Agricultural chemical composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to an agrochemical composition. More specifically, the present invention relates to an aqueous agrochemical composition comprising (i) water, in an amount of 30% by weight or more based on the total weight of the liquid agrochemical composition; (ii) one or more electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in the water, wherein the total amount of electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in the water is 20% by weight or more based on the total amount of water in the liquid agrochemical composition; (iii) a surfactant system comprising: (a) an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, an alkyl glucamide ester surfactant and / or an ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate surfactant; and (b) a co-surfactant comprising an anionic head group and a tail group, wherein the tail group comprises at least two alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups; and (iv) one or more agrochemicals suspended in the water.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The international application number of the original application is PCT / EP2019 / 086615, the Chinese national application number is 201980084920.7, the application date is December 20, 2019, and the name of the invention is “Agricultural Chemical Composition”. 1. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an agrochemical composition. More particularly, the present invention relates to an aqueous agrochemical composition comprising an electrolyzed agrochemical dissolved in an aqueous phase and an agrochemical suspended in the aqueous phase. 2. Background technology

[0003] Agrochemicals can be formulated as concentrates in a variety of different forms, including solid compositions such as wettable powders and granules, and liquid compositions such as emulsifiable concentrates. Liquid compositions offer advantages over solid compositions because they are easier to measure and pour, and when diluted with water generally leave less residue in any equipment used to prepare and apply the agrochemical.

[0004] For agricultural chemicals that are insoluble in water or not completely soluble in water, liquid compositions are usually prepared by dissolving the agricultural chemicals in organic water-immiscible solvents such as aromatic hydrocarbons or ester solvents with greater polarity. However, it is often undesirable to use organic solvents in the preparation of liquid compositions, both ecologically and from the perspective of human safety. Therefore, where possible, it is preferred to minimize the amount of organic solvents in the liquid agricultural chemical composition. In addition, many agricultural chemicals are electrolytes, which, although water-soluble, are not sufficiently soluble in organic solvents to prepare organic solutions.

[0005] Aqueous liquid compositions of agricultural chemicals can be prepared. In the case of water-soluble agricultural chemicals, the agricultural chemicals can be dissolved in the aqueous phase. If the agricultural chemicals are insoluble in water, they can be suspended as solid particles or as droplets (e.g., oil-in-water emulsions). In order to suspend the particles or droplets, some anti-settling system must be incorporated, usually water-swellable clays (e.g., attapulgite) or water-soluble polymers (e.g., xanthan gum). The inventors have found that structured surfactants (i.e., surfactant phases that impart anti-settling properties to the aqueous phase) can be used to suspend particles and droplets. The advantage of using structured surfactants to suspend agricultural chemicals is that the surfactants can also be used as adjuvants. Surfactant adjuvants are often used with agricultural chemicals to improve the bioavailability of agricultural chemicals when they are applied by incorporating them into agricultural chemical formulations or as 'tank mix' components with agricultural chemicals before application. Adjuvants "built-in" into the formulation can also reduce storage and transportation costs. When it is desired to include more than one agricultural chemical in the liquid composition, one or more agricultural chemicals can be dissolved in the aqueous phase and one or more agricultural chemicals can be suspended in the aqueous phase.

[0006] In the case of aqueous liquid compositions, problems arise if it is desired to include suspended agricultural chemicals and electrolyte agricultural chemicals at the same time. The inventors have found that electrolyte agricultural chemicals tend to cause a significant reduction in the effectiveness of conventional suspended clays and polymers as anti-settling aids, wherein the reduction in suspension capacity increases with the increase in dissolved electrolyte concentration. The inventors have found that some surfactant combinations can produce suspended structures at low electrolyte concentrations (e.g., 10 wt % electrolyte), but fail if high concentrations of electrolyte agricultural chemicals are used. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve this problem and provide an aqueous agricultural chemical composition that can accommodate relatively high concentrations of electrolyte agricultural chemicals while allowing other agricultural chemicals to be suspended therein. By selecting a surfactant that ensures good suspension and pourability of the liquid formulation within the temperature range required for storage (typically -10°C to 40°C), it will be advantageous to be able to combine high concentrations of dissolved electrolyte agricultural chemicals with suspended solid or liquid agricultural chemicals in the presence of a surfactant. The combination of agricultural chemicals can impart additional properties to each individual agricultural chemical, and high concentrations reduce packaging and transportation costs. The incorporation of surfactants to suspend solid or liquid agrochemical particles eliminates the need for other anti-settling adjuvants which provide little or no benefit to bioavailability when the product is applied. 3. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present inventors have discovered a surfactant system which is able to suspend an agrochemical in water and give good pourability within the temperature range required for storage (-10°C to 40°C), even in the presence of more than 20 wt% dissolved electrolyte agrochemical based on the total weight of water in the composition.

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides an agricultural chemical composition comprising:

[0009] (i) water in an amount of 30% by weight or more, based on the total weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition:

[0010] (ii) one or more electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in water, wherein the total amount of the electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in water is 20 wt% or more based on the total weight of water in the liquid agrochemical composition;

[0011] (iii) a surfactant system comprising:

[0012] (a) an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, an alkyl glucamide ester surfactant and / or an ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate surfactant; and

[0013] (b) a co-surfactant comprising an anionic head group and a tail group, wherein the tail group comprises at least two alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups; and

[0014] (iv) one or more agricultural chemicals suspended in water.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the surfactant system of the present invention for suspending an agrochemical in an aqueous composition containing an electrolyte agrochemical, wherein the total amount of the electrolyte agrochemical dissolved in the water is 20% by weight or more based on the total weight of water in the liquid agrochemical composition, and wherein the surfactant system comprises (a) an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, an alkyl glucamide ester surfactant and / or an ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate surfactant; and (b) a co-surfactant comprising an anionic head group and a tail group, wherein the tail group comprises at least two alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups. 4. Specific implementation methods

[0016] 4.1 General description

[0017] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "having," "having," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a composition comprising a list of components is not necessarily limited to only those components, but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such compositions. That is, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "having," "having," or any other variation thereof also encompass disclosed examples that do not have other additional components (i.e., consist of those components).

[0018] In addition, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" before the elements or components of the present invention are intended to be non-limiting to the number of instances (i.e., occurrences) of the elements or components. Therefore, "a" or "an" should be understood to include one or at least one, and the singular word form of the elements or components also includes the plural, unless the number obviously means the singular.

[0019] Furthermore, when an aspect of the present invention is described as "preferred", it should be understood that this preferred aspect of the invention can be combined with other preferred aspects of the invention described herein according to the appended claims.

[0020] 4.2 Liquid composition

[0021] The agrochemical composition of the present invention is a liquid. The term "liquid" is used in the present disclosure to indicate that the composition or ingredient under discussion is in liquid form at standard temperature and pressure. Liquid agrochemical compositions are well known in the art. For example, reference is made to "Catalogue of pesticide formulation types and international coding system", Technical Monograph No. 2, 7th Ed. Revised in March 2017, CropLife International. Any liquid composition disclosed therein in which at least one agrochemical is dissolved in an aqueous phase and at least one agrochemical is suspended in an aqueous phase can be used in the present invention. For example, the liquid composition can take the form of a capsule suspension (CS) and an oil-in-water emulsion (EW), a suspension concentrate (SC), a suspension concentrate (SD) for direct application, a suspoemulsion (SE), a mixed formulation (ZE) of CS and SE, or a mixed formulation (ZW) of CS and EW.

[0022] Liquid compositions of the present invention are aqueous. "Aqueous" means that water exists as the continuous phase of the composition. Other water-miscible liquid solvents may be present provided that their combined weight is less than the total weight of water in the composition. Preferably, based on the combined weight of water and the water-miscible liquid solvent, the mixture of water and this type of water-miscible liquid solvent comprises more than 60 wt % of water, more preferably more than 70 wt % of water, still more preferably more than 80 wt % of water, even more preferably more than 90 wt % of water. In another embodiment, based on the combined weight of water and the water-miscible liquid solvent, the composition comprises less than 20 wt % of water-miscible solvents other than water in the continuous phase, more preferably less than 10 wt %, even more preferably less than 5 wt %. In a preferred embodiment, water is the only solvent used in the continuous phase of the composition.

[0023] Based on the gross weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition, the total amount of water present in the composition is more than 30% by weight, preferably more than 35% by weight, and most preferably more than 40% by weight. Based on the gross weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition, water is preferably present in the composition in an amount of less than 75% by weight, more preferably less than 70% by weight, still more preferably less than 65% by weight, more preferably less than 60% by weight, and most preferably less than 50% by weight. Any lower % by weight value can be combined with any higher % by weight value to provide a preferred range of the amount of water in the composition. Preferred ranges include 30 to 75% by weight, 35 to 70% by weight, 35 to 65% by weight, 40 to 60% by weight, and 40 to 50% by weight.

[0024] (ii) Electrolyte agricultural chemicals dissolved in water

[0025] The term "electrolyte agrochemical" means an agrochemical that will form ions if dissolved in water at 20° C. The term "agrochemical" as used herein (including suspended agrochemicals described below) refers to any chemical that kills, repels or inhibits the growth or reproduction of unwanted organisms ("pests"), or protects or promotes the healthy growth or reproduction of desired organisms such as crops, ornamental plants, livestock and domestic animals and can be used in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, animal husbandry, water treatment and land management, for example, applied to fields, crops, orchards, livestock, gardens, woodlands, hedges, parks, industrial parks, construction sites, airports, roads, railways, rivers, lakes, ponds, canals, irrigation and drainage projects.

[0026] The electrolyte agrochemical may be a pesticide, such as a herbicide, a fungicide or an insecticide. The electrolyte agrochemical may be a plant growth regulator, or a fertilizer such as a water-soluble inorganic fertilizer or a water-soluble organic fertilizer. For the purposes of the present invention, the electrolyte agrochemical is preferably a herbicide.

