High-loading solution concentrate of dicamba

Abstract

The present invention relates to an agricultural chemical composition comprising a potassium salt of dicamba and an adjuvant selected from a) a polyalkylene oxide block copolymer, b) a hyperbranched polycarbonate and c) a C1-C6-alkyl lactate, a C3-C6-lactone and an N-C1-C 15 The invention relates to a solvent for an alkylpyrrolidone, a method for controlling unwanted vegetation and / or regulating plant growth, wherein the agrochemical composition is allowed to act on the respective pests, their environment or crops to be protected from the respective pests, on the soil and / or on the crops and / or on their environment; a method for producing an agrochemical composition; and an adjuvant composition for increasing the solubility of the potassium salt of dicamba in an aqueous composition, comprising a mixture of additive a) or additive b) and additive c), in the form of fine droplets.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an aqueous agricultural chemical composition comprising a potassium salt of dicamba (hereinafter referred to as dicamba-K) and an additive selected from the group consisting of

[0002] a) Polyalkylene oxide block copolymer of formula (I)

[0003] R 1 O(EO) n (PO) m (EO) p R 2 (I),

[0004] in

[0005] EO is CH2CH2O;

[0006] PO is CH2CH(CH3)O;

[0007] R 1 、R 2 is H or C1-C3-alkyl;

[0008] n and p are independently natural numbers from 10 to 250; and

[0009] m is a natural number from 10 to 100;

[0010] b) a hyperbranched polycarbonate attached to a linear polymer comprising polyethylene oxide; and

[0011] c) a solvent selected from the group consisting of C1-C6-alkyl lactates, C3-C6-lactones and N-C1-C 15 -alkylpyrrolidone.

[0012] It also relates to a method for controlling unwanted vegetation and / or regulating plant growth, wherein the agrochemical composition is allowed to act on the respective pest, their environment or the crop to be protected from the respective pest, on the soil and / or on the crop and / or on their environment; and to a method for producing an agrochemical composition, which comprises contacting dicamba-K, the additive and water.

[0013] The invention also relates to an adjuvant composition for improving the solubility of dicamba-K in an aqueous composition, which comprises an additive c) and an additive a) or an additive b), and optionally water; and an adjuvant composition for improving the solubility of a by-product of dicamba-K in an aqueous composition, which comprises an additive c) and an additive a) or an additive b), and optionally water.

[0014] The present invention also relates to the use of additives a), b), c) or adjuvant compositions for improving the solubility of dicamba-K in aqueous compositions; and to a method for improving the solubility of dicamba-K in aqueous compositions, comprising the steps of contacting the additives a), b), c) or adjuvant compositions with dicamba-K and water.

[0015] The invention also relates to the use of additives a), b), c) or adjuvant compositions for solubilizing dicamba-K byproducts in aqueous compositions; and to a method for solubilizing dicamba-K byproducts in aqueous solutions, comprising the steps of contacting additives a), b), c) or adjuvant compositions with dicamba-K, dicamba-K byproducts and water.

[0016] Combinations of embodiments with other embodiments, regardless of their respective levels of preference, are within the scope of the present invention.

[0017] Mitigating off-target movement of pesticides from treated areas minimizes potential negative environmental impacts and maximizes pesticide effectiveness where they are most needed. By their nature, herbicides affect sensitive plants, and mitigating their off-target movement reduces their impact on adjacent crops and other vegetation while maximizing weed control in treated fields. Off-target migration can occur through various mechanisms and is generally categorized as follows: primary loss (direct loss from the application equipment before reaching the intended target) and secondary loss (indirect loss from the treated plants and / or soil). Primary losses from spray equipment typically occur in the form of fine dust or spray droplets, which take longer to settle and are more easily blown away from the target by the wind. Off-target migration of spray particles or droplets is commonly referred to as "spray drift." Primary losses can also include situations where contaminated equipment is used to inadvertently apply to sensitive crops. Contamination can occur when a product (i.e., a pesticide) is not adequately cleaned from the spray equipment and the contaminated equipment is subsequently used to apply a different product to sensitive crops, causing crop damage. Secondary loss describes the off-target migration of pesticides after the pesticide contacts the target soil and / or foliage and is lost from the treated surface through airborne dust (e.g., crystalline pesticide particles or pesticides bound to soil or plant particles), volatility (i.e., a change in state from a solid or liquid form of application to a gas), or runoff in rainwater or irrigation water. Off-target migration is usually mitigated by appropriate application techniques (e.g., spray nozzle selection, nozzle height, and wind restrictions) and improved pesticide formulations. This is also the case for dicamba, where appropriate application techniques mitigate potential primary losses and equipment contamination. Secondary losses of dicamba have been further reduced by developing formulations using improved dicamba salts (e.g., BAPMA dicamba). It is desirable to provide dicamba formulations with favorable primary and secondary loss profiles, safety to the applicator, and high biological activity.

[0018] An object of the present invention is to find a water-based formulation of dicamba-K that has good biological activity and / or an increased concentration of dissolved dicamba-K therein, and / or is physically and chemically stable. Another object of the present invention is to find a dicamba formulation that can be mixed with glyphosate and / or glufosinate, their salts and formulations to form a pesticide mixture that has good biological activity, is easy to handle, is safe for applicators, and / or is physically and chemically stable.

[0019] These objects are successfully solved by an aqueous agrochemical composition comprising dicamba-K and an additive selected from the group consisting of additives a), b) and c) as described herein. Additive a) or b) may also be referred to herein as adjuvant a) or b).

[0020] The aqueous agrochemical composition comprises water. The agrochemical composition has a continuous aqueous phase. The water content can be at least 10 wt %, preferably at least 15 wt %, more preferably at least 20 wt %, most preferably at least 21 wt %, particularly preferably at least 22 wt %, most preferably at least 24 wt %, such as at least 25 wt %. The water content can be at most 60 wt %, preferably at most 45 wt %, more preferably at most 40 wt %, most preferably at most 35 wt %, and most preferably at most 30 wt %, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition. The water content can be from 10 to 50 wt %, preferably from 25 to 40 wt %, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0021] The agricultural chemical composition comprises dicamba-K. Dicamba-K is commercially available. It can be prepared by reacting the free acid form of dicamba with KOH. Dicamba-K generally refers to a 1:1 salt of the dicamba anion and potassium.

[0022] The agrochemical composition comprises a pesticidally effective amount of dicamba-K. The term "effective amount" refers to an amount of dicamba-K sufficient to control a pest species or protect a material without causing substantial damage to the crop. Such an amount can vary widely and depends on various factors, such as the pest species, the crop or material being treated, and climatic conditions.

[0023] The agrochemical composition generally comprises dicamba-K in a concentration of at least 30% by weight, preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 45% by weight, particularly preferably at least 50% by weight, particularly preferably at least 55% by weight, especially preferably at least 56% by weight, and most preferably at least 57% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition. The agrochemical composition may contain dicamba-K in a concentration of 30 to 80% by weight, preferably 40 to 70% by weight, and more preferably 45 to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0024] The agrochemical composition generally comprises dicamba-K in a concentration of at least 600 g / l, preferably at least 700 g / l, more preferably at least 720 g / l, particularly preferably at least 725 g / l, particularly preferably at least 730 g / l, especially preferably at least 735 g / l, and most preferably at least 740 g / l, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition. The agrochemical composition may contain dicamba-K in a concentration of 700 to 1000 g / l, preferably 725 to 950 g / l, and more preferably 730 to 950 g / l, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition. Dicamba-K is completely soluble in the agrochemical composition at 20°C.

[0025] The agricultural chemical composition typically contains by-products of the manufacturing process of dicamba-K. The by-products may be 3,5-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (CAS 22775-37-7), 3,6-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (CAS 3401-80-7), 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (CAS 320-72-9), 3-chloro-2,6-dimethoxybenzoic acid (CAS 36335-47-4), 3,4-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (CAS 155382-86-8), 3,4-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (CAS 14010-45-8) and / or 3,5-dichloro-4-methoxybenzoic acid (CAS 37908-97-7) or salts thereof, such as potassium salts thereof. These compounds are often prone to forming insoluble precipitates in common liquid agrochemical formulations, either due to precipitation over time or due to the formation of turbid, heterogeneous aggregates in the liquid formulation. In extreme cases, these unstable formulations can cause nozzle equipment to clog and make the administration of concentrated agrochemical formulations more difficult. The dicamba-K formulations of the present invention alleviate the problems associated with these byproducts.

[0026] In one embodiment, the agrochemical composition contains 3,5-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid as a byproduct. In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition contains 3,6-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid as a byproduct. In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition contains 3,6-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid as a byproduct. In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition contains 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid as a byproduct. In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition contains 3-chloro-2,6-dimethoxybenzoic acid as a byproduct. In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition contains 3,4-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid as a byproduct. In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition contains 3,4-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid as a byproduct. In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition contains 3,5-dichloro-4-methoxybenzoic acid as a byproduct. In another embodiment, the agricultural chemical composition contains by-products 3,5-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid, 3,6-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, and 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid.

[0027] The concentration of the by-product is typically 1% to 20% by weight relative to the total mass of dicamba. The concentration may be at least 1.5% by weight, preferably at least 2% by weight, more preferably at least 5% by weight. The concentration may be at most 18%, preferably at most 15%, more preferably at most 10% by weight.

[0028] Typically, the concentration of 3,5-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid may be 0.5% to 10% by weight, preferably 1% to 8% by weight, relative to the total mass of dicamba. The concentration of 3,6-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid may be 0.1% to 10% by weight, preferably 0.1% to 5% by weight, relative to the total mass of dicamba. The concentration of 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid may be 0.1% to 10% by weight, preferably 0.1% to 5% by weight, relative to the total mass of dicamba. In one embodiment, the concentration of 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid is up to 5% by weight, preferably up to 3% by weight, relative to the total mass of dicamba.

[0029] The by-product may be present as free carbonic acid or in the form of its potassium salt. It is preferably present in the form of its potassium salt.

[0030] Surprisingly, it was found that these by-products with low water solubility remained dissolved in the agrochemical composition. The agrochemical composition remained clear, homogeneous and transparent. No precipitate or sedimentation formed.

[0031] The agrochemical composition comprises an additive selected from

[0032] a) Polyalkylene oxide block copolymer of formula (I)

[0033] R 1 O(EO) n (PO) m (EO) p R 2 (I),

[0034] in

[0035] EO is CH2CH2O;

[0036] PO is CH2CH(CH3)O;

[0037] R 1 、R 2 is H or C1-C3-alkyl;

[0038] n and p are independently natural numbers ranging from 10 to 250, preferably from 20 to 200; and

[0039] m is a natural number of 10 to 100, preferably 20 to 70; and

[0040] b) a hyperbranched polycarbonate attached to a linear polymer comprising polyethylene oxide; and

[0041] c) a solvent selected from the group consisting of C1-C6-alkyl lactates, C3-C6-lactones and N-C1-C 15 -alkylpyrrolidone.

[0042] Additive a) is commercially available. Typical products are those from the product lines Pluriol E, Pluronic PE, Genapol PF, and Synperonic PE. Additive a) can be prepared by reacting ethylene oxide and propylene oxide in a non-aqueous solvent via a ring-opening reaction. Typically, additive a) is prepared in two steps. In the first step, propylene glycol or dipropylene glycol is dissolved in a non-aqueous organic solvent, such as petroleum ether, and propylene oxide is added in gaseous or liquid form. Optionally, a catalyst is added to the reaction mixture to improve the reaction yield and the dispersibility of the reaction product. In the second step, ethylene oxide is added to the reaction mixture to produce the final additive of formula a).

[0043] In one embodiment, R in Formula I 1 and R 2 Is H. In another embodiment, R in Formula I 1 and R 2 In another embodiment, R in formula I 1 and R 2 It is CH3.

[0044] The (n+p) / m ratio in formula I is typically at least 1:1, preferably at least 3:2. The (n+p) / m ratio in formula I is typically at most 10:1, preferably at most 8:1, more preferably at most 6:1. The (n+p) / m ratio in formula I is typically from 1:1 to 10:1, preferably from 1:1 to 9:1, more preferably from 3:2 to 7:1.

