dynamic surface tension at acidic pH

[0156] Compositions based on trisiloxane alkoxylates are hydrolytically unstable and undergo degradation when the pH is below 6.5. The degradation rate increases with decreasing pH below this value. The pH of the compositions of the present invention is typically < pH 3.5. Thus, the use of trisiloxane alkoxylates results in rapid hydrolysis, which is observed as an increase in dynamic surface tension (DST). This makes trisiloxane alkoxylates unsuitable for this type of adjuvant composition.

[0157] To demonstrate the key difference in hydrolysis between a conventional trisiloxane alkoxylate (used in Sil-6) and the organosilicon component (OSil-1) of the present invention used in product Sil-7, two formulations were prepared.

[0158] The first, Sil-6, contains a trisiloxane alkoxylate (Silwet L-77) with the following general formula structure:

[0159] (CH3)3SiOSi(CH3)(Z)OSi(CH3)3

[0160] Where Z = -CH3CH2-CH2O(CH2CH2O)8-CH3

[0161] The second formulation is the composition of the present invention containing OSil-1 (see OSil-1 in Table 1).

[0162] Table 8 Examples of trisiloxane alkoxylates / propionic acid / lecithin-based adjuvants

[0163] Table 8

[0164] Components Sil-6 Sil-7 Lecithin-1 25.00 Lecithin-2 10.00 Lecithin-3 35.00 Silwet L-77 10.00 water 20.00 20.00 OSIL-1 5.00 NIS-9 5.00 5.00 propionic acid 35.00 35.00 total(%) 100.00 100.00

[0165] Prepare a 0.5% Sil-6 solution in distilled water. Measure DST initially and after 24 hours. Figure 5 (see Figure 5 ).

[0166] Similarly, to demonstrate the stability of Sil-7, DST (0.5%) was measured initially and after 4 weeks of sample storage.

[0167] Figure 5 This indicates that the increased DST distribution of Sil-6 after 24 hours was due to the hydrolysis of the trisiloxane alkoxylate surfactant; while Figure 6 The fact that Sil-7 remains stable indicates that DST remains unchanged after one week.

[0168] Example 8 -Foam control

[0169] Trisiloxane alkoxylates are highly surface-active, and as a result, they produce extremely stable foams. Conventional defoaming compounds based on polydimethylsiloxane oil (PDMS) have been shown to be ineffective in controlling foams generated by TSA surfactants (Policello et al. In: Pesticide Formulations and Application Systems: 17th Volume, ASTM STP 1328, G. Robert Goss, Michael J. Hopkinson, and Herbert M. Collins, Eds., American Society for Testing and Materials, 1997).

[0170] Foam profile (distribution) was tested using a spray test with samples containing 0.5% and 0.25% adjuvant. In this method, 200 mL of adjuvant solution was added to a 1000 mL graduated cylinder. A metal tube with a porous metal membrane at the bottom was connected to a gas flow controller and inserted into the solution. Nitrogen gas was sprayed into the solution at 1.0 L / min for 1 minute, and foam levels were recorded at the initial, 1, 2, 5, and 10 minutes.

[0171] Figure 7 (see Figure 7 The results show that the composition of the present invention containing 0.1% foam control agent delivers better foam control compared to the industry benchmark (LI-700), even at half the usage ratio.

[0172] Example 9 - Balance surface tension

[0173] This embodiment demonstrates that, compared to the comparative lecithin-based adjuvant LI-700, the compositions of the present invention provide a lower equilibrium surface tension (see Table 9 below). Figure 1 This indicates that even at half the usage rate, SIL-1 to SIL-5 provide significantly lower DST than LI-700. The equilibrium surface tension was determined using an aKrüss tensiometer of model K11 MK3 from Wilhelmy plates.

[0174] Table 9 - Comparison of equilibrium surface tension

[0175]

[0176] Example 10 Greenhouse research for weed control

[0177] To evaluate the effect of the compositions of the present invention on the efficacy of glyphosate, a greenhouse experiment was conducted. Each treatment was applied to four plants growing individually using a DeVries study-track sprayer. The nozzle was a flat fan-shaped UniJet8002E, and the pressure was 20 psi. The target weed was barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli). The herbicide was Rodeo (53.8% glyphosate-isopropylammonium salt) from Dow AgroSciences, applied alone or in combination with an adjuvant at 0.80 L / ha (0.38 kg ae / ha). Adjuvants, SIL-2 (Table 4), SIL-7 (Table 8), or LI-700, were applied at 0.50 L / ha. For all treatments, the spray volume was 100 L / ha. Two hours after treatment, the weeds were subjected to 5 mm of simulated rainfall. Weed control was assessed at 7 and 14 days after treatment. Control levels were visually assessed using percentage scales (bars), where 0 = no control and 100 = complete control. Data were analyzed using a Tukey-adjusted one-way ANOVA with 95% confidence intervals.

[0178] Down Figure 8 and 9 It has been demonstrated that the compositions of the present invention deliver better overall weed control compared to individual herbicides or herbicide processing industry benchmarks (LI-700).