[0027] In the present invention, one or more electrolyte agricultural chemicals are dissolved in water contained in a liquid agricultural chemical composition. Based on the total weight of water in the liquid agricultural chemical composition, the total amount of electrolyte agricultural chemicals dissolved in water is 20% by weight or more. One advantage of the present invention is that the liquid composition can accommodate a higher amount of electrolyte agricultural chemicals while still providing a stable structured surfactant system to suspend other agricultural chemicals. For economic reasons (e.g., reduced packaging; reduced storage and transportation costs), the total amount of electrolyte agricultural chemicals is as close to saturation as possible, because this gives the highest concentration of materials in the formulation. If the composition is to be stored and / or used at a reduced temperature, appropriate consideration of lower saturation at such a temperature should be considered to avoid undesirable precipitation. The total amount of electrolyte agricultural chemicals dissolved in water is preferably 30% by weight or more (based on the total weight of water in the liquid agricultural chemical composition), and can be present in an amount of 40% by weight or more, 50% by weight or more, or 60% by weight or more. The upper limit of the total amount of electrolyte agricultural chemicals dissolved in water is limited only by the amount of agricultural chemicals that can be dissolved in water for the system in question. The total amount of the electrolyte agricultural chemical dissolved in water is preferably less than 100 wt % (based on the total weight of water in the liquid agricultural chemical composition), and can be present in an amount of less than 90 wt %, less than 80 wt %, or less than 70 wt %. Any lower wt % value can be combined with any higher wt % value to provide a preferred range of the total amount of the electrolyte agricultural chemical based on the total weight of water in the liquid agricultural chemical composition. Exemplary ranges include 30 to 100 wt %, 40 to 90 wt %, 40 to 80 wt %, 30 to 60 wt % and 40 to 60 wt %. The above-mentioned wt % amount refers to the electrolyte agricultural chemical itself, rather than any other entity (e.g., alkali) with which it can be combined. As an illustration, if glyphosate is added in the form of glyphosate potassium, the above-mentioned wt % amount refers to glyphosate rather than glyphosate potassium salt.

[0028] Water-soluble herbicides that form electrolyte solutions in water are those listed in the Pesticide Manual (British Crop Protection Council; 16th edition). Examples of such herbicides include: acifluorfen-sodium, aminopyralid-triisopropanolammonium, amitrole, ammonium sulfamate, asulam-sodium, bentazone-sodium, bilanifos-sodium, bispyrabac-sodium, sodium metaborate, bromacil-lithium, bromoxynil-potassium, sodium chloroacetate, agrochemically acceptable salts of clopyralid. clopyralid), 2,4-D-dimethylammonium, 2,4-D-triethanolammonium, 2,4-D-triisopropylammonium, 2,4-DB-dimethylammonium, 2,4-DB-sodium, 2,4-DB-potassium, dicambadiglycolamine salt), dicamba-dimethylammonium, dicamba-diethanolammonium, dicamba-isopropylammonium, dicamba-potassium, dicamba-sodium, dicamba-triethanolammonium, difenzoquat sulfatemetilsulfate), diflufenzopyr-sodium, endothal-mono(N,N-dimethylalkylammonium), flupropanate-sodium, fomesafen-sodium, fosamine-ammonium, glufosinate-ammonium, glyphosate-isopropylammonium, glyphosate-potassium, glyphosate-sesquisodium, glyphosate diammonium, glyphosate dimethylammoniumdimethylammonium), glyphosate-ammonium, imazamox, imazamox-ammonium, imazapic-ammonium, imazapyr-isopropylammonium, imazaquin-ammonium, imazethapyr-ammonium, ioxynil-sodium, MCPA-sodium, MCPA-potassium, MCPA-dimethylammonium, MCPB-sodium, MCPB-potassium, mecoprop-sodium, mecoprop-potassium mecoprop-potassium, mecoprop-Pdimethylammonium, mecopropo-P-potassium, metam-sodium, metam-potassium, picloram-potassium, picloram-dimethylammonium, picloram-triethylammonium, picloram-triisopropylammonium, picloram-triethanolammonium, propoxycarbazone-sodium, pyrithiobac-sodium, sodium chloratechlorate), triclopyr-triethylammonium, dichlorprop-potassium, dichlorprop-P-dimethylammonium, dichlorprop-P-potassium, dichlorprop-P-sodium and urea sulfate. Preferred water-soluble electrolyte herbicides are selected from the following list: 2,4-D-dimethylammonium; 2,4-D-triethanolammonium; 2,4-D-triisopropylammonium; 2,4-DB-dimethylammonium; 2,4-DB-sodium and 2,4-DB-potassium; dicamba-diglycolamine salt; dicamba-dimethylammonium; dicamba-diethanolammonium; dicamba-isopropylammonium; dicamba potassium; dicamba sodium; dicamba-triethanolammonium; glufosinate; glyphosate-isopropylammonium; glyphosate potassium; glyphosate sodium; glyphosate diammonium; glyphosate dimethylammonium; glyphosate-ammonium; MCPA-sodium; MCPA-potassium; MCPA-dimethylammonium; MCPB-sodium; MCPB-potassium; 2,4-dichloropropionate potassium; 2,4-dichloropropionate-dimethylammonium; 2,4-dichloropropionate-potassium; and 2,4-dichloropropionate-sodium.

[0029] The most preferred water-soluble electrolyte herbicides are glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine), glufosinate ((RS)-2-amino-4-(hydroxy(methyl)phosphino)-butyric acid), 2,4-D ((2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid) and dicamba (3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid), and their agrochemically acceptable salts. Well-known and widely used broad-spectrum glyphosate-type herbicides are N-phosphono-methyl-N-carboxyalkyl compounds, particularly N-phosphonomethylglycine, usually in the form of water-soluble agrochemically acceptable salts, usually alkali metals such as sodium or potassium or trimethylsulfonium, isopropylamine, ammonium, diammonium, dimethylamine or triethanolamine salts. Glufosinate-type herbicides are phosphinyl amino acids, such as glufosinate [2-amino-4-(hydroxymethylphosphino)butyric acid], especially as the ammonium salt. For glyphosate and glufosinate-type herbicides, the main active ingredient is present in the aqueous solution as an anion (or an overall negatively charged zwitterion). 2,4-D can be used as its dimethylamine or choline salt, and dicamba can be used as its diglycolamine, dimethylammonium, isopropylamine, potassium or sodium salt. When the electrolyte agricultural chemical is glyphosate or its salt, it is preferably present in the composition in an amount of 20-40% by weight of glyphosate based on the total weight of the composition.

[0030] Among the water-soluble fungicides and / or insecticides, those that form electrolyte solutions in water are those listed in the Pesticide Manual (British Crop Protection Council; 16th edition). Such examples include: sodium or potassium bicarbonate, GY-81, metamex sodium, metamex potassium, and phosphonic acid.

[0031] Water-soluble plant growth regulators that form electrolyte solutions in water are those listed in the Pesticide Manual (British Crop Protection Council; 16th edition). Examples of such plant growth regulators include: S-abscisic acid, avircine, chlormequat chloride, cloxyfonac-sodium, 2,4-dichloropropionate potassium, 2,4-dichloropropionate-dimethylammonium, 2,4-dichloropropionate potassium, 2,4-dichloropropionate sodium, gibberellic acid, GA3, 4 or 7, maleic hydrazide potassium salt, mepiquat chloride and sodium nitrophenol. Preferred plant growth regulators include dikegulac-sodium, 1-naphthylacetate ammonium, 1-naphthylacetate sodium and 1-naphthylacetate potassium.

[0032] Common water-soluble inorganic fertilizers provide nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium or sulfur in water-soluble fertilizers that form an electrolyte solution in water. Examples of such fertilizers include:

[0033] For nitrogen as a nutrient: nitrates and / or ammonium salts, for example ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate (in the form of solid [Ca(NO3)2]5.NH4(NO3)2.10H2O), ammonium nitrate sulfate, ammonium phosphates, in particular monoammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO4), diammonium phosphate ([NH4]2HPO4), and ammonium polyphosphates, ammonium sulfate, and less commonly calcium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate and ammonium chloride;

[0034] For potassium as a nutrient: potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, for example as a mixed sulfate with magnesium (K2SO4.MgSO4), potassium phosphates, in particular potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) and potassium polyphosphates (usually with the formula (KPO2) x given) and the less common potassium nitrate;

[0035] For phosphorus as a nutrient: Acidic forms of phosphorus, such as phosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric acid or polyphosphoric acid may be used, but are not particularly preferred due to their acidity and corrosiveness, and salt forms such as ammonium phosphate, especially monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate and ammonium polyphosphate, potassium phosphate, especially potassium dihydrogen phosphate and potassium polyphosphate are generally preferred;

[0036] For sulfur as a nutrient: ammonium sulfate and potassium sulfate, for example, mixed with magnesium.

[0037] Other water-soluble nutrient-containing compounds (commonly referred to as "micronutrients") may also be included in the composition, for example to provide small or micronutrients to the formulation. Similarly, water-soluble buffers and chelating agents such as ammonium citrate and alkali metal citrates, gluconates, lactates and polyacrylates may be included as part or all of the electrolyte component of the formulation.

[0038] Combinations of water-soluble electrolyte agricultural chemicals with other water-soluble electrolyte agricultural chemicals can be used in the present invention, and preferably herbicides are combined with herbicides, fungicides with fungicides, plant growth regulators with plant growth regulators, etc. Suitable herbicide combinations include: trifluorfen sodium with bentazone sodium; clopyralid potassium with MCPA potassium; 2,4-D-dimethylammonium with MCPA-dimethylammonium; 2,4-D-triethanolammonium with MCPA-sodium; 2,4-D-triisopropylammonium with MCPA-potassium; 2,4-DB-sodium with MCPA-sodium and / or MCPA-potassium; 2,4-DB-potassium with MCPA-sodium and / or MCPA-potassium. -potassium; potassium dicamba and potassium glyphosate; sodium fluazifop-sodium and sodium dicamba; glufosinate and MCPA salts such as MCPA-sodium or MCPA-potassium; glufosinate and dicamba-isopropylammonium; diglycolamine salt of dicamba and diammonium glyphosate; dicamba-triethanolammonium and glyphosate-isopropylammonium; dimethylammonium dicamba and dimethylammonium glyphosate; diethanolammonium dicamba and diammonium glyphosate; sodium dicamba and sodium glyphosate; 2, 4-Dichloropropionic acid-dimethylammonium-dimethylammonium and MCPA-dimethylammonium; glyphosate-isopropylammonium or glyphosate-isopropylamine and glufosinate-ammonium; imidazoquinoline ammonium and chlormequat; sodium ioxybenzonitrile and sodium 2-methyl-4-chloropropionate and / or MCPA-dimethylammonium; sodium MCPA-and other MCPA salts (such as MCPA-potassium or MCPA-dimethylammonium), potassium 2,4-DB and / or sodium 2,4-DB; potassium MCP-and other MCPA salts (such as sodium MCPA), potassium 2,4-DB and / or and sodium 2,4-DB; MCPA-dimethylammonium and other MCPA salts (such as sodium MCPA or MCPA-potassium); sodium MCPB-and MCPB-potassium; 2,4-DB dimethylammonium, and / or sodium ioxybenzonitrile; dimethylammonium 2-methyl-4-chloropropionate and dimethylammonium 2,4-dichloropropionate and / or MCPA-dimethylammonium.