[0045] In a first embodiment PA-1 of additive a), the indices n and p in formula I are each independently from 20 to 100, preferably from 30 to 80, more preferably from 40 to 70, most preferably from 40 to 60, particularly preferably from 45 to 55. In this same embodiment PA-1, the index m in formula I is from 20 to 100, preferably from 30 to 80, more preferably from 40 to 70, most preferably from 50 to 60.

[0046] In a second embodiment PA-2 of additive a), the indices n and p in formula I are each independently from 50 to 100, preferably from 60 to 80, more preferably from 65 to 75. In this same embodiment PA-2, the index m in formula I is from 10 to 60, preferably from 15 to 40, more preferably from 20 to 40, most preferably from 25 to 35.

[0047] Typically, the mass average molecular weight of the additive a) is from 1000 g / ml to 10,000 g / ml, preferably from 2000 g / mol to 9000 g / mol. In the case of embodiment PA-1, the mass average molecular weight of the additive a) is typically from 4000 g / mol to 8000 g / mol, preferably from 5000 g / mol to 7000 g / mol, more preferably from 5500 g / mol to 6500 g / mol. In the case of embodiment PA-2, the mass average molecular weight of the polymer a) is typically from 5000 g / mol to 10,000 g / mol, preferably from 6000 g / mol to 9000 g / mol, more preferably from 7000 g / mol to 9000 g / mol, and particularly preferably from 7500 g / mol to 8500 g / mol.

[0048] The agrochemical composition may contain the adjuvant a) in a concentration of at least 1% by weight, preferably at least 3% by weight, more preferably at least 4% by weight, and particularly preferably at least 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition. The agrochemical composition may contain the adjuvant a) in a concentration of up to 50% by weight, preferably up to 40% by weight, more preferably up to 30% by weight, most preferably up to 20% by weight, particularly preferably up to 10% by weight, and most preferably up to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition. The agrochemical composition may contain the adjuvant a) in a concentration of 1 to 25% by weight, preferably 2 to 15% by weight, more preferably 5 to 10% by weight, and particularly preferably 4 to 6% by weight. Typically, the adjuvant a) is completely soluble in the agrochemical composition at 20° C.

[0049] Additive b) is a hyperbranched polycarbonate. Hyperbranched polymers, for the purposes of the present invention, are non-crosslinked macromolecules having hydroxyl groups and carbonate or carbamoyl chloride groups, which may be structurally and molecularly non-uniform. On the one hand, they can be synthesized from a central molecule in the same manner as dendrimers, but unlike dendrimers, their branches have non-uniform chain lengths. Hyperbranched polymers are therefore distinguished from dendrimers (US Pat. No. 6,399,048). For the purposes of the present invention, hyperbranched polymers do not include dendrimers. On the other hand, hyperbranched polymers may also have a linear structure, have branched side functional groups, or, as a combination of these two extremes, may include both linear and branched molecular structure portions. For definitions of dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers, see also PJ Flory, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1952, 74, 2718 and H. Frey et al., Chem. Eur. J. 2000, 6, 2499.

[0050] "Hyperbranched" as used herein means a degree of branching (DB), in other words, the ratio of the sum of the average number of dendritic links plus the average number of end groups per molecule to the sum of the average number of dendritic and linear links plus the average number of end groups, multiplied by 100, of 10% to 99.9%, preferably 20% to 99%, more preferably 20% to 95%. "Dendritic" as used herein means a degree of branching of 99.9% to 100%. For a definition of the degree of branching, see H. Frey et al., Acta Polym. 1997, 48, 30.

[0051] One advantage of the present invention is that the polymer b) is non-crosslinked. For the purposes of this specification, "non-crosslinked" means that the degree of crosslinking present is less than 15% by weight, preferably less than 10% by weight, as determined by the insoluble fraction of the polymer. The insoluble fraction of the polymer is determined by extraction in a Soxhlet apparatus for 4 hours with the same solvents used for gel permeation chromatography to determine the molecular weight distribution of the polymer, namely tetrahydrofuran, dimethylacetamide or hexafluoroisopropanol (depending on which solvent has the best solubility for the polymer) and, after drying the residue to constant weight, by weighing the remaining residue.

[0052] Hyperbranched polycarbonates can generally be obtained as follows

[0053] a) preparing a condensation product (K) by reacting an organic carbonate (E) or a phosgene derivative with an alcohol (F1) having at least three hydroxyl groups, and

[0054] b) intermolecular conversion of K into a hyperbranched polycarbonate,

[0055] The quantitative ratio of OH groups to carbonate or phosgene groups is selected so that K has on average i) one carbonate or carbamoyl chloride group and more than one OH group, or ii) one OH group and more than one carbonate or carbamoyl group. Polycarbonates are preferably obtained in this way.

[0056] The condensation product (K) can be prepared using an organic carbonate (E) or a phosgene derivative. Examples of suitable phosgene derivatives are phosgene, diphosgene or triphosgene, preferably phosgene. Preference is given to using an organic carbonate.

[0057] General formula R used as raw material 3 O[(CO)O] o R 3 The group R in the organic carbonate (E) 3 are each independently of one another a straight-chain or branched aliphatic, aromatic / aliphatic (araliphatic) or aromatic hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 20 C atoms. 3 They can also be linked to each other to form a ring. 3 can be identical or different; they are preferably identical. The radical in question is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical, more preferably a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 5 C atoms, or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl radical. R 3 In this case, it is a straight-chain or branched, preferably straight-chain (cyclo)aliphatic, aromatic / aliphatic or aromatic, preferably (cyclo)aliphatic or aromatic, more preferably aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 20 C atoms, preferably 1 to 12, more preferably 1 to 6, very preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples of such radicals are methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-decyl, n-dodecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-hexadecyl, n-octadecyl, n-eicosyl, 2-ethylhexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclooctyl, cyclododecyl, phenyl, o- or p-tolyl or naphthyl. Methyl, ethyl, n-butyl and phenyl are preferred. These radicals R 3 can be identical or different; they are preferably identical. 3 They can also be linked to each other to form a ring. 3 Examples of are 1,2-ethylene, 1,2-propylene and 1,3-propylene. In general, the index o is an integer from 1 to 5, preferably from 1 to 3, more preferably from 1 to 2. The carbonate may preferably be of the general formula R 3 O(CO)OR 3 A simple carbonate, ie the index o is 1 in this case.

[0058] The example of suitable carbonate comprises aliphatic, aromatic / aliphatic or aromatic carbonate, such as ethylene carbonate, 1,2- or 1,3-propylene carbonate, diphenyl carbonate, ditolyl carbonate, dixylyl carbonate, dinaphthyl carbonate, ethylphenyl carbonate, dibenzyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, di-n-propyl carbonate, di-n-butyl carbonate, diisobutyl carbonate, dipentyl carbonate, dihexyl carbonate, dicyclohexyl carbonate, diheptyl carbonate, dioctyl carbonate, didecyl carbonate or didodecyl carbonate. The example of carbonate wherein n is greater than 1 comprises dialkyl dicarbonate, such as di-tert-butyl dicarbonate, or dialkyl tricarbonate, such as di-tert-butyl tricarbonate. A preferred aromatic carbonate is diphenyl carbonate. Preferred is aliphatic carbonate, more particularly those wherein the radical comprises 1 to 5 C atoms, such as dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, di-n-propyl carbonate, di-n-butyl carbonate or diisobutyl carbonate. Diethyl carbonate is especially preferred.

[0059] The alcohol (F1) having at least three hydroxyl groups is generally an aliphatic or aromatic alcohol, or a mixture of two or more different alcohols of this type. The alcohol (F1) may be branched or unbranched, substituted or unsubstituted and have 3 to 26 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic alcohol. Examples of compounds having at least three OH groups include glycerol, trimethylolmethane, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolbutane, 1,2,4-butanetriol, 1,2,3-hexanetriol, 1,2,4-hexanetriol, tris(hydroxymethyl)amine, tris(hydroxyethyl)amine, tris(hydroxypropyl)amine, pentaerythritol, diglycerol, triglycerol, polyglycerol, bis(trimethylolpropane), tris(hydroxymethyl)isocyanurate, tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, phloroglucinol, trihydroxytoluene, Trihydroxyxylene, phloroglucides, hexahydroxybenzene, 1,3,5-benzenetrimethanol, 1,1,1-tris(4'-hydroxyphenyl)methane, 1,1,1-tris(4'-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, sugars such as glucose, sugar derivatives such as sorbitol, mannitol, diglycerol, threitol, erythritol, adonitol (ribitol), arabitol (lyxitol), xylitol, dulcitol (galactitol), maltitol, isomalt or polyesterol. In addition, F1 can be based on an alcohol having at least three OH groups and C2-C 24 Trifunctional or higher-functional polyetherols of alkylene oxides. The polyetherols contain generally 1 to 30, preferably 1 to 20, more preferably 1 to 10, most preferably 1 to 8, molecules of ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide and / or isobutylene oxide per hydroxyl group. Preferably, the polyetherols are based on an alcohol having at least 3 OH groups and 1 to 30 molecules of alkylene oxide, more preferably on an alcohol having at least 3 OH groups and 5 to 20 molecules of propylene oxide.

[0060] The hyperbranched polycarbonate preferably comprises an alcohol (F1) based on an alcohol having at least three OH groups and a C3-C24 Suitable alcohols having at least three OH groups are as described above, preferably glycerol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, 1,2,4-butanetriol, 1,2,3-hexanetriol, 1,2,4-hexanetriol, pentaerythritol, more preferably glycerol or trimethylolpropane. 24 Alkylene oxides include propylene oxide, butylene oxide, pentylene oxide and mixtures thereof, more preferably propylene oxide. The trifunctional or higher functional polyether alcohols generally contain at least 1 to 30, preferably 2 to 30, more preferably 3 to 20 C3-C 24 Alkylene oxide molecules. Particularly preferred alcohols (F1) are trifunctional polyetherols based on glycerol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, 1,2,4-butanetriol and / or pentaerythritol, and propylene oxide, wherein the polyetherol contains at least 3, preferably 3 to 30, more preferably 3 to 20 propylene oxide molecules in polymerized form.

[0061] In addition to alcohols (F1), the polycarbonates may also have difunctional alcohols (F2) as forming components, provided that the average OH functionality of all alcohols F used together is greater than 2. Alcohols (F1) and (F2) are referred to together here as (F). Suitable difunctional alcohols F2 include diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,2- and 1,3-propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, 1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4-butanediol, 1,2-, 1,3- and 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,2- or 1,3-cyclopentanediol, 1,2-, 1,3- or 1,4-cyclohexanediol, 1,1-, 1,2-, 1,3- or 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, bis(4-hydroxycyclohexyl)methane, bis(4-hydroxycyclohexyl)ethane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxycyclohexyl)propane, 1,1′-bis(4-hydroxycyclohexyl)propane,

[0066] The preferred difunctional alcohols (F2) include difunctional polyols based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, or mixtures thereof, and polytetrahydrofuran having a molar mass of 162 to 2000, polycaprolactone, or polyester alcohols based on diols and dicarboxylic acids. Preferred difunctional alcohols (F2) are difunctional polyether polyols based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, or mixtures thereof, and polyester alcohols based on diols and dicarboxylic acids.

[0062] Diols are used to fine-tune the properties of the polycarbonate. If difunctional alcohols are used, the ratio of difunctional alcohol (F2) to at least trifunctional alcohol (F1) is determined by a person skilled in the art according to the desired properties of the polycarbonate. In general, the amount of alcohol (F2) is 0 to 50 mol%, based on the total weight of all alcohols (F1) and (F2). The amount is preferably 0 to 35 mol%, more preferably 0 to 25 mol%, and most preferably 0 to 10 mol%.

[0063] The reaction of phosgene, diphosgene or triphosgene with alcohol or alcohol mixture is usually carried out while eliminating hydrogen chloride; the reaction of carbonate with alcohol or alcohol mixture is carried out while eliminating monofunctional alcohol or phenol from the carbonate molecule to obtain the high-functionality highly branched polycarbonate of the present invention.

[0064] In the present invention, the hyperbranched polycarbonate is understood to mean that the carbonate group forming the polymer backbone has at least three, preferably at least four, more preferably at least six functional groups in addition at the end or side position. The functional group is a carbonate group or a carbamyl chloride group and / or an OH group. The number of end or side joint functional groups does not have an upper limit in principle, but the product with an extremely high number of functional groups may have undesirable properties, such as high viscosity or poor solubility. The high functionality polycarbonate of the present invention has no more than 500 end or side joint functional groups conventionally, is preferably no more than 100 end or side joint functional groups.