[0179] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that many changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements therein without departing from the scope of the invention. It is anticipated that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed but includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adjuvant composition comprising: a) Lecithin components; and b) Organosilicon surfactants of the following general formula (I): R 1 -Si(CH3)2-Z in: R 1 A branched monovalent alkyl group containing at least two methyl groups and 5 to 8 carbon atoms: CR 6 R 7 R 8 (CR 9 R 10 ) m (CR 11 R 12 ) n CHR 13 CH2- Where R 6 R 7 R 8 R 9 R 10 R 11 R 12 and R 13 Each is independently hydrogen or methyl, and R is... 6 R 7 R 8 R 9 R 10 R 11 R 12 and R 13 Two to four of the groups are methyl groups, and the subscripts m and n are each independently 0 or 1; Z is R 2 Or R 3 ; R 2 It is CH2CH2CH2-O-(C2H4-O). a (C3H6O) b (C4H8O) c -R 4 , where R 4 A linear or branched monovalent hydrocarbon group consisting of hydrogen or 1 to 4 carbon atoms, with subscripts a from 1 to 20, b from 0 to 19, and c from 0 to 19, and the sum of subscripts a, b, and c is 1 to 20; and R 3 -CH2CH2CH2-O-CH(OH)CH2-N + (CH3)2-R 5 [X - ], where R 5 It is a linear or branched hydrocarbon group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and X - It is a saturated or unsaturated carboxylate anion containing 2 to 22 carbon atoms and 0 to 2 hydroxyl groups. The adjuvant composition further comprises at least one acidifying agent and at least one wetting agent. The organosilicon surfactant (I) is present in the mixture at a weight percentage of 1 to 50% of the total weight of lecithin and organosilicon surfactant (I).

2. The adjuvant composition of claim 1, wherein the lecithin component (a) comprises 10 to 70% by weight of lecithin as phosphatidylcholine, and the remainder is selected from phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidic acid, glycolipids, complex sugars and triglycerides, wherein the lecithin component (a) has a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value between 2 and 15.

3. The adjuvant composition of claim 1, wherein the lecithin component (a) has an average content of acetone-insoluble matter (AI) greater than 60% by weight.

4. The adjuvant composition of claim 2, wherein the lecithin component (a) has an average content of acetone-insoluble matter (AI) greater than 60% by weight.

5. The adjuvant composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one acidifying agent is selected from carboxylic acids, phosphoric acids, and hydroxy acids.

6. The adjuvant composition of claim 1, wherein R 1 Contains 2 to 4 methyl groups, CR 6 R 7 R 8 Selected from H3C-, (H3C)2CH-, and (H3C)3C-, with subscripts m and / or n being 0, and Z being R. 2 And R 2 It is -CH2CH2CH2-O-(C2H4O) a (C3H6O) b -R 4 , where R 4 It is a hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, with subscript a from 1 to 20, subscript b from 0 to 10, and the sum of subscripts a and b from 1 to 20.

7. The adjuvant composition of claim 6, wherein the subscript a is 2 to 15.

8. The adjuvant composition of claim 6, wherein the subscript a is 4 to 10.

9. The adjuvant composition of claim 6, wherein the subscript b is from 0 to 6.

10. The adjuvant composition of claim 7, wherein the subscript b is from 0 to 6 and the sum of the subscripts a and b is from 2 to 15.

11. The adjuvant composition of claim 8, wherein the subscript b is from 0 to 4 and the sum of the subscripts a and b is from 4 to 10.

12. The adjuvant composition of claim 1, wherein R 1 Contains 2 to 4 methyl groups, CR 6 R 7 R 8 The expression is H3C-, (H3C)2CH-, or (H3C)3C-, where m and / or n are 0 or 1, and Z is R. 3 And R 3 -CH2CH2CH2-O-CH2(OH)-CH2-N + (CH3)2-R 5 [X - ], where R 5 It is a linear or branched alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

13. The adjuvant composition of claim 1, wherein R 1 Contains 2 to 4 methyl groups, CR 1 R 2 R 3 The expression is (H3C)2CH- or (H3C)3C-, m is 0 or 1, n is 0, and Z is R. 3 And R 3 -CH2CH2CH2-O-CH(OH)-CH2-N + (CH3)2-R 5 [X - ], where R 5 It is a linear or branched alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and X - It is a carboxylate anion with 0 to 2 hydroxyl groups and 2 to 10 carbon atoms.

14. The adjuvant composition of claim 13, wherein X - It is a carboxylate anion with 0 to 2 hydroxyl groups and 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

15. The adjuvant composition of claim 1, wherein the organosilicon surfactant is at least one ether- or polyether-modified monosilyl compound selected from the following:

16. The adjuvant composition of claim 1, wherein the organosilicon surfactant of general formula (I) is selected from at least one quaternary ammonium-modified monosilyl compound:

17. The adjuvant composition of claim 5, wherein the acidifier is selected from propionic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, dimethylolpropionic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, and glycolic acid.

18. The adjuvant composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one component selected from foam control agents, organic solvents, and water.

19. The adjuvant composition of claim 1, comprising 1 to 10 weight percent of the silicone surfactant (I) based on the total weight of lecithin and silicone surfactant (I).

20. An agricultural chemical formulation comprising an effective amount of the adjuvant composition as claimed in claim 1, which is effective against drift.

21. The agrochemical formulation of claim 20 further comprises at least one bioactive substance selected from pesticides, defoliants, fertilizers, biological agents, nutrients, micronutrients, growth regulators, or combinations thereof.

22. A method for suppressing drift of an agricultural chemical formulation applied to a target area, comprising spraying the agricultural chemical formulation of claim 20 into the target area.

23. A method for enhancing or increasing the deposition and / or retention of a spray droplet of an agricultural chemical formulation on the outer surface of plant tissue, comprising spraying the agricultural chemical formulation as described in claim 20 onto the outer surface of plant tissue.

24. A method for enhancing or increasing the penetration and / or uptake of the bioactive components of an agrochemical formulation into the internal structure of a plant, comprising spraying the agrochemical formulation as described in claim 20 onto the outer surface of plant tissue.

25. A water conditioning method for plants, comprising spraying the outer surface of the plant with the agricultural chemical formulation of claim 20 to condition it with water.

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