[0039] Suitable plant growth regulator combinations include: sodium 1-naphthylacetate and sodium nitrophenol; or chlormequat chloride and imidazoquinoline ammonium. Suitable plant growth regulator and herbicide combinations are sodium 1-naphthylacetate and sodium 2,4-D-acetate. Other combinations of water-soluble electrolyte plant growth regulators and other water-soluble electrolyte agricultural chemicals include: 2,4-dichloropropionic acid-dimethylammonium with MCPA-dimethylammonium and / or 2-methyl-4-chloropropionic acid-dimethylammonium; and gibberellic acid GA4 with glufosinate-ammonium.

[0040] (iii) Surfactant system

[0041] The composition comprises a surfactant system that forms vesicles in the aqueous phase, preferably multilamellar vesicles (spherulites). These vesicles allow the agrochemical to be suspended in the composition by forming a close-packed structure that provides the liquid with the rheological properties required to suspend solid particles or droplets. The surfactant system comprises (a) an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, an alkyl glucamide ester surfactant and / or an ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate surfactant. The surfactant system also comprises (b) a co-surfactant having an anionic head group and a tail group, wherein the tail group has at least two alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups. The present invention is based on the surprising discovery that a surfactant system based on a combination of (a) an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, an alkyl glucamide ester surfactant and / or an ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate surfactant and (b) a co-surfactant having an anionic head group and a tail group, wherein the tail group has at least two alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups, will allow the formation of vesicles in the presence of large amounts of electrolyte agrochemicals, and the vesicles can suspend solid particles and droplets when stored in a wide temperature range (typically from -10°C to 40°C).

[0042] In prior art surfactant systems, typically when a large amount of electrolyte agrochemical is dissolved in an aqueous system, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to combine the surfactants in a manner that enables suspension of other components, such as a second agrochemical. In the presence of large amounts of electrolyte, in most surfactant combinations, the surfactant combination is either completely or partially insoluble and separates from the aqueous solution upon storage, or the surfactant combination becomes completely soluble, forming a micellar solution that is unable to suspend particles.

[0043] For example, US2010 / 0160168A1 describes a uniform liquid agrochemical concentrate. The surfactant system used therein forms a microemulsion (and is therefore uniform), which is not a structured surfactant system and cannot, for example, suspend solids in the composition. US 10,091,994B2 describes a surfactant, the salt of which reportedly retains the activity of the surfactant while avoiding the problem of gelation in the formulation. There is no indication in this document about what kind of surfactant system can be used to suspend, for example, solids in an aqueous formulation containing relatively high amounts of electrolyte agrochemicals.

[0044] The problems discussed further above and the problems of the prior art mentioned just above are overcome by using a surfactant system according to the invention based on a combination of (a) an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, an alkyl glucamide ester surfactant and / or an ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate surfactant and (b) a co-surfactant comprising an anionic head group and a tail group, wherein the tail group has at least two alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups. The present invention is also advantageous in that the surfactant used is environmentally friendly, unlike the surfactants used in the prior art such as cationic hexadecyl ammonium chloride.

[0045] (a-1) Alkyl polyglucoside surfactant

[0046] Alkyl polyglucosides are a group of substances consisting of sugar ring chains, which are connected to each other by glycosidic bonds, wherein the last ring of the glucosidic chain is acetalized. Particularly preferred according to the present invention are alkyl polyglucosides of formula (I):

[0047] Formula (I): H-(G) n -OR

[0048] Where G represents a monosaccharide, usually having the formula C6H 12 O6 hexose or having the formula C5H 10 The radical produced by removing the H2O molecule from the pentose of O5;

[0049] 'n' is 1 to 5; and

[0050] R represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group having 8 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0051] The alkyl polyglucoside is generally a mixture of alkyl monoglucoside (e.g., alkyl-α-D- and -β-D-pyranoglucoside, optionally containing a smaller amount of β-furanoglucoside), alkyl diglucoside (e.g., -isomaltoside, -maltoside, etc.) and alkyl oligoglucoside (e.g., -maltotriosides, -tetraosides, etc.). The preferred alkyl polyglucoside of the present invention is C4-18-alkyl polyglucoside (i.e., wherein R in the above formula (I) is 4-18 alkyl), more preferably C6-14-alkyl polyglucoside, in particular C6-12-alkyl polyglucoside. The alkyl polyglucoside may have a degree of polymerization of 1.2 to 1.9 (i.e., 'n' in formula 1 is 1.2 to 1.9). More preferred is C6-10-alkyl polyglucoside, wherein 'n' is 1.4 to 1.9. The alkyl polyglucoside preferably has an HLB value of 11.0 to 15.0, and may have an HLB value of 12.0 to 14.0.

[0052] Based on the weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition, the total amount of the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant is preferably present in the composition in an amount of 1.0 wt % or more, more preferably 2.0 wt % or more, still more preferably 3.0 wt % or more and most preferably 3.5 wt % or more. Based on the weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition, the total amount of the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant is preferably present in the composition in an amount of 10.0 wt % or less, and can be present in an amount of 8.0 wt %, 6.0 wt % or less or 4.0 wt % or less. Any lower wt % value can be combined with any higher wt % value to provide a preferred range of the amount of the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant. Exemplary ranges include 1.0 to 10.0 wt %, 2.0 to 8.0 wt %, 3.0 to 6.0 wt % and 2.0 to 4.0 wt %. When the electrolyte herbicide is glyphosate or its salt, based on the weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition, the total amount of the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant is preferably present in an amount of 2.0 to 8.0 wt %, more preferably 3.5 to 6.0 wt %. Commercial examples of alkyl polyglucoside surfactants include the Agnique PG series (BASF), AL-2559 and AL-2575 (Croda).

[0053] (a-2) Alkyl glucamide ester surfactant

[0054] Alkyl glucosamide surfactants are a group of surfactants that can be obtained by combining glucosamine with fatty acids. Particularly preferred in the present invention is an alkyl glucosamide surfactant of the following formula (II):

[0055]

[0056] In Formula II, R a is a straight chain or branched C5-C21 alkyl or C5-C21 alkenyl group, R bis a C1-C4 alkyl group. In a preferred embodiment, R a is a C9-C13 alkyl group. In a preferred embodiment, R b In another preferred embodiment, R a is a C9-C13 alkyl group, R b In another preferred embodiment, R a is a C11 alkyl group and R b Alkyl glucamide ester surfactants are commercially available (eg Synergen GA from Clariant).

[0057] Based on the weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition, the total amount of the alkyl glucamide ester surfactant in the composition is preferably 1.0 wt % or more, more preferably 2.0 wt % or more, still more preferably 3.0 wt % or more, and most preferably 3.5 wt % or more. Based on the weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition, the total amount of the alkyl glucamide ester surfactant in the composition is preferably 10.0 wt % or less, and can be 8.0 wt % or less, 6.0 wt % or less, or 4.0 wt % or less. Any lower wt % value can be combined with any higher wt % value to provide a preferred range of the total amount of the alkyl glucamide ester surfactant. Exemplary ranges include 1.0 to 10.0 wt %, 2.0 to 8.0 wt %, 3.0 to 6.0 wt % and 2.0 to 4.0 wt %. When the electrolyte herbicide is glyphosate or its salt, based on the weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition, the total amount of the alkyl glucamide ester surfactant is preferably present in an amount of 2.0 to 8.0 wt %, more preferably 3.5 to 6.0 wt %.

[0058] (a-3) Ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate

[0059] The ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphates used in the present invention preferably have a structure according to the following formula IIIa and / or IIIb:

[0060]

[0061] In Formula IIIa, M 1 and M 2 is a cation, preferably independently selected from H + 、Na + , K + or NH4 + , n is an integer from 1 to 20, and R is a C6-C22 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl group. 1 and M 2 is a cation, preferably independently selected from H + 、Na + or K +, n is an integer from 2 to 12, and R is a C8-C18 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl group. 1 and M 2 is a cation, preferably independently selected from H + 、Na + or K + , n is an integer from 2 to 20, and R is a C8-C18 straight chain alkenyl. 1 and M 2 is a cation, preferably independently selected from H + 、Na + or K + , n is an integer from 2 to 20, and R is a C8-C18 straight chain or branched alkyl group.

[0062] In Formula IIIb, M is selected from H + 、Na + , K + or NH4 + , n and m are independently integers from 1 to 20, and R 1 and R 2 In one embodiment, M is a cation, preferably selected from H + 、Na + or K + , n and m are independently integers from 2 to 12, and R 1 and R 2 In one embodiment, M is a cation, preferably selected from H + 、Na + or K + , n and m are independently integers from 2 to 20, and R 1 and R 2 In one embodiment, M is a cation, preferably selected from H + 、Na + or K + , n and m are independently integers from 2 to 20, and R 1 and R 2 are independently C8-C18 straight or branched chain alkyl.

[0063] The ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate used in the present invention may be a monoester according to formula IIIa, a diester according to formula IIIb, or a mixture of the monoester and diester. When used as a mixture, the ratio of monoester: diester is preferably in the range of 1:20 to 20:1, more preferably in the range of 1:10 to 10:1. Based on the weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition, the total amount of ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate according to formula IIIa and formula IIIb in the composition (whether used alone or as a mixture) is preferably 1.0 wt% or more, more preferably 2.0 wt% or more, still more preferably 3.0 wt% or more, and most preferably 3.5 wt% or more. Based on the weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition, the total amount of ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate according to formula IIIa and formula IIIb in the composition is preferably 10.0 wt% or less, and may be 8.0 wt% or less, 6.0 wt% or less, or 4.0 wt% or less. Any lower weight % value can be combined with any higher weight % value to provide a preferred range of the total amount of ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphates according to formula IIIa and formula IIIb in the composition. Exemplary ranges include 1.0 to 10.0 weight %, 2.0 to 8.0 weight %, 3.0 to 6.0 weight % and 2.0 to 4.0 weight %. When the electrolyte herbicide is glyphosate or a salt thereof, the total amount of ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphates according to formula IIIa and formula IIIb in the composition is preferably 2.0-8.0 weight %, more preferably 3.5-6.0 weight %, based on the weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition.