[0065] In the preparation of high-functionality polycarbonates, the ratio of compound containing OH groups to phosgene or carbonate (A) must be adjusted so that the simplest condensation product obtained (hereinafter referred to as condensation product (K)) contains on average i) one carbonate or carbamoyl chloride group and more than one OH group, or ii) one OH group and more than one carbonate or carbamoyl chloride group, preferably on average i) one carbonate or carbamoyl chloride group and at least two OH groups, or ii) one OH group and at least two carbonate or carbamoyl chloride groups.

[0066] In order to fine-tune the properties of polycarbonate, it is also desirable to use at least one difunctional carbonyl reactive compound (E1). This is understood to refer to those compounds with two carbonates and / or carboxyl groups. Carboxyl groups can be carboxylic acid, phosgene, carboxylic anhydride or carboxylate, preferably carboxylic anhydride or carboxylate, more preferably carboxylate. If such difunctional compound (E1) is used, the ratio of (E1) to carbonate or phosgene (E) is determined by those skilled in the art according to the required properties of polycarbonate. Generally speaking, the amount of difunctional compound (E1) is 0 to 40 mol% based on the total weight of all carbonates / phosgene (E) and compound (E1). This amount is preferably 0 to 35 mol%, more preferably 0 to 25 mol%, very preferably 0 to 10 mol%. Examples of compounds (E1) are dicarbonates or dicarbamoyl chlorides of diols, examples of which are ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,1-dimethylethane-1,2-diol, 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propylene glycol, 2-ethyl-1,3-propylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, neopentyl glycol hydroxypivalate, 1,2-, 1,3- or 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,10-decanediol, bis(4-hydroxycyclohexanediol), ... alkyl) isopropylidene, tetramethylcyclobutanediol, 1,2-, 1,3- or 1,4-cyclohexanediol, cyclooctanediol, norbornanediol, pinanediol, decalindiol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2,4-diethyloctane-1,3-diol, hydroquinone, bisphenol A, bisphenol F, bisphenol B, bisphenol S, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxycyclohexyl)propane, 1,1-, 1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and 1,2-, 1,3- or 1,4-cyclohexanediol. These compounds can be prepared, for example, by reacting the diols with an excess of, for example, the above-mentioned carbonates R 3 O(CO)OR 3 or chlorocarbonate reaction, so that the dicarbonate thus obtained is substituted on both sides with groups R 3 O(CO)-Substitution. Another possibility is to react the diols first with phosgene to give the corresponding chlorocarbonates of the diols and then react these esters with alcohols.

[0067] Further compounds (E1) are dicarboxylic acids, esters of dicarboxylic acids, preferably methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl or tert-butyl esters, more preferably methyl, ethyl or n-butyl esters. Examples of such dicarboxylic acids are oxalic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, azelaic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid or tetrahydrophthalic acid, suberic acid, phthalic anhydride, tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, hexahydrophthalic anhydride, tetrachlorophthalic anhydride, endomethylenetetrahydrophthalic anhydride, glutaric anhydride, dimerized fatty acids, their isomers and their hydrogenation products.

[0068] The simplest structure of the condensation product (K) exemplified using the reaction of a carbonate (E) with a diol or polyol (F) yields the arrangement XY q or Y q X, wherein X is a carbonate or carbamoyl group, Y is a hydroxyl group, and the index q is generally an integer greater than 1 to 6, preferably greater than 1 to 4, more preferably greater than 1 to 3. Reactive groups generated as a single group are generally referred to below as "focal groups".

[0069] If, for example, the molar reaction ratio is 1:1 in the preparation of the simplest condensation product (K) from carbonate and diol, the average result is a molecule of the XY type represented by the general formula (II).

[0070]

[0071] When the condensation product (K) is prepared from carbonate and triol in a 1:1 molar reaction ratio, the average result is a molecule of the XY2 type represented by the general formula (III). The focal group here is the carbonate group.

[0072]

[0073] When the condensation product (K) is prepared from carbonate and tetraol in a molar reaction ratio of 1:1, the average result is a molecule of the XY3 type represented by the general formula (IV). The focal group here is the carbonate group.

[0074]

[0075] In formulae (II) to (IV), R 3 As defined for the organic carbonate (E), and R 4 is an aliphatic or aromatic group.

[0076] Condensation products (K) can also be prepared, for example, from carbonates and triols, as shown in the general formula (V), where the reaction ratio on a molar basis is 2:1. The average result is a molecule of the X2Y type, where the focal group is an OH group. In formula (V), R 3 and R 4 The definitions of are the same as above in formulae (II) to (IV).

[0077]

[0078] If bifunctional compounds, such as dicarbonates or diols, are additionally added to the components, this leads to chain extension, as shown, for example, in the general formula (VI). The average result is again an XY2-type molecule, the focal group being the carbonate group.

[0079]

[0080] In formula (VI), R 5 is an aliphatic or aromatic group, and R 3 and R 4 As defined above.

[0081] Two or more condensation products (K) can also be used for synthesis. In this case, two or more alcohols and / or two or more carbonates can be used on the one hand. In addition, by selecting the ratio of used alcohol and carbonate or phosgene, it is possible to obtain a mixture of different condensation products with different structures. This can be illustrated by the reaction of carbonate and triol as an example. If the starting product is used in a 1:1 ratio, as shown in (III), molecule XY2 is obtained. If the starting product is used in a 2:1 ratio, as shown in (V), the result obtains molecule X2Y. A mixture of molecules XY2 and X2Y is obtained in a ratio between 1:1 and 2:1.

[0082] The stoichiometric ratio of components (E) and (F) is generally selected so that the resulting condensation product (K) contains one carbonate or carbamoyl chloride group and more than one OH group, or one OH group and more than one carbonate or carbamoyl chloride group. In the first case, this is achieved by a stoichiometric ratio of 1 mol carbonate group:>2 mol OH groups, for example 1:2.1 to 8, preferably 1:2.2 to 6, more preferably 1:2.5 to 4, very preferably 1:2.8 to 3.5. In the second case, it is achieved by a stoichiometric ratio of more than 1 mol carbonate group:<1 mol OH group, for example 1:0.1 to 0.48, preferably 1:0.15 to 0.45, more preferably 1:0.25 to 0.4, very preferably 1:0.28 to 0.35.

[0083] The preparation of additive b) is described in WO 2010 / 130599, particularly preferably p. 13, 1.5 to p. 16, 1.25 and the synthesis examples.

[0084] Hyperbranched polycarbonates generally have a glass transition temperature of less than 50° C., preferably less than 30° C., more preferably less than 10° C. The OH value is generally at least 30 mg KOH / g, preferably between 50 and 250 mg / g. w The number average molar weight M is usually between 1000 and 150 000, preferably between 1500 and 100 000 g / mol. n Between 500 and 50 000, preferably between 1000 and 40 000 g / mol.

[0085] The hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to a linear polymer comprising polyethylene glycol. Examples of polyethylene glycols are polyethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers having a number average molar mass M of 200 to 10,000 g / mol, preferably 300-2,000 g / mol. n The polyethylene glycol is preferably polyethylene glycol mono-C1-C 18 - alkyl ethers, especially polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether. The molar ratio of hyperbranched polycarbonate to linear polymer is generally in the range of 1:1 to 1:100, preferably 1:1 to 1:50, more preferably 1:1 to 1:25.

[0086] Typically, the linear polymer is attached to the polycarbonate via a linker. Suitable functionalizing agents for covalent attachment via a linker are hydroxycarboxylic acids, aminocarboxylic acids, hydroxysulfonic acids, hydroxysulfates, aminosulfonic acids or aminosulfates, hydroxylamines (such as diethanolamine), polyamines (such as diethylenetetramine) or polyols (such as glycerol, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol). Preferred linkers for this purpose are polyisocyanates, preferably diisocyanates, more preferably aliphatic diisocyanates (such as hexamethylene diisocyanate and isophorone diisocyanate).

[0087] Preferred diisocyanates are aliphatic diisocyanates (such as hexamethylene diisocyanate and isophorone diisocyanate). Typically, the linker is first covalently bonded to the terminal OH group of a linear polymer, and then the polymer containing the linker is coupled to the hyperbranched polycarbonate. The reaction of linear polymers with diisocyanates is described in WO 2010 / 130599, p. 23, 1.33 to p. 24, 1.42.

[0088] Alternatively, the linear polymers can be produced by direct alkoxylation of polycarbonates as described in WO2011069895. Direct alkoxylation can be carried out by reaction with ethylene oxide or a mixture of ethylene oxide and C3-C5 alkylene oxides. If the alcohol (F1) is based on an alcohol having at least three OH groups and a C3-C5 alkylene oxide 24 Higher functionality polyether alcohols of alkylene oxides, oligomeric or polymeric C3-C 24 The weight ratio of alkylene oxide plus C3-C5 alkylene oxide relative to ethylene oxide is 3:1 to 1:3.

[0089] The molar ratio of hyperbranched polycarbonate to linear polymer is from 1:1 to 1:25, preferably from 1:2 to 1:15. The reaction is continued until the isocyanate value has fallen to zero.

[0090] The additives a) and b) contain certain monomers in polymerized form. Although trace amounts of unreacted monomers may still be present in the polymers, they are substantially free of monomers. Throughout this specification, the terms "containing monomer [x] in polymerized form" and "containing monomer [x]" have the same meaning.

[0091] The agrochemical composition may contain the adjuvant b) in a concentration of at least 0.5% by weight, preferably at least 1% by weight, and more preferably at least 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition. The agrochemical composition may contain the adjuvant b) in a concentration of up to 30% by weight, preferably up to 25% by weight, more preferably up to 20% by weight, most preferably up to 18% by weight, and particularly preferably up to 17.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition. The agrochemical composition may contain the adjuvant b) in a concentration of 0.5 to 25% by weight, preferably 1 to 25% by weight, more preferably 1 to 20% by weight, and most preferably 2 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0092] The agrochemical composition may contain the adjuvant b) in a concentration of at least 5 g / l, preferably at least 10 g / l, more preferably at least 25 g / l. The agrochemical composition may contain the adjuvant b) in a concentration of up to 350 g / l, preferably up to 300 g / l, more preferably up to 250 g / l. The agrochemical composition may contain the adjuvant b) in a concentration of 1 to 350 g / l, preferably 5 to 250 g / l, more preferably 25 to 250 g / l.

[0093] If no further auxiliaries a) or c) are present in the agrochemical composition, the concentration of auxiliaries b) is generally at least 10% by weight, preferably at least 11% by weight, more preferably at least 12% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0094] If no further auxiliaries a) or c) are present in the agrochemical composition, the concentration of the auxiliaries b) is generally 10 to 40% by weight, more preferably 11 to 20% by weight, most preferably 11 to 18% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0095] Accordingly, if no further adjuvants a) or c) are present in the agrochemical composition, the concentration of adjuvant b) is generally at least 120 g / l, preferably at least 150 g / l, more preferably at least 180 g / l. If no further adjuvants a) or c) are present in the agrochemical composition, the concentration of adjuvant b) is generally from 120 to 250 g / l, preferably from 150 to 200 g / l.

[0096] Typically, the adjuvant b) is completely soluble in the agrochemical composition at 20°C.

[0097] The auxiliary agent c) is a solvent selected from C1-C6-alkyl lactates, C3-C6-lactones and N-C1-C 15 -alkylpyrrolidone.

[0098] In one embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises a solvent selected from C1-C6-alkyl lactates, preferably C1-C3-alkyl lactates, more preferably ethyl lactate or n-propyl lactate. In one embodiment, the solvent is selected from methyl lactate, ethyl lactate, propyl lactate, butyl lactate, amyl lactate, and hexyl lactate. In another embodiment, the solvent is ethyl lactate. In another embodiment, the solvent is n-propyl lactate. In another embodiment, the solvent is methyl lactate. In another embodiment, the solvent is amyl lactate. In another embodiment, the solvent is hexyl lactate.