[0064] Examples of alkoxylated fatty alcohol phosphates are phosphates of poly (preferably 2-30) ethoxylated (preferably C6-C22) fatty alcohols, such as ethoxylated (2EO (EO means ethylene oxide units) oleyl alcohol phosphate (e.g. O3D, Huntsman), ethoxylated oleyl phosphate (e.g. CO series, Croda), ethoxylated (2-10EO) cetyl / stearyl phosphate (e.g. CS series, Croda), ethoxylated (4-6EO) tridecyl phosphate (e.g. T series, Croda), ethoxylated (3-6EO) fatty alcohol phosphates (e.g. series, Solvay).

[0065] Of the three classes of co-surfactants (a-1), (a-2) and (a-3) described above, alkyl polyglucoside surfactants are most preferred as this class of surfactants has been found to allow the highest concentration of electrolyte agrochemicals in the compositions of the present invention.

[0066] If the surfactant system comprises two or more of (a-1) alkyl polyglucoside surfactants, (a-2) alkyl glucamide ester surfactants and (a-3) alkyl ethoxy phosphate surfactants, the total amount of these three types of surfactants in the composition of the present invention is preferably 1.0 wt % or more, more preferably 2.0 wt % or more, still more preferably 3.0 wt % or more, and most preferably 3.5 wt % or more, based on the weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition. Based on the weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition, the total amount of these three types of surfactants in the composition is preferably 10.0 wt % or less, and may be 8.0 wt % or less, 6.0 wt % or less, or 4.0 wt % or less. Any lower wt % value can be combined with any higher wt % value to provide a preferred range of the total amount of these three types of surfactants in the composition. Exemplary ranges include 1.0 to 10.0 wt %, 2.0 to 8.0 wt %, 3.0 to 6.0 wt % and 2.0 to 4.0 wt %. When the electrolyte herbicide is glyphosate or a salt thereof, the total amount of the three types of surfactants in the composition is preferably 2.0-8.0 wt %, more preferably 3.5-6.0 wt %, based on the weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition.

[0067] (b) a co-surfactant comprising an anionic head group and at least two alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups

[0068] The co-surfactant comprises an anionic head group and a tail group, wherein the tail group comprises at least two alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups. The term "co-surfactant" refers to the surfactant acting together with the above-mentioned alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, alkyl glucamide ester surfactant and / or ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate surfactant to form vesicles through which other agricultural chemicals can be suspended. The term "head group" in the present invention refers to a functional group, such as a functional group comprising one or more oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur or phosphorus atoms. The head group is negatively charged when dissolved in water and can be located on any part of the molecule. The head group is the hydrophilic part of the molecule. Suitable head groups include, for example, sulfate, sulfonate, carboxylate and phosphate. The term "tail group" adopts its common meaning in the art and represents the hydrophobic part of the molecule in the context of the present invention. The "tail group" comprises at least two alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups. Preferably, the at least two alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups are selected from C1-C22 alkyl, C2-C22 alkenyl and C2-C22 alkynyl.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the co-surfactant may be represented by Formula 1 below.

[0070]

[0071] In Formula 1, A represents an anionic head group. The anionic head group is preferably selected from -SO3M (sulfonate), -OSO3M (sulfate), -CO2M (carboxylate) and -OPO3M (phosphate), wherein M is a cation, such as H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + The cosurfactant may have two anionic head groups, where M is a divalent cation, such as Ca 2+ . Preferably M is not H + , so that the co-surfactant of the present invention is a neutralized salt. This has the following advantages: the anionic co-surfactant is more soluble in water, but has a lower solubility in oil or high electrolyte solution, thus providing better suspension performance.

[0072] In formula 1, R 1 , R 2 and R 3 may be the same or different and are each independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C22 alkyl, C2-C22 alkenyl or C2-C22 alkynyl, provided that R 1 , R 2 and R 3 At most one of them is H, and the condition is R 1 To R 3 The total number of carbons in the molecule ranges from 6 to 24.

[0073] In Formula 1, L represents R is connected by 7 or less atoms, preferably 5 or less atoms selected from C, N, O, S and P. 1 , R 2 and R 3 A linker group connected to the anionic head group. 1 To R 3 can be, but need not be, bonded to the same atom in the linker group L. In a preferred embodiment, R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are separated by at most 4 atoms. 1 To R 3 With A or R 1 To R 3 When counting atoms separated from each other, the shortest chain of covalently bonded atoms should be selected, and only the atoms that are not A or R 1 To R 3 Examples of how to calculate the degree of separation are provided later with respect to Formula 3-2a and Formula 4-2a.

[0074] The co-surfactant used in the present invention can also be represented by the following formula 2-1. In formula 2-1, A, R 1 , R 2 and R 3 Same as described above for Formula 1. That is, A represents an anionic head group preferably selected from -SO3M (sulfonate), -OSO3M (sulfate), -CO2M (carboxylate) and -OPO3M (phosphate), wherein M is a cation, such as H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + . R 1 , R 2 and R 3 may be the same or different and are each independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C22 alkyl, C2-C22 alkenyl or C2-C22 alkynyl, provided that R 1 , R 2 and R 3 At most one of them is H, and the condition is R 1 To R 3 The total number of carbon atoms in the formula (C) is 6-24. In addition, 'p' is selected from 0 or 1; 'n', 'a', 'b' and 'c' are the same or different, and are independently selected from 0, 1 or 2; and X 1 , X 2 and X 3 are the same or different and are independently selected from a direct bond, -O-, -COO-, -CH(OH)- or -CONH-. In this case, A and R 1 To R 3 The separation, or R 1 To R 3 The separation between them is affected only by 'p', 'n', 'a', 'b', 'c' and X 1 To X 3 However, it is still preferred that A and R 1 , R 2 and R 3 Each of is separated by 7 or less atoms, more preferably 5 or less atoms. Also preferably R 1 , R 2 and R 3 At most 4 atoms apart from each other.

[0075]

[0076] In R 1 , R 2 and R 3When one of A and X is H, the co-surfactant is preferably represented by the following formula 2-2, wherein A, X 1 , X 2 , R 1 , R 2 , 'p', 'n', 'a' and 'b' are the same as described above with respect to Formula 2-1. The compound of this formula is more environmentally friendly and therefore preferred.

[0077]

[0078] In preferred embodiments of formula 2-1 and 2-2, A is -SO3M, wherein M is a cation, such as H + 、Na + , K + NH4 + or NH3iPr + In another preferred embodiment of Formula 2-1 and 2-2, 'n', 'a', 'b' and 'c' are all 0. In another preferred embodiment of Formula 2-1 and 2-2, X 1 , X 2 and X 3 are the same or different and are independently selected from a direct bond, -COO- or -CONH-. In another preferred embodiment of Formula 2-1 and 2-2, X 1 , X 2 and X 3 In another preferred embodiment of formula 2-1 and 2-2, A is -SO3M, wherein M is a cation, such as H + 、Na + , K + NH4 + or NH3iPr + , 'n', 'a', 'b', and 'c' are all 0, and X 1 , X 2 and X 3 All are direct keys.

[0079] In the case where 'p' of Formula 2-1 or Formula 2-2 is 1, the co-surfactant is preferably represented by the following Formula 3-1 or Formula 3-2, wherein A, X 1 , X 2 , X 3 , R 1 , R 2 and R 3 The same as described above for Formula 2-1 and Formula 2-2, respectively.

[0080]

[0081] When 'p' of Formula 2-1 or Formula 2-2 is 1, the co-surfactant is more preferably represented by the following Formula 4-1 or

[0082] Formula 4-2 shows that A, R 1 , R 2 and R 3 The same as described above for Formula 2-1 and Formula 2-2, respectively.

[0083]

[0084] When 'p' in Formula 2-1 or Formula 2-2 is 1, the substitution pattern on the benzene ring is not particularly limited, but a para-substitution pattern is more preferred. The para-substitution patterns of Formulas 3-1, 3-2, 4-1, and 4-2 are shown below.

[0085]

[0086]

[0087] In the case of formula 4-2a, A and R 1 and R 2 Each of the R atoms is separated by five atoms (the four in the benzene ring plus the secondary carbon). 1 and R 2 One atom (secondary carbon) is separated from each other. In the case of formula 3-2a, if X 1 is -COO- and X 2 is a direct key, then A and R 1 Seven atoms apart (four in the benzene ring, plus the secondary carbon, plus C and O) (Note: the oxygen of C=O is not counted because it does not connect A to R 1 and R 2 part of the chain and with R 2 There are 5 atoms between them (4 on the benzene ring, plus the secondary carbon). 1 and R 2 Three atoms apart (from X 1 of C and O plus secondary carbon).

[0088] The co-surfactant used in the present invention can also be represented by the following formula 5. In formula 5, A, R 1 , R 2 and R 3 Same as described above for Formula 1. In addition, 'a', 'b' and 'c' are the same or different and are independently selected from 0, 1 or 2; and X 1 , X 2 and X 3are the same or different and are independently selected from a direct bond, -O-, -COO-, -CH(OH)- or -CONH-. In a preferred embodiment of Formula 5, X 1 , X 2 and X 3 are the same or different and are independently selected from a direct bond, -COO- or -CONH-. In this case, A and R 1 To R 3 , or R 1 To R 3 The separation between them is limited only by 'a', 'b', 'c' and X 1 To X 3 However, it is still preferred that A and R 1 , R 2 and R 3 Each of the atoms in is separated by 7 or less atoms, more preferably 5 or less atoms. In this case, it is also preferred that R 1 , R 2 and R 3 They are separated from each other by at most 5 atoms, preferably at most 4 atoms.

[0089]

[0090] The co-surfactant is represented by Formula 5 and R 1 , R 2 and R 3 When one of A and X is H, the co-surfactant is preferably represented by the following formula 5-1, more preferably by the following formula 5-2, and in each case, A, X 1 , X 2 , R 1 , R 2 , 'a' and 'b' are the same as described above for Equation 5.

[0091]

[0092] In the case where 'p' of Formula 2-1 or Formula 2-2 is 0, the co-surfactant is represented by the following Formula 6-1 or Formula 6-2, wherein A, X 1 , X 2 , X 3 , R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , 'n', 'a', 'b' and 'c' are respectively the same as those in the above formula 2-1 and

[0093] The same as described in formula 2-2.

[0094]

[0095] In preferred embodiments of formula 6-1 and 6-2, A is -SO3M, wherein M is a cation, such as H + 、Na + , K + NH4 + or NH3iPr + In another preferred embodiment of Formula 6-1 and 6-2, 'n', 'a', 'b' and 'c' are all 0. In another preferred embodiment of Formula 6-1 and 6-2, X 1 , X 2 and X 3 are the same or different and are independently selected from a direct bond, -COO- or -CONH-. In another preferred embodiment of Formula 6-1 and 6-2, X 1 , X 2 and X 3 In another preferred embodiment of formula 6-1 and 6-2, A is -SO3M, wherein M is a cation, such as H + 、Na + , K + NH4 + or NH3iPr + , 'n', 'a', 'b', and 'c' are all 0, and X 1 , X 2 and X 3 They are all direct keys.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the co-surfactant is represented by the following formula 7, wherein A, X 1 , X 2 , R 1 , R 2 and 'a' are as described for Formula 2-1.

[0097]

[0098] In a preferred embodiment of Formula 7, A is -SO3M, wherein M is a cation, such as H + 、Na + , K + , NH4 + or NH3iPr + In another preferred embodiment of Formula 7, X 1 and X 2 In another preferred embodiment of Formula 7, X 1 and X 2 In another preferred embodiment of Formula 7, R 1 and R 2are the same or different and are C1-C12 alkyl. In a particularly preferred embodiment of Formula 7, A is -SO3M, 'a' is 0, X 1 and X 2 are -COO-(ester), and R 1 and R 2 The same or different and are C6-C10 alkyl, preferably C8 alkyl. In another particularly preferred embodiment of formula 7, A is -SO3M, 'a' is 0, X 1 and X 2 All are direct keys, and R 1 and R 2 are the same or different and are C1-C12 alkyl, preferably C2 to C10 alkyl, provided that R 1 and R 2 The total number of carbon atoms is between 8 and 12.

[0099] The co-surfactant used in the present invention can also be represented by the following formula 8-1, preferably formula 8-2, wherein in each case, A, X 1 , X 2 , R 1 , R 2 , 'n', 'a' and 'b' are the same as described above for Formula 2-1.

[0100]

[0101] In preferred embodiments of Formula 8-1 and Formula 8-2, A is -SO3M, wherein M is a cation, such as H + 、Na + , K + NH4 + or NH3iPr + In a preferred embodiment of formula 8-1, R 1 and R 2 are the same or different and are C1-C14 alkyl. In a preferred embodiment of formula 8-1, X 1 and X 2 In another preferred embodiment of Formula 8-1, 'n' is 1 and 'a' and 'b' are both 0. In a particularly preferred embodiment of Formula 8-1, A is -SO3M, 'n' is 1 or 2, 'a' and 'b' are both 0, X 1 and X 2 One of them is -COO- (ester) and the other is a direct bond. In a preferred embodiment of Formula 8-1, A is -SO3M, R 1 and R 2 The same or different C1-C14 alkyl groups, preferably R 1 is C8-12 alkyl, R2 is C1-C4 alkyl, more preferably R 1 is C11 alkyl, R 2 In a preferred embodiment of formula 8-2, A is -SO3M, n is 1 or 2, and R 1 and R 2 The same or different and are C1-C20 alkyl or alkenyl, preferably R 1 is C8-20 alkenyl and R 2 In another preferred embodiment of formula 8-2, A is -SO3M, n is 2, and R 1 and R 2 are the same or different and are C1-C20 alkyl or alkenyl, preferably R 1 is C8-20 alkenyl and R 2 is C1-C4 alkyl, more preferably R 1 is C15 to C19 alkenyl and R 2 It's me.

[0102] The co-surfactant used in the present invention can also be represented by the following chemical formula 9, wherein M is a cation, such as H + 、Na + , K + NH4 + 、NH3iPr + , or Ca 2+ , and 'a' and 'b' are the same or different and are selected as integers from 0 to 11, provided that a+b is from 7 to 11. If M is Ca 2+ , then the surfactant has two of the anionic counterions shown in Formula 9. A preferred embodiment of Formula 9 is wherein a + b is 9. Commercially available surfactants of formula 9 include HS80S (Innospec) and 411-E (Stepan).

[0103]

[0104] The co-surfactant used in the present invention can also be represented by the following formula 10, wherein M is a cation, such as H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + , and 'a' and 'b' are the same or different and are selected as integers from 0 to 11, provided that a+b is from 9 to 16. A preferred embodiment of Formula 10 is where a+b is from 11 to 14. Commercially available surfactants of Formula 10 include SAS93 (Clariant).

[0105]

[0106] The co-surfactant used in the present invention can also be represented by the following formula 11, wherein M is a cation, such as H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + , and R 1 and R 2 are the same or different and are selected to be C6 to C10 straight chain alkyl. A preferred embodiment of Formula 11 is wherein R 1 and R 2 All are C8 straight chain alkyl. Commercially available surfactants of formula 11 include OT-100 (Cytec Solvay).

[0107]

[0108]

[0109] The co-surfactant used in the present invention can also be represented by the following formula 12, wherein M is a cation, such as H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + , and R 1 and R 2 are the same or different and are selected to be C1 to 16 straight chain alkyl, provided that R 1 and R 2 together provide 6 to 18 carbon atoms. A preferred embodiment of Formula 12 is wherein R 1 is a C1-C4 straight chain alkyl group and R 2 A more preferred embodiment of Formula 12 is wherein R 1 is Me and R 2 is a C5 to C14 straight chain alkyl group, preferably R 2 is a C9 to C13 straight chain alkyl group, and most preferably a C11 straight chain alkyl group. Commercially available surfactants of formula 12 include LS30, MS30 and O(Croda).

[0110]

[0111] Suitable co-surfactants for use in the present invention also include those disclosed on pages 5-18 of WO2017 / 100051A1, the structure and contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0112] The co-surfactant used in the present invention can also be represented by the following formula 13-1 or formula 13-2, preferably a mixture of formula 13-1 and 13-2, wherein M is a cation, such as H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + , 'a' and 'b' are the same or different and are selected to be an integer from 0 to 11, provided that a+b is 9 to 14. Preferred embodiments of formulas 13-1 and 13-2 and mixtures thereof are those in which a+b is 11 to 13. A further preferred embodiment is one in which a is 6-8 and b is 5-7. A further preferred embodiment is one in which a is 7 and b is 6. Surfactants according to formulas 13-1 and 13-2 are described on pages 6-8 of WO2017 / 100051A1 and may be Enordet TM The trademark is commercially available from Shell.

[0113]

[0114] The co-surfactant used in the present invention can also be represented by the following formula 14, wherein M is a cation, such as H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + , and R 1 and R 2 are the same or different and are selected to be C1 to 20 straight chain alkyl or alkenyl, provided that R 1 and R 2 together provide 6 to 20 carbon atoms. A preferred embodiment of Formula 14 is wherein R 1 is a C1-C4 straight chain alkyl group, R 2 A more preferred embodiment of Formula 12 is wherein R 1 is Me and R 2 is a C5 to C19 straight chain alkenyl group, preferably R 2 is a C13 to C19 straight chain alkenyl group, and most preferably a C17 straight chain alkenyl group. Commercially available surfactants of formula 14 include OT-72 (Croda).

[0115]

[0116] Based on the weight of the liquid agrochemical composition, the total amount of cosurfactant (b), particularly as defined in any of the above chemical formulas, is preferably 1.0 wt % or more, more preferably 2.0 wt % or more, still more preferably 3.0 wt % or more and most preferably 3.5 wt % or more. Based on the weight of the liquid agrochemical composition, the total amount of cosurfactant (b) is preferably 15.0 wt % or less, and can be present in an amount of 10.0 wt % or less, 7.5 wt % or less or 5 wt % or less. Any lower wt % value can be combined with any higher wt % value to provide a preferred range of the amount of cosurfactant (b) in the liquid agrochemical composition. Exemplary ranges include 1.0 to 15.0 wt %, 2.0 to 10.0 wt %, 3.0 to 7.5 wt % and 3.0 to 5.0 wt %. When the electrolyte herbicide is glyphosate or a salt thereof, the total amount of the co-surfactant (b) in the liquid agricultural chemical composition is preferably 1.0 to 10.0 wt %, more preferably 2.0 to 7.5 wt %, even more preferably 3.0 to 5.0 wt %, based on the weight of the liquid composition.

[0117] In terms of improving stability, the weight ratio of the total amount of alkyl polyglucoside surfactant (a) to the total amount of co-surfactant (b) is preferably 0.3 or more, more preferably 0.7 or more, still more preferably 1.0 or more and most preferably 1.1 or more. In terms of maintaining reduced viscosity (and therefore better pourability), the weight ratio of the total amount of the above-mentioned alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, alkyl glucamide ester surfactant and / or ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate surfactant (a) to the total amount of co-surfactant (b) is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 1.5 or less, most preferably 1.2 or less. Any lower ratio can be combined with any higher ratio to provide a preferred range of the ratio of the total amount of the above-mentioned alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, alkyl glucamide ester surfactant and / or ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate surfactant (a) to the total amount of co-surfactant (b). Exemplary ranges include 0.3 to 3.0, 0.7 to 1.5, 0.7 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.2 and 1.0 to 1.5.

[0118] (iv) Agrochemicals suspended in liquid compositions

[0119] The liquid agricultural chemical composition of the present invention comprises at least one agricultural chemical suspended in the composition. The suspended agricultural chemical is not particularly limited and can be any agricultural chemical that is desired to be formulated with an electrolyte agricultural chemical dissolved in the liquid composition. The suspended agricultural chemical can be in solid (e.g., as solid particles) or liquid form (e.g., as droplets of the agricultural chemical or the agricultural chemical dissolved in a water-immiscible liquid).