[0099] In another embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises a 15 -alkylpyrrolidone, preferably N-C4-C 12 In one embodiment, the solvent is N-methyl pyrrolidone, N-ethyl pyrrolidone, N-propyl pyrrolidone, N-butyl pyrrolidone, N-pentyl pyrrolidone, N-hexyl pyrrolidone, N-heptyl pyrrolidone, N-octyl pyrrolidone, N-nonyl pyrrolidone, N-decyl pyrrolidone, N-undecyl pyrrolidone, N-dodecyl pyrrolidone, N-tridecyl pyrrolidone, N-tetradecyl pyrrolidone or N-pentadecyl pyrrolidone. In one embodiment, the solvent is N-butyl pyrrolidone, N-octyl pyrrolidone or N-dodecyl pyrrolidone. In another embodiment, the solvent is N-butyl pyrrolidone. In another embodiment, the solvent is N-octyl pyrrolidone. In yet another embodiment, the solvent is N-dodecyl pyrrolidone. In yet another embodiment, the solvent is N-butylpyrrolidone or N-octylpyrrolidone.

[0100] In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises a solvent selected from C3-C6-lactones, preferably C4-C6-lactones. In one embodiment, the solvent is γ-butyrolactone. In another embodiment, the solvent is ε-caprolactone. In another embodiment, the solvent is β-propiolactone.

[0101] The agrochemical composition may contain the additive c) in a concentration of at least 1% by weight, preferably at least 1.5% by weight, and more preferably at least 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition. The agrochemical composition may contain the additive c) in a concentration of up to 30% by weight, preferably up to 25% by weight, more preferably up to 20% by weight, most preferably up to 18% by weight, and particularly preferably up to 16% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition. The agrochemical composition may contain the additive c) in a concentration of 1 to 25% by weight, preferably 1 to 20% by weight, more preferably 1 to 18% by weight, and particularly preferably 2 to 17% by weight.

[0102] If no further auxiliaries a) or b) are present in the agrochemical composition, the concentration of auxiliaries c) is generally at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 6% by weight, more preferably at least 10 and most preferably at least 12% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0103] If no further auxiliaries a) or b) are present in the agrochemical composition, the concentration of the auxiliaries c) is generally 5 to 40% by weight, more preferably 6 to 20% by weight, most preferably 10 to 18% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0104] Accordingly, if no further adjuvants a) or b) are present in the agrochemical composition, the concentration of adjuvant b) is generally at least 50 g / l, preferably at least 80 g / l, more preferably at least 150 g / l, most preferably at least 180 g / l. If no further adjuvants a) or c) are present in the agrochemical composition, the concentration of adjuvant b) is generally from 50 to 250 g / l, preferably from 150 to 200 g / l.

[0105] If the auxiliary agent c) is N-C1-C 15 -alkylpyrrolidone, preferably N-propylpyrrolidone, the concentration of auxiliary c) is generally at least 10 g / l, preferably at least 20 g / l, more preferably at least 25 g / l, most preferably at least 50 g / l, most preferably at least 80 g / l; and the concentration of auxiliary c) is at most 300 g / l, preferably at most 250 g / l, more preferably at most 200 g / l.

[0106] Accordingly, if the auxiliary agent c) is N-C1-C 15 -alkylpyrrolidone, preferably N-propylpyrrolidone, the concentration of the adjuvant c) is generally at least 1 wt.-%, preferably at least 2 wt.-%, more preferably at least 5 wt.-%, most preferably at least 7.5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition; and the concentration of the adjuvant c) is at most 25 wt.-%, preferably at most 20 wt.-%, more preferably at most 16 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0107] If adjuvant c) is a C3-C6-lactone, preferably gamma-butyrolactone, the concentration of adjuvant c) is generally at least 10 g / l, preferably at least 20 g / l, more preferably at least 25 g / l, most preferably at least 50 g / l, and most preferably at least 80 g / l; and the concentration of adjuvant c) is at most 300 g / l, preferably at most 250 g / l, more preferably at most 200 g / l. In one embodiment, the agrochemical composition does not contain gamma-butyrolactone. In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition contains gamma-butyrolactone in a concentration of at most 80 g / l, preferably at most 50 g / l, most preferably at most 10 g / l, and in particular at most 1 g / l.

[0108] Accordingly, if the auxiliary agent c) is N-C1-C15 -alkylpyrrolidone, preferably N-propylpyrrolidone, the concentration of the adjuvant c) is generally at least 1% by weight, preferably at least 2% by weight, more preferably at least 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition; and the concentration of the adjuvant c) is at most 25% by weight, preferably at most 20% by weight, more preferably at most 16% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0109] The agrochemical composition comprises at least one of the additives a), b) or c). The agrochemical composition may also contain a mixture of two or three of the additives a), b) and c).

[0110] In one embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises dicamba-K, a C1-C6-alkyl lactate, and additive a). In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises dicamba-K, ethyl lactate, and additive a), preferably wherein polymer a) is as defined in embodiment PA-1 or PA-2, more preferably wherein polymer a) is as defined in embodiment PA-2. In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises dicamba-K, n-propyl lactate, and additive a), preferably wherein polymer a) is as defined in embodiment PA-1 or PA-2, more preferably wherein polymer a) is as defined in embodiment PA-2.

[0111] In one embodiment, the agricultural chemical composition comprises dicamba-K, N-Cl-C 15 In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises dicamba-K, N-octyl pyrrolidone and additive a), preferably wherein additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-1 or PA-2, more preferably wherein additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-2. In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises dicamba-K, N-butyl pyrrolidone and additive a), preferably wherein additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-1 or PA-2, more preferably wherein additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-2. In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises dicamba-K, N-dodecyl pyrrolidone and additive a), preferably wherein additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-1 or PA-2, more preferably wherein additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-2.

[0112] In one embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises dicamba-K, a C3-C6-lactone, and additive a). In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises dicamba-K, γ-butyrolactone, and additive a), preferably wherein additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-1 or PA-2, more preferably wherein additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-2. In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises dicamba-K, ε-caprolactone, and additive a), preferably wherein additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-1 or PA-2, more preferably wherein additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-2.

[0113] In one embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises dicamba-K, C1-C6-alkyl lactate, and additive b). In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises dicamba-K, ethyl lactate, and additive b), wherein additive b) is preferably a polyethylene glycol mono-C1-C6-alkyl lactate. 18 - a hyperbranched polycarbonate on an alkyl ether, more preferably wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, most preferably wherein the additive b) is a hyperbranched polycarbonate linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether via a linker.

[0114] In another embodiment, the agricultural chemical composition comprises dicamba-K, n-propyl lactate and additive b), wherein the additive b) is preferably a polyethylene glycol mono-C1-C 18 - a hyperbranched polycarbonate on an alkyl ether, more preferably wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, most preferably wherein the additive b) is a hyperbranched polycarbonate linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether via a linker.

[0115] In one embodiment, the agricultural chemical composition comprises dicamba-K, N-Cl-C 15 -alkylpyrrolidone and additive b). In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises dicamba-K, N-octylpyrrolidone and additive b), wherein additive b) is preferably attached to polyethylene glycol mono-C1-C 18 - a hyperbranched polycarbonate on an alkyl ether, more preferably wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, most preferably wherein the additive b) is a hyperbranched polycarbonate linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether via a linker.

[0116] In another embodiment, the agricultural chemical composition comprises dicamba-K, N-butylpyrrolidone and additive b), wherein the additive b) is preferably a polyethylene glycol mono-C1-C 18- a hyperbranched polycarbonate on an alkyl ether, more preferably wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, most preferably wherein the additive b) is a hyperbranched polycarbonate linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether via a linker.

[0117] In another embodiment, the agricultural chemical composition comprises dicamba-K, N-dodecylpyrrolidone and additive b), wherein the additive b) is preferably a polyethylene glycol mono-C1-C 18 - a hyperbranched polycarbonate on an alkyl ether, more preferably wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, most preferably wherein the additive b) is a hyperbranched polycarbonate linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether via a linker.

[0118] In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises dicamba-K, a C3-C6-lactone and an additive b), wherein the additive b) is preferably a polyoxyethylene glycol mono-C1-C6-lactone. 18 - a hyperbranched polycarbonate on an alkyl ether, more preferably wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, most preferably wherein the additive b) is a hyperbranched polycarbonate linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether via a linker.

[0119] In another embodiment, the agricultural chemical composition comprises dicamba-K, γ-butyrolactone and an additive b), wherein the additive b) is preferably a polyethylene glycol mono-C1-C 18 - a hyperbranched polycarbonate on an alkyl ether, more preferably wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, most preferably wherein the additive b) is a hyperbranched polycarbonate linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether via a linker.

[0120] If additive c) is present in the agrochemical formulation, as the sole additive a), b) or c), or as a mixture with one of the other additives a) or b), the additive c) may comprise a C1-C6-alkyl lactate, a C3-C6-lactone and an N-C1-C6- 15 -alkylpyrrolidone solvents, or it may contain a mixture thereof. Typically, the additive c) may be a C3-C6-lactone with a C1-C6-alkyl lactate or N-C1-C6-alkyl lactate. 15 - a mixture of alkylpyrrolidones, preferably gamma-butyrolactone and C1-C6-alkyl lactates or N-C1-C 15 -Mixtures of alkylpyrrolidones.

[0121] C3-C6-lactone and C1-C6-alkyl lactate and N-C1-C 15 The weight ratio of the sum of the -alkylpyrrolidones may be 5:1 to 1:5, preferably 1:1 to 1:3.

[0122] The total concentration of all adjuvants a), b), and c) is typically at least 80 g / l, preferably at least 100 g / l, and more preferably at least 110 g / l. The total concentration of all adjuvants a), b), and c) can be up to 400 g / l, preferably up to 250 g / l, and more preferably up to 230 g / l. Accordingly, the total concentration of all adjuvants a), b), and c) is typically at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 7.5% by weight, and more preferably at least 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition. The total concentration of all adjuvants a), b), and c) can be up to 35% by weight, preferably up to 30% by weight, more preferably up to 20% by weight, and most preferably up to 17.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0123] The weight ratio of auxiliary agent b) to auxiliary agent c) is generally from 20:1 to 1:20, preferably from 10:1 to 1:10, more preferably from 8:1 to 1:8.

[0124] The weight ratio of auxiliary a) to auxiliary c) is generally from 20:1 to 1:20, preferably from 10:1 to 1:10, more preferably from 5:1 to 1:5, most preferably from 2:1 to 1:3.

[0125] The agrochemical composition may comprise a cosolvent. Suitable cosolvents are water miscible up to a cosolvent / water ratio of at least 1:1, preferably at least 2:1, more preferably at least 4:1.

[0126] Suitable cosolvents are alcohols, such as ethanol, propanol, butanol, benzyl alcohol, cyclohexanol; diols; DMSO; ketones, such as heptanone, cyclohexanone; esters, such as carbonates, fatty acid esters, fatty acids; phosphonates; amines; amides, such as fatty acid dimethylamide; and mixtures thereof.

[0127] The cosolvent concentration in the agrochemical formulation may be at least 1 wt %, preferably at least 2 wt %, more preferably at least 4 wt %, and most preferably at least 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition. The cosolvent concentration in the agrochemical formulation may be 1 to 20 wt %, preferably 1 to 10 wt %, more preferably 2 to 8 wt %, and most preferably 4 to 7 wt %.