[0120] Examples of suitable agricultural chemicals that can be suspended in the liquid agricultural chemical composition of the present invention include solid herbicides such as beflubutamid, benazolin, benzofenap, bifenox, bromobutide, chloridazon, chlorotoluron, chlorthal-dimethyl, cloransulam-methyl, desmedipha m), diclosulam, esprocarb or as a capsule suspension, fentrazamide, flumetsulam, flurtamone, ioxynil, isoproturon, isouron, isoxaben, isoxaflutole, lenacil, linuron, mefenacet, metazachlor, metazachlor), metoxuron, metribuzin, oryzalin, oxadiargyl, oxadiazon, penoxsulam, pentoxazone, prodiamine, prometon, propyzamide, pyraflufen-ethyl, pyrazoxyfen, pyrib The solid herbicides include amidosulfuron, atrazine, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron-methyl, t-butylsulfuron, t-butylsulfuron-methyl ...Benzobicyclon, bromoxynil, butafenacil, chlorimuron-ethyl, chlorsulfuron, cinosulfuron, diflufenican, diuron, ethofumasate, ethoxysulfuron, flazasulfuron, florasulam, flucarbazone sodium -sodium), flufenacet, foramsulfuron, flupyrsulfuron-methyl-sodium, halosulfuron-methyl, haloxyfop-P, imazapic, imazosulfuron, iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium, mesosulfuron-methyl, mesotrione, benzene metamitron, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, metsulfuron-methyl, nicosulfuron, orthosulfamuron, oxasulfuron, pendimethalin, phenmedipham, picolinafen, primisulfuron-methyl, propachlor, fluazifop prosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, quizalofop-P, rimsulfuron, saflufenacil, simazine, sulfometuron-methyl, sulfosulfuron, thifensulfuron-methyl, tribenuron-methyl, trifloxysulfuron,triflusulfuron-methyl, tritosulfuron.

[0121] Examples of suitable liquid herbicides that can be suspended in the liquid agrochemical composition include carfentrazone-ethyl and cinmethylin. Preferred liquid herbicides include acetochlor and butachlor.

[0122] In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrolyte herbicide is glyphosate and the herbicide to be suspended is selected from any one of the above-mentioned herbicides. In another embodiment of the present invention, the electrolyte herbicide is glufosinate and the herbicide to be suspended is selected from any one of the above-mentioned herbicides. In another embodiment of the present invention, the electrolyte herbicide is 2,4-D and the herbicide to be suspended is selected from any one of the above-mentioned herbicides. In another embodiment of the present invention, the electrolyte herbicide is dicamba and the herbicide to be suspended is selected from any one of the above-mentioned herbicides.

[0123] Combinations of electrolyte herbicides to be dissolved in the liquid composition (mentioned first) and herbicides to be suspended in the liquid composition (mentioned second) include the following: dicamba-sodium and fluprosulfuron; dicamba-sodium and flufenacet; glufosinate-ammonium and diuron; glufosinate-ammonium and simazine; glyphosate-isopropylammonium and bispyribac; glyphosate-isopropylammonium salt and diuron; glyphosate-isopropylamine and diuron; glyphosate-potassium and diuron; glyphosate-sodium and diuron; glyphosate-potassium and pendimethalin; glufosinate-ammonium and saflufenacil; 2,4-D-dimethylammonium and bispyribac; dicamba-potassium and bensulfuron; glyphosate-isopropylammonium and quizalofop-p-ethyl; glyphosate-potassium and isoxathiapiprolin; glyphosate-isopropylammonium and mesotrione; glyphosate-isopropylammonium and isopropylmethoate; glufosinate and pendimethalin; dicamba-potassium and atrazine; clopyralid and bispyribac; glyphosate-isopropylammonium and acetochlor; glyphosate-isopropylammonium and metsulfuron-methyl; glyphosate-isopropylammonium and nicosulfuron-methyl; glyphosate-isopropylammonium and sulfosulfuron-methyl; dicamba-potassium and bensulfuron-methyl, glyphosate-isopropylammonium and acetochlor. Combinations of an electrolyte herbicide (the first mentioned) to be dissolved in the liquid composition and two herbicides (the second and third mentioned) to be suspended in the liquid composition include the following: glufosinate with diuron and mesotrione; glufosinate with ethosulfuron and betamolin; dicamba-potassium with atrazine and mesotrione; and dicamba-potassium with atrazine and S-isopropylamine.

[0124] Examples of suitable safeners that can be suspended in the liquid agricultural chemical composition of the present invention include those listed in Pesticide Manual (British Crop Protection Council; 16th edition). Preferred herbicide safeners for use in the present invention include benoxacor, BCS ((1-bromo-4-[(chloromethyl)sulfonyl]benzene), cloquintocet-methyl, cyometrinil, cyprosulfamide, dichlormid, dicyclonon, 2-(dichloromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane (MG191), dietholate, fenchlorazole-et-butyl. hyl), fenclorim, flurazole, fluxofenim, furilazole, isoxadifen-ethyl, jiecaowan, jiecaoxi, mefenpyr, mefenpyrethyl, mefenpyrone ((4-methoxy-3-methylphenyl)(3-methylphenyl)methanone), mephenate, naphthalic anhydride, oxabetrinil, AD67, mefenpyr-diethyl, R29148, TI-35 and MG191.

[0125] Examples of suitable plant growth regulators that can be suspended in the liquid agricultural chemical composition of the present invention include 6-benzylaminopurine, cytokinin, prohexadione-calcium, paclobutrazol, sintofen, uniconazole and cyclanilide.

[0126] Examples of suitable fungicides that can be suspended in the liquid agrochemical composition of the present invention include: azoxystrobin, coscalid, captan, carboxin, chlorothalonil, difenaconazole, cpoxiconazole, fenamidone, fludioxinil, fluopicolide, fluoxastrobin, flusilazole, folpet, ipconazole, mancozeb, mandipromid, metconazole, pencycuron, propiconazole, prothioconazole, pyrimethanil ), sulfur, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, thibendazole, trifloxystrobin, triticonazole, zoxamide, benthiavalicarb-isopropyl, bitertanol, carpropamid, iprodione, kresoxim-methyl, maneb, metrafenone, picoxystrobin, spiroxamine, thifluzamide, thiophanate-methyl, thiram, tolclofos-methyl, and triadimenol. Combinations of electrolyte fungicides (first mentioned) to be dissolved in the liquid composition and other fungicides (second and optionally third mentioned) to be suspended in the liquid composition include the following: imazalil sulfate with dimethomorph and pencycuron; propamocarb hydrochloride with fenamidone and fluopyram; potassium bicarbonate with sulfur; and phosphonic acid and azoxystrobin.

[0127] Examples of suitable acaricides or insecticides that can be suspended in the liquid agricultural chemical composition of the present invention include bifenazate, bifenthrin, bromopropylate, carbofuran, chromafenozide, clofentazine, alpha-cypermethrin, deltamethrin, dicofol, diflubenzuron, etofenprox, etoxazole, fipronil, imidacloprid, chlorpyrifos, chloranil ... chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine,

[0128] (v) Other components

[0129] In addition to the ingredients described in detail above, the liquid agricultural chemical composition of the present invention may also contain one or more additional co-formulators, such as other surfactants (e.g. emulsifiers and / or dispersants), polymeric amphoteric dispersants (e.g. 4915) to prevent or minimize agglomeration of suspended agrochemicals, thickeners and thixotropic agents, wetting agents, anti-drift agents, adhesives, penetrants, preservatives, antifreeze agents (e.g., propylene glycol and glycerol), antioxidants, solubilizers, fillers, carriers, colorants (e.g., dyes), defoamers (e.g., silicone-based agents), fertilizers, evaporation inhibitors, and agents that change pH and viscosity. Since the combination of the above-mentioned alkyl polyglucoside surfactants, alkyl glucamide ester surfactants, and / or ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate surfactants (a) and a co-surfactant (b) comprising an anionic head group and a tail group (wherein the tail group comprises at least two alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl groups) enables the agrochemical to be suspended in the formulation, the present invention provides the formulator with improved freedom to adapt the composition to specific needs even in the presence of large amounts of electrolyte agrochemicals. For example, the present invention allows the amount of thickener and thixotropic agent to be reduced, thereby leaving room for other adjuvants, such as one of those listed in Compendium of Herbicide Adjuvants, 12th Edition, Southern Illinois University, 2014 or any earlier version thereof. Examples of commonly used adjuvants include, but are not limited to, paraffin oil, horticultural spray oils (e.g., summer oil), methylated rapeseed oil, methylated soybean oil, highly refined vegetable oils, polyol fatty acid esters, polyethoxylated esters, ethoxylated alcohols, alkyl polysaccharides and blends, amine ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates, polyethylene glycol esters, alkyl polyglucosides and derivatives thereof (e.g., esters), silicone surfactants, ethylene vinyl acetate terpolymers, and ethoxylated alkyl aryl phosphates, and the like.

[0130] 4.3 Preparation method

[0131] The liquid agricultural chemical composition of the present invention can be prepared by known methods, for example, as described in more detail below, first preparing a mill base of certain ingredients and a solution base of certain ingredients, and then combining the two by blending. As long as the final composition contains the above-mentioned alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, alkyl glucamide ester surfactant and / or ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate surfactant (a) and a co-surfactant (b) comprising an anionic head group and a tail group (wherein the tail group contains at least two alkyl / alkenyl or alkynyl groups), vesicles will be formed, thereby forming a solution-suspension of two or more agricultural chemicals.

[0132] For the preparation of the mixture, conventional mixing equipment can be used, which can be thermostatic if desired. For pre-grinding, high-pressure homogenizers or grinders operating, for example, by the rotor-stator principle, such as Ultraturrax homogenizers, such as those from IKA, or toothed colloid mills, such as those from Puck or Fryma, can be used. For fine grinding, for example, intermittently operated bead mills, such as from Drais, or continuously operated bead mills, such as from Bachofen or Eiger, can be used.

[0133] 5. Preferred Implementation

[0134] A preferred embodiment of the liquid agricultural chemical composition according to the present invention is a liquid agricultural chemical composition comprising:

[0135] 30 to 60% by weight of water;

[0136] one or more electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in water, wherein the total amount of the electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in water is 20% by weight or more based on the total amount of water in the liquid agrochemical composition;

[0137] 2 to 6% by weight of an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant represented by the following formula (I);

[0138] 2 to 6 wt% of a co-surfactant represented by any one of the following formulas 9 to 14:

[0139] 1 to 10% by weight of an agricultural chemical suspended in water;

[0140] Formula (I): H-(G) n -OR

[0141] in

[0142] G represents a monosaccharide, preferably having the formula C6H 12 O6 hexose or having the formula C5H 10 The radical produced by removing the H2O molecule from the pentose of O5;

[0143] 'n' is 1 to 5; and

[0144] R represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group having 8 to 20 carbon atoms;

[0145]

[0146] in

[0147] For Formula 9: M is a cation, preferably H + 、Na + , K + , NH4+ , NH3iPr + or Ca 2+ ;and

[0148] 'a' and 'b' are the same or different and are selected to be an integer from 0 to 11, provided that a+b is 7 to 11;

[0149]

[0150] in

[0151] For formula 10: M is a cation, preferably H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + ;and

[0152] 'a' and 'b' are the same or different and are selected to be an integer from 0 to 11, provided that a+b is 9 to 16;

[0153]

[0154] in

[0155] For Formula 11: M is a cation, preferably H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + ;and

[0156] R 1 and R 2 are the same or different and are selected to be C6 to C10 straight chain alkyl groups; and

[0157]

[0158] in

[0159] For Formula 12: M is a cation, preferably H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + ;and

[0160] R 1 and R 2 are the same or different and are selected from C1-16 straight chain alkyl, provided that R 1 and R 2Together they provide 6-18 carbon atoms;

[0161]

[0162] in

[0163] For formula 13-1 and 13-2: M is a cation, preferably H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + ; 'a' and 'b' are the same or different and are selected to be an integer from 0 to 11, provided that a+b is 9 to 14;

[0164]

[0165] in

[0166] For formula 14: M is a cation, such as H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + , and R 1 and R 2 are the same or different and are selected from C1-20 straight chain alkyl or alkenyl, provided that R 1 and R 2 Together they provide 6-20 carbon atoms.

[0167] In this preferred embodiment, the electrolyte agricultural chemicals dissolved in water are preferably selected from glyphosate-isopropylammonium, glyphosate-potassium, sodium glyphosate, diammonium glyphosate, dimethyl ammonium glyphosate, glyphosate-ammonium and glufosinate ammonium. In another preferred embodiment, the agricultural chemicals suspended in the liquid composition are diuron. In a preferred embodiment, the cosurfactant is represented by formula 9, and the electrolyte agricultural chemicals dissolved in water are selected from glyphosate-isopropylammonium, glyphosate-potassium, sodium glyphosate, diammonium glyphosate, dimethyl ammonium glyphosate, glyphosate-ammonium and glufosinate ammonium. In another preferred embodiment, the electrolyte agricultural chemicals dissolved in water are selected from glyphosate-isopropylammonium, glyphosate-potassium, sodium glyphosate, diammonium glyphosate, dimethyl ammonium glyphosate, glyphosate-ammonium and glufosinate ammonium, the cosurfactant is represented by formula 9, and the agricultural chemicals suspended in the liquid composition are diuron.

[0168] 6. Examples

[0169] Example 1 - Testing of various surfactants as co-surfactants (b) for alkyl polyglucoside surfactants (a)

[0170] Agrochemical compositions comprising various test surfactants as co-surfactants (b) of the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant (a) were prepared and tested for their stability.

[0171] Preparation of grinding base

[0172] Indeed, the algicide and herbicide diuron (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea) is water-insoluble and was chosen as a representative of the general class of agricultural chemicals that can be suspended according to the invention.

[0173] Water (48.98 wt%), 426R (0.82 wt%), PG-8107G (6.27 wt%) and diuron (43.93 wt%) were added together and mixed using a Silverson high shear mixer set at 3000 rpm with a small orifice top. PG-8107G (BASF AG) is an alkyl polyglucoside, representing a class of surfactants desired in the present invention. 426R (Bluestar Silicones) is a defoamer added during the preparation and throughout the experiment to reduce foaming. The resulting slurry was bead milled in an Eiger mill using 1-1.3 mm beads at 3000 rpm for about 40 minutes. The final particle size of diuron (D50: 1.9 μm; D90: 4.7 μm) is typical for suspensions of agrochemical particles in aqueous formulations. The particles were observed to be well dispersed in the grind by microscopy.

[0174] Preparation of solution base

[0175] As water-soluble electrolyte, the herbicide glyphosate was chosen as representative of the general class of electrolyte agrochemicals that can be dissolved in the aqueous phase according to the invention.

[0176] Water (36.47 wt%), 426R (0.10 wt%), PG-8107G (5.66 wt%) and 83.7% KOH (16.39 wt%) were added together and stirred with an overhead mixer equipped with a propeller stirrer. Glyphosate (41.38 wt%) was slowly added to the KOH solution and stirred for at least 1 hour to ensure complete neutralization and dissolution.

[0177] Preparation of agrochemical compositions for testing

[0178] The agrochemical composition was prepared by blending the mill base as described above (21.48 wt%), water (2.57 wt%), the surfactant to be tested (14.53 wt% of a 30% aqueous surfactant solution) and the solution base as described above (61.42 wt%). After blending, an agrochemical composition having an electrolyte agrochemical (glyphosate) dissolved in the aqueous phase and another agrochemical (diuron) suspended in the aqueous phase was obtained. The relative amounts of the different components in the composition are as follows:

[0179]

[0180] The compositions were stored at 20°C for one week and then visually inspected for stability. The results for different compositions comprising different test surfactants are provided in the table below. The degree of separation is an estimate based on the amount of clear solution separated from an otherwise opaque composition.

[0181]

[0182] *Exhibits increased viscosity and therefore poor pourability after storage

[0183] For this experiment, good pourability was defined as -1 <500mPa·s; poor pourability is defined as -1 Below>1000mPa·s.

[0184] It is clear from the data in the above table that not all surfactants work synergistically with the alkyl polyglucosides to provide a stable but pourable composition in the presence of significant amounts of electrolyte agrochemicals. For example, nonionic surfactants commonly used in agrochemical compositions, such as alkoxylated fatty alcohols ( A2; 13 / 6.5) and alkoxylated fatty amines ( AB615), and cationic surfactants such as those based on quaternary ammonium ( 16-29), resulting in compositions showing significant separation. LO) or zwitterionic ( Although these are slightly more stable than nonionic and cationic surfactants, they still suffer from significant separation and also exhibit poor pourability.

[0185] As can be seen from the above data, the surfactants that make the pourable composition have little or no separation during storage have common characteristics. First, they are all anionic surfactants with at least two hydrocarbon chains. Anionic surfactants with only one hydrocarbon chain result in a composition that is not pourable ( LZ) or exhibit low pourability and have significant separation ( CS270). It is not sufficient for the surfactant to have only two hydrocarbon chains. Surfactants having two hydrocarbon chains but not being anionic result in compositions that are not pourable ( 6-2-6) or exhibit poor pourability and / or significant separation ( 10-2-P; 10-10-O).

[0186] Example 2 - Increasing the amount of electrolyte agrochemical

[0187] Agrochemical compositions were prepared with significantly higher amounts of electrolyte agrochemicals and tested for stability under different conditions. The following table provides a summary of the compositions and test results.

[0188]

[0189] As can be seen from the above data, the combination of surfactants according to the present invention provides a stable agricultural chemical composition under various test conditions. After storage, all samples are stable and show good pourability. Good pourability is defined as the pourability of the sample within 20 seconds. -1 <500mPa·s.

[0190] Example 3 - Using a mixture of co-surfactants

[0191] Agrochemical compositions were prepared in which a mixture of co-surfactants according to the invention was used. The following table provides a summary of the compositions and test results.

[0192]

[0193] As can be seen from the above data, the combination of surfactants according to the present invention provides a stable agricultural chemical composition under various test conditions. After storage, all samples are stable and show good pourability. Good pourability is defined as the pourability of the sample within 20 seconds. -1 <500mPa·s.

[0194] Example 4 - Reducing the amount of co-surfactant (b)

[0195] Agrochemical compositions were prepared in which the amount of co-surfactant was reduced. The following table provides a summary of the compositions and test results.

[0196]

[0197] From the above data, it can be seen that reducing the amount of co-surfactant still provides stable agricultural chemical compositions under various test conditions. After storage, all samples are stable and show good pourability. Good pourability is defined as the pourability of the mixture within 20 seconds. -1 <500mPa·s.

[0198] Example 5 - Use of a mixture of a co-surfactant according to the invention and another surfactant

[0199] Agrochemical compositions were prepared in which a mixture of a co-surfactant according to the invention and another surfactant was used. The following table provides a summary of the compositions and test results.

[0200]

[0201] From the above data, it can be seen that although surfactants such as alkyl ethoxy 2EO sodium sulfate (from CS270) by itself is not sufficient to provide a stable composition with alkyl polyglucoside (see Example 1), but can be added to the composition if a co-surfactant according to the invention is present.

[0202] Reference Example 6 - Use of the co-surfactant of the present invention with a betaine surfactant.

[0203] This example tests whether the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant can be replaced with another electrolyte-tolerant surfactant and maintain stability. BS) replaces the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant of the previous examples. Betaines are a class of surfactants that are believed to have greater electrolyte tolerance than ethoxylated surfactants, anionic surfactants, and cationic surfactants because they are less likely to precipitate from high electrolyte compositions than these other surfactants.

[0204] Preparation of grinding base

[0205] Water (21.75 wt%), 426R (0.82 wt%), BS (33.50 wt% of a 30% aqueous solution) and diuron (43.93 wt%) were added together and blended using a high shear mixer set at 3000 rpm with a small orifice head. The resulting slurry was bead milled in an Eiger mill using 1-1.3 mm beads at 3000 rpm for about 13 minutes. The final particle size of diuron (D50: 2.2 μm; D90: 5.1 μm) was typical for suspensions of agrochemical particles in aqueous formulations, and the particles were well dispersed in the mill base (as observed by microscopy).

[0206] Preparation of solution base

[0207] Water (35.53), 426R (0.10 wt%), A 30% aqueous solution of BS (6.60 wt%) and 83.7% KOH (16.39 wt%) were added together and stirred with an overhead mixer equipped with a propeller stirrer. Glyphosate (41.38 wt%) was slowly added to the KOH solution and stirred for at least 1 hour to ensure complete neutralization and dissolution.