[0128] The agrochemical composition may include an additional pesticide. The term pesticide refers to at least one active substance selected from the group consisting of fungicides, insecticides, nematicides, herbicides, safeners, biopesticides, and / or growth regulators. In one embodiment, the pesticide is an insecticide. In another embodiment, the pesticide is a fungicide. In yet another embodiment, the pesticide is a herbicide. The skilled person is familiar with such pesticides, which can be found, for example, in Pesticide Manual, 16th Ed. (2013), The British Crop Protection Council, London. Suitable insecticides are insecticides selected from the following classes: carbamates, organophosphates, organochlorine insecticides, phenylpyrazoles, pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, spinosads, avermectins, milbemycins, juvenile hormone analogs, alkyl halides, organotin compounds, nereistoxin analogs, benzoylureas, diacylhydrazines, METI acaricides, and insecticides such as chloropicrin, pymetrozine, flonicamid, clofentezine, hexythiazox, etoxazole, diafenthiuron, propargite, tetradifon, chlorofenapyr, DNOC, buprofezine, cyromazine, amitraz, hydrazone, acequinoxaline, pyrimidifen, rotenone or derivatives thereof. Suitable fungicides are fungicides selected from the following classes: dinitroaniline, allylamine, anilinopyrimidine, antibiotics, aromatic hydrocarbons, benzenesulfonamide, benzimidazole, benzisothiazole, benzophenone, benzothiadiazole, benzotriazine, benzyl carbamate, carbamate, carboxamide, carboxylic acid diamide, chloronitrile, cyanoacetamide oxime, cyanoimidazole, cyclopropanecarboxamide, dicarboximide, dihydrodioxazine, dinitrophenyl crotonate, dithiocarbamate, dithiolane, ethyl phosphonate, ethylaminothiazolecarboxamide, guanidine, hydroxy-(2-amino)pyrimidine, hydroxyaniline, imidazole, imidazolinone, inorganic substances, isobenzofuran Ketone, methoxyacrylate, methoxycarbamate, morpholine, N-phenylcarbamate, oxazolidinedione, oxime acetate, oxime acetamide, peptidyl pyrimidine nucleoside, phenylacetamide, phenylamide, phenylpyrrole, phenylurea, phosphonate, phosphorothioate, phthalic acid, phthalimide, piperazine, piperidine, propionamide, pyridazinone, pyridine, pyridylmethylbenzamide, pyrimidinamine, pyrimidine, pyrimidinonehydrazone, pyrroloquinolinone, quinazolinone, quinoline, quinone, sulfonamide, sulfamoyltriazole, thiazolecarboxamide, thiocarbamate, thiophanate, thiophenecarboxamide, toluamide, triphenyltin compounds, triazine, triazole.Suitable herbicides are herbicides selected from the following classes: acetamides, amides, aryloxyphenoxypropionates, benzamides, benzofurans, benzoic acid, benzothiadiazinones, bipyridines, carbamates, chloroacetamides, chlorocarboxylic acids, cyclohexanediones, dinitroanilines, dinitrophenols, diphenyl ethers, glycine, imidazolinones, isoxazoles, isoxazolidinones, nitriles, N-phenylphthalimide, oxadiazoles, oxazolidinediones, oxyacetamides, phenoxycarboxylic acids, phenylcarbamates, phenylpyrazoles, phenylpyrazoline, Phenylpyridazine, phosphinic acid, phosphoramidates (phosphoroamidates), dithiophosphates, phthalamates, pyrazoles, pyridazinones, pyridine, picolinic acid, pyridinecarboxamide, pyrimidinedione, pyrimidinyl (thio) benzoate, quinolinecarboxylic acid, semicarbazone, sulfonylaminocarbonyl triazolinone, sulfonylurea, tetrazolinone, thiadiazole, thiocarbamate, triazine, triazone, triazole, triazolinone, triazolocarboxamide, triazolopyrimidine, triketone, uracil, urea.The example of herbicide is glyphosate, glufosinate, paraquat, diquat, imazamox, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, aminopyralid, clopyralid, fluroxypyr, imazapyr, triclopyr and pyroxasulfone. In one embodiment, the herbicide is glyphosate. In yet another embodiment, the herbicide is 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. In yet another embodiment, the herbicide is pyroxasulfone. In yet another embodiment, the herbicide is imazamox. In yet another embodiment, the herbicide is selected from glyphosate, glufosinate, paraquat, diquat, imazamox, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. In yet another embodiment, the herbicide is selected from glyphosate, glufosinate, imazamox, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. In yet another embodiment, the herbicide is selected from glyphosate, glufosinate, and mixtures thereof. Typically, the additional pesticide has a water solubility at 20° C. of at least 10 g / l, preferably at least 50 g / l.

[0129] The agrochemical composition may comprise the additional pesticide in a concentration of at least 10% by weight, preferably at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, and most preferably at least 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition. The agrochemical composition may comprise the additional pesticide in an amount of 10 to 90% by weight, preferably 20 to 80% by weight, and more preferably 30 to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0130] The ratio of Dicamba-K to the additional pesticide may be from 10:1 to 1:10, preferably from 5:1 to 1:5, more preferably from 2:1 to 1:2. The ratio of Dicamba-K to the additional pesticide may be at least 1:1, preferably at least 3:1, more preferably 4:1.

[0131] The agrochemical compositions are prepared in a known manner, as described by Mollet and Grubemann, Formulation technology, Wiley VCH, Weinheim, 2001; or Knowles, New developments in crop protection product formulation, Agrow Reports DS243, T&F Informa, London, 2005.

[0132] The agricultural chemical composition is prepared by contacting Dicamba-K with an additive. The contacting can be performed by mixing, shaking, homogenizing, etc. Typically, the contacting is performed in the presence of water.

[0133] The agrochemical composition may further comprise an adjuvant. Suitable adjuvants are liquid carriers, solid carriers or fillers, surfactants, dispersants, emulsifiers, wetting agents, adjuvants, solubilizers, penetration enhancers, protective colloids, stickers, thickeners, wetting agents, repellents, attractants, feeding stimulants, extenders, fungicides, antifreeze agents, defoamers, colorants, tackifiers and adhesives.

[0134] Suitable solid carriers or fillers are mineral earths, for example silicates, silica gel, talc, kaolin, limestone, lime, chalk, clay, dolomite, diatomaceous earth, bentonite, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide; polysaccharides, for example cellulose, starch; fertilizers, for example ammonium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, urea; products of plant origin, for example cereal flour, bark flour, wood flour, nut shell flour and mixtures thereof.

[0135] Suitable surfactants are surface-active compounds such as anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants, block polymers, polyelectrolytes and mixtures thereof. Such surfactants can be used as emulsifiers, dispersants, solubilizers, wetting agents, penetration enhancers, protective colloids or adjuvants. Examples of surfactants are listed in McCutcheon's, Volume 1: Emulsifiers & Detergents, McCutcheon's Directories, Glen Rock, USA, 2008 (International Edition or North American Edition).

[0136] Suitable anionic surfactants are alkali metals, alkaline earth metals or ammonium salts of sulfonic acid esters, sulfuric acid esters, phosphoric acid esters, carboxylic acid esters, and mixtures thereof. The example of sulfonic acid esters is sulfonic acid esters of alkylaryl sulfonic acid esters, diphenyl sulfonic acid esters, α-olefin sulfonic acid esters, lignin sulfonic acid esters, fatty acid and oily sulfonic acid esters, sulfonic acid esters of alkoxylated arylphenols, sulfonic acid esters of condensed naphthalene, dodecyl- and tridecylbenzene sulfonic acid esters, naphthalene and alkylnaphthalene sulfonic acid esters, sulfosuccinate or sulfosuccinamates. The example of sulfuric acid esters is sulfuric acid esters of sulfuric acid esters, sulfuric acid esters of sulfuric acid esters, sulfuric acid esters of ethoxylated alkylphenols, alcohol, sulfuric acid esters of ethoxylated alcohols or the sulfuric acid esters of fatty acid and oily sulfonic acid esters. The example of phosphoric acid esters is phosphoric acid esters. The example of carboxylic acid esters is alkyl carboxylic acid esters and carboxylated alcohol or alkylphenol ethoxylates.

[0137] Suitable nonionic surfactants are alkoxylates, N-substituted fatty acid amides, amine oxides, esters, sugar-based surfactants, polymeric surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Examples of alkoxylates are compounds such as alcohols, alkylphenols, amines, amides, arylphenols, fatty acids, or fatty acid esters that have been alkoxylated with 1 to 50 equivalents. For the alkoxylation, ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide can be used, preferably ethylene oxide. Examples of N-substituted fatty acid amides are fatty acid glucamides or fatty acid alkanolamides. Examples of esters are fatty acid esters, glycerides, or monoglycerides. Examples of sugar-based surfactants are sorbitan, ethoxylated sorbitan, sucrose esters, and glucose esters or alkyl polyglucosides. Examples of polymeric surfactants are homopolymers or copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl alcohol, or vinyl acetate.

[0138] Suitable cationic surfactants are quaternary surfactants, for example quaternary ammonium compounds with one or two hydrophobic groups, or salts of long-chain primary amines. Suitable amphoteric surfactants are alkyl betaines and imidazolines. Suitable block polymers are AB or ABA type block polymers comprising polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide blocks or ABC type block polymers comprising alkanol, polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide. Suitable polyelectrolytes are polyacids or polyalkalis. Examples of polyacids are alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid, or polyacid comb polymers. Examples of polyalkalis are polyvinylamines or polyethylenamines.

[0139] Suitable adjuvants are compounds that themselves have negligible or even no pesticide activity and that improve the biological performance of dicamba-K at the target site. Examples are surfactants, mineral or vegetable oils, and other adjuvants. Further examples are listed in Chapter 5 of Knowles, Adjuvants and additives, Agrow Reports DS256, T&F Informa UK, 2006.

[0140] Suitable thickeners are polysaccharides (eg xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose), inorganic clays (organically modified or unmodified), polycarboxylates and silicates.

[0141] Suitable fungicides are bronopol and isothiazolinone derivatives, such as alkylisothiazolinones and benzisothiazolinones.

[0142] Suitable antifreeze agents are ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, urea and glycerol.

[0143] Suitable defoamers are silicones, long-chain alcohols and salts of fatty acids.

[0144] Suitable colorants (eg red, blue or green) are low water-soluble pigments and water-soluble dyes. Examples are inorganic colorants (eg iron oxide, titanium oxide, ferric ferrocyanide) and organic colorants (eg alizarin, azo and phthalocyanine colorants).

[0145] Suitable tackifiers or adhesives are polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylates, biological or synthetic waxes, and cellulose ethers.

[0146] Various types of oils, wetting agents, adjuvants, fertilizers or micronutrients and other pesticides (e.g. herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, growth regulators, safeners) can be added to the active substance or the composition comprising them as a premix or, if appropriate, not until just before use (tank mix). These agents can be mixed with the composition according to the invention in a weight ratio of 1:100 to 100:1, preferably 1:10 to 10:1.

[0147] The user usually applies the composition of the present invention from a pre-dosage device, a backpack sprayer, a spray tank, a spray plane or an irrigation system. Typically, the agrochemical composition is formulated with water, a buffer and / or other adjuvants to the desired application concentration, thereby obtaining a ready-to-use spray liquid or agrochemical composition according to the present invention. Typically, 20 to 2000 liters, preferably 50 to 400 liters, of ready-to-use spray liquid are applied per hectare of agricultural active area.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the individual components of the composition according to the invention, such as parts of a kit or parts of a binary or ternary mixture, can be mixed by the user himself in a spray can and further auxiliaries can be added as appropriate.

[0149] In a further embodiment, the individual components or partially premixed components of the composition according to the invention, for example, a component comprising dicamba-K and / or a solvent and / or a polymer, can be mixed by the user in a spray tank and further adjuvants and additives can be added as appropriate. In a further embodiment, the individual components or partially premixed components of the agrochemical composition, for example, a component comprising dicamba-K and / or a solvent and / or a polymer, can be applied together (for example, after tank mixing) or applied sequentially.

[0150] The invention also relates to a method for controlling unwanted vegetation and / or regulating plant growth, wherein the agrochemical composition is allowed to act on the respective pest, their environment or the crop to be protected from the respective pest, on the soil and / or on the crop and / or on their environment.

[0151] If unwanted vegetation is to be controlled, the agrochemical composition is typically applied to the crops to be protected from the unwanted vegetation, to the soil and / or to the crops and / or to their environment. In one embodiment, the agrochemical composition is applied to the soil. In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition is applied to the foliage.

[0152] When used in plant protection, the amount of pesticide applied is, depending on the kind of effect desired, from 0.001 to 2 kg / ha, preferably from 0.005 to 2 kg / ha, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.9 kg / ha, in particular from 0.1 to 0.75 kg / ha.

[0153] Depending on the method of application, the agrochemical composition can be used on crops to eliminate unwanted vegetation. Examples of suitable crops are as follows:

[0154] Onion (Allium cepa), pineapple (Ananas comosus), peanut (Arachis hypogaea), asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), oats (Avena sativa), beets (Beta vulgaris spec. altissima), Beta vulgaris spec. rapa, rapeseed (Brassica napus var. napus), turnip (Brassica napus var. napobrassica), turnip (Brassica rapa var. silvestris), cabbage (Brassica oleracea), black mustard (Brassica nigra), tea (Camellia sinensis), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), pecan (Carya illinoinensis), lemon (Citrus limon), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) (Coffea canephora, Coffea liberica), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Carrot (Daucus carota), Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca), Soybean (Glycine max), Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), (Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium herbaceum, Gossypium vitifolium), Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), Barley (Hordeum vulgare), Hops (Humulus lupulus), Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), Walnut (Juglans regia), Lentil (Lens culinaris), Flax (Linumusitatissimum), Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum), Malus spec., Cassava (Manihotesculenta), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Musa spec., Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) (N.rustica), olive (Olea europaea), rice (Oryza sativa), butter bean (Phaseolus lunatus), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), Norway spruce (Picea abies), Pinus spec., pistachio (Pistacia vera), pea (Pisum sativum), sweet cherry (Prunus avium), peach (Prunus persica), pear (Pyrus communis), apricot (Prunus armeniaca), sour cherry (Prunus cerasus), almond (Prunus dulcis), European plum (Prunus domestica), Ribes sylvestre, castor bean (Ricinus communis), sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), rye (Secale cereale), white mustard (Sinapisalba), potato (Solanum tuberosum), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) (s. vulgare), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), red clover (Trifolium pratense), wheat (Triticum aestivum), triticale (Triticale), durum wheat (Triticum durum), broad bean (Vicia faba), grape (Vitis vinifera), corn (Zea mays). Particularly preferred crops are cereals, corn, soybeans, rice, rapeseed, cotton, potatoes, peanuts, or permanent crops.

[0155] The compositions according to the present invention can also be used in transgenic crops. The term "crop" as used herein therefore also includes transgenic crops modified by mutagenesis or genetic engineering to provide plants with new traits or to alter existing traits. The term "transgenic crop" is understood to be a plant whose genetic material has been modified using recombinant DNA techniques to include an inserted DNA sequence that is not native to the genome of the crop species or to exhibit a deletion of DNA native to the genome of the species, wherein the modification cannot be easily obtained by crossbreeding, mutagenesis or natural recombination alone. Typically, a specific transgenic crop is a crop that has been genetically modified by natural breeding or propagation processes from an ancestral crop plant (whose genome is a genome that has been directly processed using recombinant DNA techniques). Typically, one or more genes are integrated into the genetic material of a transgenic crop to improve certain properties of the crop. Such genetic modifications also include, but are not limited to, targeted post-translational modifications of proteins, oligopeptides or polypeptides, for example, by adding amino acid mutations that allow, reduce or promote glycosylation or polymer addition, such as prenylation, acetylation, farnesylation or PEG moiety attachment.

[0156] Mutagenesis includes random mutagenesis techniques using X-rays or mutagenic chemicals, as well as targeted mutagenesis techniques to create mutations at specific sites in the plant genome. Targeted mutagenesis techniques typically use oligonucleotides or proteins such as CRISPR / Cas, zinc finger nucleases, TALENs, or meganucleases to achieve targeted effects.

[0157] Genetic engineering usually uses recombinant DNA technology to create modifications in plant genomes that cannot be easily obtained by crossbreeding, mutagenesis or natural recombination in the natural environment. Usually, one or more genes are integrated into the genome of the plant to add traits or improve traits. These integrated genes are also referred to as transgenics in the art, and plants comprising these transgenics are called transgenic plants. Plant transformation methods usually produce several transformation events, which differ in that the transgene has been integrated into the genomic site therein. Plants that comprise specific transgenics on specific genomic sites are usually described as comprising specific "events", which are mentioned by specific event names. The traits introduced into plants or modified particularly include herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, increased yield and tolerance to abiotic conditions, such as drought.

[0158] Herbicide tolerance has been created by using mutagenesis as well as by using genetic engineering. Plants that have been rendered tolerant to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor herbicides by conventional mutagenesis and breeding methods include plants that can Several crops have been rendered tolerant to herbicides by mutagenesis and conventional breeding methods, e.g. summerrape (Canola, BASF SE, Germany) is resistant to imidazolinones, such as imazamox, or Sunflower (DuPont, USA) is tolerant to sulfonylureas, such as bensulfuron-methyl. Genetic engineering has been used to make crops such as soybean, cotton, corn, sugar beet, and oilseed rape tolerant to herbicides such as glyphosate, imidazolinone, and glufosinate, some of which are under development or available under the trademark or trade name (glyphosate tolerant, Monsanto, USA), (Imidazolinone resistant, BASF SE, Germany) and (Glufosinate-tolerant, Bayer CropScience, Germany). However, most herbicide tolerance traits have been created through the use of transgenes.

[0159] Herbicide tolerance has been created to glyphosate, glufosinate, 2,4-D, dicamba, oxynil herbicides such as bromoxynil and ioxynil, sulfonylurea herbicides, ALS inhibitor herbicides, and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitors such as isoxaflutole and mesotrione.

[0160] Transgenic genes that have been used to provide herbicide tolerance traits include: for tolerance to glyphosate: cp4 epsps, epsps grg23ace5, mepsps, 2mepsps, gat4601, gat4621 and goxv247, for tolerance to glufosinate: pat and bar, for tolerance to 2,4-D: aad-1 and aad-12, for tolerance to dicamba: dmo, for tolerance to oxynil herbicides: bxn, for tolerance to sulfonylurea herbicides: zm-hra, csr1-2, gm-hra, S4-HrA, for tolerance to ALS inhibitor herbicides: csr1-2, for tolerance to HPPD inhibitor herbicides: hppdPF, W336 and avhppd-03.

[0161] Transgenic maize events comprising herbicide tolerance genes are, for example, but not limited to, DAS40278, MON801, MON802, MON809, MON810, MON832, MON87411, MON87419, MON87427, MON88017, MON89034, NK603, GA21, MZHGOJG, HCEM485, 676, 678, 680, 33121, 4114, 59122, 98140, Bt10, Bt176, CBH-351, DBT418, DLL25, MS3, MS6, MZIR098, T25, TC1507 and TC6275.

[0162] Transgenic soybean events comprising herbicide tolerance genes are, for example, but not limited to, GTS 40-3-2, MON87705, MON87708, MON87712, MON87769, MON89788, A2704-12, A2704-21, A5547-127, A5547-35, DP356043, DAS44406-6, DAS68416-4, DAS-81419-2, GU262, W62, W98, FG72 and CV127.

[0163] Transgenic cotton events comprising herbicide tolerance genes are, for example, but not limited to, 19-51a, 31707, 42317, 81910, 281-24-236, 3006-210-23, BXN10211, BXN10215, BXN10222, BXN10224, MON1445, MON1698, MON88701, MON88913, GHB119, GHB614, LLCotton25, T303-3, and T304-40.

[0164] Transgenic oilseed rape events comprising herbicide tolerance genes are exemplified, but not limited to, MON88302, HCR-1, HCN10, HCN28, HCN92, MS1, MS8, PHY14, PHY23, PHY35, PHY36, RF1, RF2, and RF3.

[0165] Insect resistance is primarily created by transferring bacterial genes for insecticidal proteins into plants. Such plants are capable of synthesizing one or more insecticidal proteins, in particular those known from the bacterial genus Bacillus, in particular Bacillus thuringiensis, such as delta-endotoxins, for example CryIA(b), CryIA(c), CryIF, CryIF(a2), CryIIA(b), CryIIIA, CryIIIB(b1) or Cry9c; vegetative insecticidal proteins (VIPs), for example VIP1, VIP2, VIP3 or VIP3A; insecticidal proteins of bacterial nematodes, for example Photorhabdus spp. or Xenorhabdus spp. spp.; toxins produced by animals, such as scorpion toxins, spider toxins, wasp toxins or other insect-specific neurotoxins; toxins produced by fungi, such as streptomycin, plant lectins, such as pea or barley lectins; agglutinins; protease inhibitors, such as trypsin inhibitors, serine protease inhibitors, patatin, cystatin or papain inhibitor; ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs), such as ricin, maize RIP, abrin, luffin, saporin or bryodin; steroid metabolizing enzymes, such as 3-hydroxysteroid oxidase, ecdysteroid-IDP-glycosyltransferase, cholesterol oxidase, ecdysone inhibitor or HMG-CoA-reductase; ion channel blockers, such as sodium or calcium channel blockers; juvenile hormone esterase; helicokinin receptor; stilbene synthase, bibenzyl synthase, chitinase or glucanase. In the present invention, these insecticidal proteins or toxins are also clearly understood to include proteins that include pre-toxins, hybrid proteins, brachymemma or otherwise modified. Hybrid proteins are characterized by the new combination of protein domains (see, for example, WO 02 / 015701). Such toxins or further examples of genetically modified crops that can synthesize such toxins are disclosed in, for example, EP-A 374 753, WO 93 / 007278, WO 95 / 34656, EP-A 427 529, EP-A 451 878, WO 03 / 18810 and WO03 / 52073. The method for producing such genetically modified crops is well known to those skilled in the art and is described in, for example, the disclosure mentioned above. These insecticidal proteins contained in transgenic crops confer resistance to pests from all taxonomic groups of arthropods, in particular beetles (Coleoptera), two-winged insects (Diptera) and moths (Lepidoptera) and to nematodes (Nematoda).Transgenic crops capable of synthesizing one or more insecticidal proteins are described, for example, in the publications mentioned above, and some of them are commercially available, eg. (corn cultivars producing Cry1Ab toxin), Plus (corn cultivars producing Cry1Ab and Cry3Bb1 toxins), (corn cultivars producing Cry9c toxin), RW (a maize cultivar producing Cry34Ab1, Cry35Ab1, and the enzyme phosphinothricin- N -acetyltransferase [PAT]); 33B (cotton cultivar producing Cry1Ac toxin), I (cotton cultivar producing Cry1Ac toxin), II (cotton cultivars producing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2 toxins); (cotton cultivars that produce VIP toxin); (potato cultivars producing Cry3A toxin); Bt11 from Syngenta Seeds SAS, France (e.g. CB) and Bt176 (maize cultivars producing Cry1Ab toxin and PAT enzyme), MIR604 from Syngenta Sees SAS, France (maize cultivar producing a modified form of Cry3A toxin, see WO 03 / 018810), MON 863 from Monsanto Europe SA, Belgium (maize cultivar producing Cry3Bb1 toxin), IPC531 from Monsanto Europe SA, Belgium (cotton cultivar producing a modified form of Cry1Ac toxin) and 1507 from Pioneer Overseas Corporation, Belgium (maize cultivar producing Cry1F toxin and PAT enzyme).

[0166] However, plant-derived genes have also been transferred to other plants, particularly genes encoding protease inhibitors, such as CpTI and pinII. Another approach uses transgenic plants to produce double-stranded RNA to target and downregulate insect genes. An example of such a transgenic plant is dvsnf7.

[0167] Transgenic maize events comprising a gene or double-stranded RNA for an insecticidal protein are, for example, but not limited to, Bt10, Bt11, Bt176, MON801, MON802, MON809, MON810, MON863, MON87411, MON88017, MON89034, 33121, 4114, 5307, 59122, TC1507, TC6275, CBH-351, MIR162, DBT418, and MZIR098.

[0168] Examples of transgenic soybean events comprising a gene for an insecticidal protein include, but are not limited to, MON87701, MON87751, and DAS-81419.

[0169] Transgenic cotton events comprising a gene for an insecticidal protein are, for example, but not limited to, SGK321, MON531, MON757, MON1076, MON15985, 31707, 31803, 31807, 31808, 42317, BNLA-601, Event1, COT67B, COT102, T303-3, T304-40, GFM Cry1A, GK12, MLS 9124, 281-24-236, 3006-210-23, GHB119, and SGK321.

[0170] Yield has been increased by increasing ear biomass using the transgene athbl7 (present in maize event MON87403) or by enhancing photosynthesis using the transgene bbx32 (present in soybean event MON87712).

[0171] Crops containing altered oil content have been created through the use of the transgenes: gm-fad2-1, Pj.D6D, Nc.Fad3, fad2-1A, and fatb1-A. Soybean events containing at least one of these genes are: 260-05, MON87705, and MON87769.

[0172] The transgene cspB has been used in maize event MON87460 and in soybean event The included transgene Hahb-4 creates tolerance to abiotic conditions, particularly drought.