[0208] Preparation of agrochemical compositions for testing

[0209] The agrochemical composition was prepared by mixing the mill base (21.48 wt %) as described above, water (2.57 wt %), HS 80S (14.53 wt. % of surfactant in a 30% aqueous solution) was prepared by blending with the solution base (61.42 wt. %) as described above. After blending, an agricultural chemical composition was obtained as follows:

[0210]

[0211] The composition was stored at 20°C for one week and then visually checked for stability, yielding an estimated 40% separation. This data was compared with the results of Example 1 using sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (from Comparison with corresponding compositions of HS80S) (stability for 1 week at 20°C: <1% separation) clearly shows that the co-surfactant of the present invention acts synergistically with the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant to provide a stable composition, even in the presence of electrolyte agrochemicals.

[0212] Example 7 - Changing the ratio of alkyl polyglucoside and cosurfactant

[0213] Agrochemical compositions were prepared in which the relative amounts of alkyl polyglucoside surfactant and co-surfactant were varied. The following table provides a summary of the compositions and test results.

[0214]

[0215] In this experiment, the total amount of alkyl polyglucoside surfactant and co-surfactant was kept constant (7.50 wt%), but their relative amounts were varied. All samples had at least acceptable or good pourability and were stable. Good pourability was defined as -1 <500mPa·s; acceptable pourability is defined as -1 The lower is 500-1000mPa·s.

[0216] Example 8 - Testing of the present invention for suspension of agricultural chemicals compared to a typical system of the prior art that relies on xanthan gum

[0217] Agrochemical compositions were prepared primarily according to Example 1. The following table provides a summary of the compositions and test results. The compositions with xanthan gum (Kelzan AP-AS) were designed to have a viscosity as close as possible to the compositions of the present invention before being sent for storage.

[0218]

[0219] The composition of the present invention exhibits good stability and pourability under all storage conditions. Good pourability is defined as the ability to pour the mixture in 20 seconds. -1 The composition containing xanthan gum showed significant separation at 20°C and 40°C, and poor pourability at -10°C.

[0220] Example 9 - Changing Electrolyte Agrochemicals

[0221] Agrochemical compositions were prepared using glufosinate instead of glyphosate. The following table provides a summary of the compositions and test results.

[0222]

[0223] From the above data, it can be seen that the combination of surfactants according to the present invention provides stable agrochemical compositions under various test conditions of different electrolyte agrochemicals (in this case glufosinate-ammonium). After storage, all samples were stable and showed good pourability. Good pourability was defined as the pourability of the sample within 20 seconds. -1 <500mPa·s.

[0224] Example 10 - Compositions using alkyl glucamide esters as co-surfactants (a)

[0225] Agrochemical compositions were prepared but using alkyl glucamide esters instead of alkyl polyglucosides as co-surfactants (a). The following table provides a summary of the compositions and test results.

[0226]

[0227] Alkyl glucamides are a class of surfactants that have been found to have greater electrolyte tolerance than nonionic ethoxylated surfactants, ethoxylated anionic surfactants, non-ethoxylated anionic surfactants, and cationic surfactants because they are less likely than these other surfactants to precipitate from high electrolyte compositions.

[0228] The same mill base as prepared in Example 1 was used, thus using trace amounts of alkyl polyglucosides. A concentrated glyphosate solution containing C8,C10-alkyl sugar amides (i.e., glucamide in Synergen GA) was prepared. In the presence of dissolved glyphosate, the glucamides and isopropylamine LABS formed a structure capable of suspending the ground diuron particles.

[0229] From the above data, it can be seen that the agricultural chemical composition is stable under various test conditions. After storage, all samples are stable and show good pourability. Good pourability is defined as the pourability within 20 seconds. -1 <500mPa·s.

[0230] Example 11 - Compositions using ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate surfactants as co-surfactants (a)

[0231] An agrochemical composition was prepared but using an ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate surfactant instead of an alkyl polyglucoside as the co-surfactant (a). The following table provides a summary of the compositions and test results.

[0232]

[0233] Ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphates are a class of surfactants that have been found to have greater electrolyte tolerance than nonionic ethoxylated surfactants and non-ethoxylated anionic and cationic surfactants because they are less likely than these other surfactants to precipitate from high electrolyte compositions.

[0234] The same mill base as prepared in Example 1 was used, thus using trace amounts of alkyl polyglucoside. A concentrated glyphosate solution containing C10 EO4 phosphate (i.e., the phosphate in Multitrope 1214) was prepared. In the presence of dissolved glyphosate, the ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate and isopropylamine LABS formed a structure capable of suspending the ground diuron particles.

[0235] From the above data, it can be seen that the agricultural chemical composition is stable under various test conditions. After storage, all samples are stable and show good pourability. Good pourability is defined as the pourability within 20 seconds. -1 <500mPa·s.

[0236] Reference Example 12 - Composition using amine oxide surfactant as co-surfactant (a)

[0237] This example tests whether the co-surfactant (a) of the present invention can be replaced with another surfactant (alkyl dimethylamine oxide) which is considered in the art to have equivalent electrolyte tolerance to alkyl polyglucoside. An agricultural chemical composition was prepared, but alkyl dimethylamine oxide was used instead of alkyl polyglucoside as the co-surfactant (a). The following table provides a summary of the composition and test results.

[0238]

[0239] This example shows that alkyl dimethyl amine oxides cannot replace alkyl polyglucosides as the main soluble surfactant in glyphosate electrolyte solutions.

Claims

1. A liquid agricultural chemical composition comprising: (i) water in an amount of 30% by weight or more based on the total weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition; (ii) one or more electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in water, wherein the total amount of the electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in water is 20 wt% or more based on the total weight of water in the liquid agrochemical composition; (iii) a surfactant system comprising: (a) an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant; and (b) a co-surfactant represented by the following Formula 9 or Formula 11; and (iv) one or more agricultural chemicals suspended in water; wherein the weight ratio of the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant to the co-surfactant is 3.0 or less; wherein the total amount of surfactant (a) is 2.0 wt% or more based on the total weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition; and wherein the total amount of the co-surfactant (b) is 2.0 wt% or more based on the total weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition; in For Formula 9: M is a cation, preferably H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + ;and a and b are the same or different and are selected to be integers from 0 to 11, provided that a+b is 7 to 11; in For Formula 11: M is a cation, preferably H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + ;and R 1 and R 2 The same or different, and are selected to be C6 to C10 straight chain alkyl groups.

2. The liquid agricultural chemical composition according to claim 1, The alkyl polyglucoside surfactant is represented by the following formula (I): Formula (I): H-(G) n -OR in G represents a monosaccharide, preferably having the formula C6H 12 O6 hexose or having the formula C5H 10 The radical produced by removing the H2O molecule from the pentose of O5; n is 1 to 5; and R represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group having 8 to 20 carbon atoms.

3. The liquid agricultural chemical composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the total amount of the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant is 2.0 to 6.0 wt% based on the total weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition.

4. The liquid agricultural chemical composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the total amount of the co-surfactant (b) is 2.0 to 6.0 wt% based on the total weight of the liquid agricultural chemical composition.

5. The liquid agricultural chemical composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weight ratio of the total amount of the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant to the total amount of the co-surfactant (b) is 0.3-3.

6. The liquid agricultural chemical composition according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: 30 to 60% by weight of water; one or more electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in water, wherein the total amount of the electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in water is 20% by weight or more based on the total amount of water in the liquid agrochemical composition; 2 to 6% by weight of an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant represented by the following formula (I); 2 to 6 wt% of a co-surfactant represented by the following Formula 9 or Formula 11: 1 to 10% by weight of an agricultural chemical suspended in water; Formula (I): H-(G) n -OR in G represents a monosaccharide, preferably having the formula C6H 12 O6 hexose or having the formula C5H 10 The radical produced by removing the H2O molecule from the pentose of O5; n is 1 to 5; and R represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group having 8 to 20 carbon atoms; in For Formula 9: M is a cation, preferably H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + ;and a and b are the same or different and are selected to be integers from 0 to 11, provided that a+b is 7 to 11; in For Formula 11: M is a cation, preferably H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + ;and R 1 and R 2 The same or different, and are selected to be C6 to C10 straight chain alkyl groups.

7. The liquid agricultural chemical composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrolyte agricultural chemical is selected from glyphosate, glufosinate, 2,4-D or dicamba.

8. The liquid agricultural chemical composition according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: 40 to 60% by weight of water; 20 to 35 weight percent of one or more electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in water, wherein the electrolyte agrochemical is selected from glyphosate, glufosinate, 2,4-D, or dicamba; 2 to 6% by weight of an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant represented by the following formula (I); 2 to 6 wt% of a co-surfactant represented by the following Formula 9 or Formula 11: 1 to 10% by weight of an agricultural chemical suspended in water; Formula (I): H-(G) n -OR in G represents a product having the formula C6H 12 O6 hexose or having the formula C5H 10 The radical produced by removing the H2O molecule from the pentose of O5; n is 1 to 5; and R represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group having 8 to 20 carbon atoms; in For Formula 9: M is a cation, preferably H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + ;and a and b are the same or different and are selected to be integers from 0 to 11, provided that a+b is 7 to 11; in For Formula 11: M is a cation, preferably H + 、Na + , K + , Ca 2+ NH4 + or NH3iPr + ;and R 1 and R 2 The same or different, and are selected to be C6 to C10 straight chain alkyl groups.

9. The liquid agricultural chemical composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the agricultural chemical suspended in water is one or more herbicides selected from the group consisting of acetochlor, amidosulfuron, atrazine, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron-methyl, benzobicyclon, bromoxynil, butachlor, butafenacil, carfentrazone-ethyl, chlorimuron-methyl (chlorimuron-ethyl), chlorsulfuron, cinmethylin, cinosulfuron, diflufenican, diuron, ethofumasate, ethoxysulfuron, flazasulfuron, florasulam, flucarbazone-sodium, flufenacet, foramsulfuron on), flupyrsulfuron-methyl-sodium, halosulfuron-methyl, haloxyfop-P, imazapic, imazosulfuron, iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium, mesosulfuron-methyl, mesotrione, metamitron, metolachlor, S- metolachlor), metsulfuron-methyl, nicosulfuron, orthosulfamuron, oxasulfuron, pendimethalin, phenmedipham, picolinafen, primisulfuron-methyl, propachlor, prosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl,Quizalofop-P, rimsulfuron, saflufenacil, simazine, sulfometuron-methyl, sulfosulfuron, thifensulfuron-methyl, tribenuron-methyl, trifloxysulfuron, triflusulfuron-methyl and tritosulfuron.

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