[0173] Traits are typically combined by combining genes in a transformation event or by combining different events during breeding. Preferred combinations of traits are herbicide tolerance to different classes of herbicides, insect resistance to different classes of insects, particularly tolerance to lepidopteran and coleopteran insects, combinations of herbicide tolerance with one or more types of insect resistance, combinations of herbicide tolerance with increased yield, and combinations of herbicide tolerance with tolerance to abiotic conditions.

[0174] Plants comprising single traits or stacked traits, as well as genes and events that provide these traits, are well known in the art. For example, detailed information on mutagenized or integrated genes and respective events is available from the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) (http: / / www.isaaa.org / gmapprovaldatabase) and the Center for Environmental Risk Assessment (CERA) ( http: / / cera-gmc.org / GMCropDatabase )'s webpage, and in patent applications such as EP3028573 and WO2017 / 011288.

[0175] The use of the agrochemical compositions according to the present invention on crops may result in effects specific to the crops containing the specific genes or events. These effects may involve changes in growth behavior or altered tolerance to biotic or abiotic stress factors. These effects may include, in particular, increased yield, increased resistance or tolerance to insect, nematode, fungal, bacterial, mycoplasma, viral or viroid pathogens, as well as early vigor, premature or delayed maturity, cold or heat tolerance, and altered amino acid or fatty acid profiles or contents.

[0176] In addition, crops that are capable of synthesizing one or more proteins to increase the resistance or tolerance of these crops to bacterial, viral or fungal pathogens by using recombinant DNA technology are also encompassed. Examples of such proteins are so-called "pathogenesis-related proteins" (PR proteins, see, for example, EP-A 392 225), crop disease resistance genes (e.g., potato cultivars expressing resistance genes against Phytophthora infestans derived from the Mexican wild potato Solanum bulbocastanum) or T4-lyso-zym (e.g., potato cultivars capable of synthesizing these proteins that increase resistance to bacteria such as Erwinia amylovora). Methods for producing such transgenic crops are well known to those skilled in the art and are described, for example, in the disclosures mentioned above.

[0177] In addition, crops that are capable of synthesizing one or more proteins through the use of recombinant DNA technology to increase productivity (e.g., biomass yield, grain yield, starch content, oil content, or protein content), tolerance to drought, salinity, or other growth-limiting environmental factors, or tolerance to pests and fungal, bacterial, or viral pathogens of these crops are also encompassed.

[0178] In addition, crops that contain altered amounts of ingredients or novel ingredients specifically designed to improve human or animal nutrition through the use of recombinant DNA technology, such as oil crops that produce health-promoting long-chain omega-3 fatty acids or unsaturated omega-9 fatty acids (e.g., Rapeseed (Dow AgroSciences, Canada).

[0179] In addition, crops containing altered amounts of ingredients specifically designed to improve feedstock production or new ingredients, such as potatoes producing higher amounts of amylopectin (e.g. Potato, BASF SE, Germany).

[0180] Furthermore, it has been found that the agrochemical composition is also suitable for defoliating and / or drying crop parts, crops such as cotton, potatoes, rape, sunflower, soybeans or field beans, in particular cotton. As a desiccant, the agrochemical composition according to the invention is particularly suitable for drying the aerial parts of crops such as potatoes, rape, sunflower and soybeans, as well as cereals. This enables fully mechanical harvesting of these important crops.

[0181] Also of economic interest is the facilitation of harvesting, which can be achieved in citrus fruits, olives, and other species and varieties of pome, stone, and nut fruits by concentrating dehiscence within a certain timeframe or reducing attachment to the tree. The same mechanism, promoting the development of abscission tissue between the fruit or leaf and branch parts of crops, is essential for controlled defoliation of useful crops, particularly cotton.

[0182] Furthermore, the shortened time interval between the maturation of individual cotton plants results in improved fiber quality after harvest.

[0183] Unwanted vegetation to be controlled by the use and method according to the invention is, for example, economically important monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous harmful plants, such as broadleaf weeds, grass weeds or sedges. The active compounds also act effectively on perennial weeds which sprout from rhizomes, root stocks and other perennial organs and are difficult to control. Specific examples of some representatives of the monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weed flora which can be controlled by the use and method according to the invention may be mentioned, without this enumeration being restricted to specific species.

[0184] Examples of weed species on which the herbicidal composition is effective include, among monocotyledonous weed species, Avena spp., Alopecurus spp., Apera spp., Brachiaria spp., Bromus spp., Digitaria spp., Lolium spp., Echinochloa spp., Leptochloa spp., Fimbristylis spp., Panicum spp., Phalaris spp., Poa spp., Setaria spp., and Rhizoma Coptidis spp. spp.) as well as annual sedges, and among the perennial species, Agropyron, Cynodon, Imperata, and Sorghum as well as perennial sedges. In the case of dicotyledonous weed species, the spectrum of action is extended to the following genera: for example, among annual plants, Abutilon spp., Amaranthus spp., Chenopodium spp., Chrysanthemum spp., Galium spp., Ipomoea spp., Kochia spp., Lamium spp., Matricaria spp., Pharbitis spp., Polygonum spp., Sida spp., Sinapis spp., Solanum spp., Stellaria spp., Veronica spp., Eclipta spp. spp.), Sesbania spp., Aeschynomene spp. and Viola spp., Xanthium spp., and in the case of perennial weeds, Convolvulus, Cirsium, Rumex and Artemisia. In one embodiment, the unwanted vegetation belongs to the genus Nasturtium, preferably Nasturtium officinale.

[0185] The agrochemical composition is very effective in controlling vegetation in non-crop areas, especially at high application rates. It combats broadleaf weeds and grass weeds in crops such as wheat, rice, corn, soybeans, and cotton without causing any significant damage to the crops. This effect is mainly observed at low application rates.

[0186] The agrochemical composition is usually applied to the plants by spraying the leaves. Application can be carried out using conventional spraying techniques using, for example, water as a carrier, using spray volumes of about 50 to 1000 l / ha (e.g., 50 to 100 l / ha). Application can also involve low-volume or ultra-low-volume methods, or the use of microparticles.

[0187] Application of the agrochemical composition can be carried out before, during and / or after, preferably during and / or after, emergence of the undesirable vegetation.

[0188] The agrochemical composition can be applied before or after emergence, or applied together with the plant propagation material of the crop. The agrochemical composition can also be applied by applying the plant propagation material pretreated with the agrochemical composition of the crop. If some crops have low tolerance to dicamba-K or additional active compounds, the following application technique can be used: wherein the herbicide composition is sprayed with a spraying device so that they do not contact the leaves of sensitive crops as much as possible, while the active compound reaches the leaves of undesirable plants growing below or the exposed soil surface (post-directed, lay-by).

[0189] Another advantage of the present invention is that the application rate of dicamba-K can be reduced, thereby saving cost and time. This is achieved by minimizing the primary and secondary loss patterns as described above.

[0190] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for reducing droplet formation of an aqueous composition comprising dicamba-K, comprising the steps of contacting dicamba-K with additives a), b) and / or c), and water; and to the use of additives a), b) and / or c) for reducing droplet formation of an aqueous composition comprising dicamba-K during spraying.

[0191] The reduction of fine droplets can be measured by determining the "fine droplet ratio." The "fine droplet ratio" can be determined by quantifying the proportion of fine droplets having an average diameter of less than 105 microns (e.g., less than 100 microns) at 20°C to the proportion of larger droplets greater than 100 microns in an aqueous composition. When applied by conventional agricultural sprayers, a higher fine droplet ratio results in a reduced effective application rate of the solution to the target crop.

[0192] The "fine droplet ratio" is typically measured at a pressure of 2.76 bar using a flat nozzle, such as an AIXR nozzle ("TeeJet Flat Spray Tip") or a TTI nozzle ("Turbo TeeJet Induction Flat Spray Tip"). The reduction in spray drift is typically measured relative to the same composition without additives.

[0193] The term "reducing droplet formation" generally relates to a comparison between an aqueous composition 1) containing dicamba-K, additives a), b) and / or c) and water, and an aqueous composition 2) containing dicamba-K, water, but without additives a), b) and c). The reduction can be at least 10%, preferably at least 20%.

[0194] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for reducing the vapor pressure of an aqueous composition containing dicamba-K, comprising contacting dicamba-K with additives a), b), and / or c) and water; and to the use of additives a), b), and / or c) for reducing the vapor pressure of an aqueous composition containing dicamba-K. Vapor pressure is typically measured in a closed system at 20°C and in thermodynamic equilibrium. It can be measured according to DIN EN 13016-1:2018-06.

[0195] The term "reduced vapor pressure" generally relates to a comparison between an aqueous composition 1) comprising dicamba-K, additives a), b) and / or c) and water and an aqueous composition 2) comprising dicamba-K, water, but without additives a), b) and c). The reduction can be at least 10%, preferably at least 20%.

[0196] The present invention also relates to an adjuvant composition for improving the solubility of dicamba-K as defined above, comprising adjuvant c), and adjuvant a) or adjuvant b); and to an adjuvant composition for improving the solubility of a by-product of dicamba-K as defined above, comprising adjuvant c), and adjuvant a) or adjuvant b).

[0197] The adjuvant composition is usually free of water. Typically, the adjuvant composition has a water content of at most 1% by weight, preferably at most 0.5% by weight, more preferably at most 0.1% by weight, based on the total weight of the adjuvant composition.

[0198] The adjuvant composition is generally pesticide-free, particularly preferably free of dicamba-K. The adjuvant composition can be added to dicamba-K during the production process of the aqueous agrochemical composition or in a tank mix shortly before application. The adjuvant composition is generally water-free. It can contain water in a concentration of up to 60% by weight, preferably up to 50% by weight, more preferably up to 40% by weight, most preferably up to 20% by weight, and particularly preferably up to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the adjuvant composition.

[0199] The concentration of the auxiliary agent a) in the auxiliary agent composition can be 5 to 95% by weight, preferably 10 to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The concentration of the auxiliary agent a) is generally at least 1% by weight, preferably at least 8% by weight, and more preferably at least 12% by weight, based on the total weight of the auxiliary agent composition.

[0200] The concentration of the auxiliary agent b) in the auxiliary agent composition can be 5 to 95% by weight, preferably 10 to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The concentration of the auxiliary agent b) is generally at least 1% by weight, preferably at least 8% by weight, and more preferably at least 12% by weight, based on the total weight of the auxiliary agent composition.

[0201] The concentration of the auxiliary agent c) in the auxiliary composition can be 5 to 95% by weight, preferably 10 to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The concentration of the auxiliary agent c) is generally at least 1% by weight, preferably at least 8% by weight, and more preferably at least 12% by weight, based on the total weight of the auxiliary composition.

[0202] The adjuvant composition may comprise a cosolvent. Suitable cosolvents are water miscible up to a cosolvent / water ratio of at least 1:1, preferably at least 2:1, more preferably at least 4:1.

[0203] Suitable cosolvents are alcohols, such as ethanol, propanol, butanol, benzyl alcohol, cyclohexanol; glycols; DMSO; ketones, such as heptanone, cyclohexanone; esters, such as carbonates, fatty acid esters, γ-butyrolactone; fatty acids; phosphonates; amines; amides, such as fatty acid dimethylamide; and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the cosolvent is γ-butyrolactone.

[0204] The cosolvent concentration in the adjuvant may be at least 1 wt %, preferably at least 2 wt %, more preferably at least 4 wt %, and most preferably at least 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition. The cosolvent concentration in the agrochemical formulation may be 1 to 20 wt %, preferably 1 to 10 wt %, more preferably 2 to 8 wt %, and most preferably 4 to 7 wt %.

[0205] In one embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises a C1-C6-alkyl lactate and an additive a). In another embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises ethyl lactate and an additive a), preferably wherein the additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-1 or PA-2, more preferably wherein the additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-2. In another embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises n-propyl lactate and an additive a), preferably wherein the additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-1 or PA-2, more preferably wherein the additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-2.

[0206] In one embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises N-C1-C 15 In another embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises N-octylpyrrolidone and additive a), preferably wherein additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-1 or PA-2, more preferably wherein additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-2. In another embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises N-butylpyrrolidone and additive a), preferably wherein additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-1 or PA-2, more preferably wherein additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-2. In another embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises N-dodecylpyrrolidone and additive a), preferably wherein additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-1 or PA-2, more preferably wherein additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-2.

[0207] In one embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises a C3-C6-lactone and an additive a). In another embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises γ-butyrolactone and an additive a), preferably wherein the additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-1 or PA-2, more preferably wherein the additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-2. In another embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises ε-caprolactone and an additive a), preferably wherein the additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-1 or PA-2, more preferably wherein the additive a) is as defined in embodiment PA-2.

[0208] In one embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises a C1-C6-alkyl lactate and an additive b). In another embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises ethyl lactate and an additive b), wherein the additive b) is preferably a polyethylene glycol mono-C1-C6- 18 - a hyperbranched polycarbonate on an alkyl ether, more preferably wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, most preferably wherein the additive b) is a hyperbranched polycarbonate linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether via a linker.

[0209] In another embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises n-propyl lactate and additive b), wherein additive b) is preferably linked to polyethylene glycol mono-C1-C 18 - a hyperbranched polycarbonate on an alkyl ether, more preferably wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, most preferably wherein the additive b) is a hyperbranched polycarbonate linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether via a linker.

[0210] In one embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises N-C1-C 15 -alkylpyrrolidone and additive b). In another embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises N-octylpyrrolidone and additive b), wherein additive b) is preferably attached to polyethylene glycol mono-C1-C 18 - a hyperbranched polycarbonate on an alkyl ether, more preferably wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, most preferably wherein the additive b) is a hyperbranched polycarbonate linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether via a linker.

[0211] In another embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises N-butylpyrrolidone and additive b), wherein the additive b) is preferably attached to polyethylene glycol mono-C1-C 18 - a hyperbranched polycarbonate on an alkyl ether, more preferably wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, most preferably wherein the additive b) is a hyperbranched polycarbonate linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether via a linker.

[0212] In another embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises N-dodecylpyrrolidone and additive b), wherein the additive b) is preferably linked to polyethylene glycol mono-C1-C 18 - a hyperbranched polycarbonate on an alkyl ether, more preferably wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, most preferably wherein the additive b) is a hyperbranched polycarbonate linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether via a linker.

[0213] In another embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises a C3-C6-lactone and an additive b), wherein the additive b) is preferably a polyoxyethylene glycol mono-C1-C6-lactone. 18 - a hyperbranched polycarbonate on an alkyl ether, more preferably wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, most preferably wherein the additive b) is a hyperbranched polycarbonate linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether via a linker.

[0214] In another embodiment, the adjuvant composition comprises γ-butyrolactone and an additive b), wherein the additive b) is preferably a polyethylene glycol mono-C1-C 18- a hyperbranched polycarbonate on an alkyl ether, more preferably wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, most preferably wherein the additive b) is a hyperbranched polycarbonate linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether via a linker.

[0215] The adjuvant composition may further comprise an adjuvant. Suitable adjuvants are as defined above for the agrochemical composition.

[0216] The present invention also relates to the use of additives a), b), c) or adjuvant compositions for improving the solubility of dicamba-K in aqueous compositions; and to a method for improving the solubility of dicamba-K in aqueous compositions, comprising the steps of contacting the additives a), b), c) or adjuvant compositions with dicamba-K and water.

[0217] The invention also relates to the use of additives a), b), c) or adjuvant compositions for improving the solubility of dicamba-K byproducts in aqueous compositions; and to a method for improving the solubility of dicamba-K byproducts in aqueous compositions, comprising the steps of contacting the additives a), b), c) or adjuvant compositions with dicamba-K, dicamba-K byproducts and water.

[0218] As used herein, the term "increasing solubility" refers to increasing the maximum concentration of dicamba-K or a byproduct of dicamba-K that can be dissolved in a specified amount of an aqueous agricultural chemical composition compared to the same agricultural chemical composition without the additive. The solubility of dicamba-K or a byproduct of dicamba-K is typically measured at equilibrium at 20°C.

[0219] Advantages: The agrochemical composition and its mixtures with glyphosate and / or glufosinate have low vapor pressure and reduced droplet ratio. The agrochemical composition can be mixed with glyphosate and / or glufosinate, their salts, and formulations to produce chemically and physically stable co-formulations of dicamba-K and glyphosate. The agrochemical composition can have extremely high concentrations of dissolved dicamba-K while being safe for the applicator and having high biological efficacy. The agrochemical composition can contain byproducts of the dicamba-K manufacturing process while remaining stable, homogeneous, and transparent, and the byproducts remain dissolved in the liquid agrochemical composition.

[0220] The following examples illustrate the invention. Example

[0221] The following ingredients were used to prepare the agricultural chemical compositions of the examples.

[0222] Dicamba-KA: Potassium salt of dicamba, 95.3% purity

[0223] Dicamba-KB: Potassium salt of dicamba, 99.9% purity

[0224] Dicamba-KC: Potassium salt of dicamba, 93.0% purity

[0225] Byproducts of dicamba materials: 3,5-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid, 3,6-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-chloro-2,6-dimethoxybenzoic acid, 3,4-dichloro-2-methoxy-benzoic acid, 3,4-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dichloro-4-methoxybenzoic acid and their potassium salts.

[0226] Dicamba-SL: a 600 g / l aqueous solution of dicamba N,N-bis-(3-aminopropyl)methylammonium salt.

[0227] Polymer A: a polyalkylene oxide block copolymer of formula (I), wherein m is 50 to 60, and n and p are independently 45 to 55.

[0228] Polymer B: a polyalkylene oxide block copolymer of formula (I), wherein m is 25 to 35, and n and p are independently 70 to 80.

[0229] Polymer C: Hyperbranched polycarbonate linked to methyl polyethylene glycol, prepared as described in Synthesis Example 5 of WO2010130599

[0230] Solvent A: n-propyl lactate

[0231] Solvent B: N-butylpyrrolidone

[0232] Solvent C: N-octylpyrrolidone

[0233] Solvent D: N-dodecylpyrrolidone

[0234] Solvent E: γ-butyrolactone

[0235] Adjuvant A: a nonionic adjuvant composition comprising dimethylpolysiloxane, alkanolamide, fatty acid and alkylaryl polyoxyalkyl ether.

[0236] Example-1:

[0237] A soluble concentrate of Dicamba-KA (SL-1) was prepared. To this end, the following compounds were added to a container in the order and amounts given in Table A. The resulting mixture was then stirred until a clear and homogeneous liquid was obtained.

[0238] Table A: Composition of SL-1 in [g]

[0239] Compound quantity Dicamba-KA 56.9 <![CDATA[Softened H2O]]> 46.75 Solvent B 6.68 Solvent E 6.68 Polymer A 6.68

[0240] Example 2:

[0241] The production of soluble concentrates SL-2 to SL-10 was similar to Example-1. The amounts of ingredients are listed in Table B.

[0242] Table B: Components of SL-2 to SL-10 in [g]

[0243]

[0244] Example-3:

[0245] All soluble concentrates SL-1 to SL-10 were analyzed by visual inspection after preparation. SL-1 to SL-14 formed clear solutions containing dicamba-KA.

[0246] Example-4

[0247] Comparative soluble concentrate SL-C1 was prepared by mixing 66 wt% water and 44 wt% Dicamba-KA. Dicamba-KA contained the following byproducts within the experimentally determined concentrations and concentration ranges provided in parentheses: 3,5-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (10 to 70 g / kg), 3,6-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (5 to 30 g / kg), and 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (0.5 to 25 g / kg).

[0248] The mixture forms a turbid liquid, full of suspended matter, which does not dissolve in water and settles on storage.

[0249] Example-5:

[0250] The droplet ratio properties of diluted soluble concentrates SL-1 to SL-10 incorporated into glyphosate were analyzed. To this end, 1.22 liters of soluble concentrates selected from SL-1 to SL-14 were mixed with 2.07 liters of soluble concentrate containing 540 g / l glyphosate potassium salt (hereinafter referred to as "glyphosate-K"), and the mixture was diluted with water to a total volume of 94 liters. The resulting spray solution was then sprayed with an AIXR nozzle ("TeeJet Flat Spray Tip") or a TTI nozzle ("Turbo TeeJet Induction Flat Spray Tip") at a pressure of 2.76 bar. The droplet size distribution was measured using a Sympatec Helos KF laser diffraction device. Measurements were taken at 31 particle size grades from 18 to 3500 μm. Measurements were taken at a distance of 30.5 cm from the nozzle at an angle of 0 °. The data were analyzed based on 10 measurements collected in two runs. If necessary, the lens was cleaned between runs.

[0251] As a comparison, a spray solution was prepared by mixing 0.93 liters of an aqueous soluble concentrate (SL-C2) containing 754 g / L dicamba (N,N-bis-(3-aminopropyl)methylammonium) with 2.07 liters of a soluble concentrate containing 540 g / L glyphosate potassium and diluting with water to a total volume of 94 liters. Table D shows the fine droplet proportions for the tested soluble concentrates SL-1 to SL-10 for different nozzle types and in comparison with SL-C2.

[0252] Table D: Measurement of <100 μm droplets of SL-1 to SL-10 and SL-C2 after mixing with potassium glyphosate and dilution with water

[0253]

[0254] Example 6:

[0255] The production of soluble concentrates SL-11 to SL-37 was similar to Example-1. The amounts of ingredients are listed in Tables E, F, G and H.

[0256] Table E: Components of SL-11 to SL-18 in [g]

[0257] Compound SL-11 SL-12 SL-13 SL-14 SL-15 SL-16 SL-17 SL-18 Dicamba-KA 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 <![CDATA[H2O (软化) ]]> 313.9 310.1 281.9 366.5 366.5 388.3 422.9 422.9 Solvent A 50.0 56.4 84.6 - 56.4 84.6 - 56.4 Polymer C 200.0 197.4 197.4 197.4 141.0 141.0 141.0 84.6

[0258] Table F: Components of SL-19 to SL-26 in [g]

[0259] Compound SL-19 SL-20 SL-21 SL-22 SL-23 SL-24 SL-25 SL-26 Dicamba-KA 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 <![CDATA[H2O (软化) ]]> 394.7 479.3 338.3 394.7 451.1 310.1 281.9 253.7 Solvent A 84.6 - 28.2 28.2 28.2 28.2 56.4 84.6 Polymer C 84.6 84.6 197.4 141.0 84.6 225.6 225.6 225.6

[0260] Table G: Composition of SL-27 to SL-34 in [g]

[0261] Compound SL-27 SL-28 SL-29 SL-30 SL-31 SL-32 SL-33 SL-34 Dicamba-KA 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 <![CDATA[H2O (软化) ]]> 253.7 310.1 366.5 338.3 451.1 422.9 394.7 366.5 Solvent A 112.8 112.8 112.8 141.0 84.6 112.8 141.0 169.2 Polymer C 197.4 141.0 84.6 84.6 28.2 28.2 28.2 28.2

[0262] Table H: Composition of SL-35 to SL-37 in [g]

[0263] Compound SL-35 SL-36 SL-37 Dicamba-KA 736.1 736.1 736.1 <![CDATA[H2O (软化) ]]> 338.3 366.5 479.3 Solvent A 197.4 197.4 84.6 Polymer C 28.2 - -

[0264] Example 7:

[0265] Soluble concentrates SL-12 to SL-37 were analyzed by visual inspection directly after preparation. The following soluble concentrates formed clear solutions: SL-12, SL-13, SL-14, SL-15, SL-16, SL-18, SL-19, SL-21, SL-22, SL-24, SL-28, SL-29, SL-30, SL-31, SL-31, SL-32, SL-33, SL-34, SL35, SL-36, SL-37.

[0266] The following soluble concentrates formed turbid mixtures: SL-17, SL-23.

[0267] The following soluble concentrates formed cloudy mixtures containing undissolved solids: SL-20, SL-25, SL-26, SL-27.

[0268] Example 8:

[0269] Soluble concentrates SL-12 to SL-24 and SL-28 to SL-37 were incubated at 54°C for 4 weeks and then analyzed by visual inspection. The following soluble concentrates formed clear solutions: SL-12, SL-13, SL-14, SL-15, SL-16, SL-18, SL-19, SL-20, SL-21, SL-22, SL-23, SL-24, SL-28, SL-29, SL-30, SL-31, SL-31, SL-32, SL-33, SL-34, SL35, SL-36, SL-37.

[0270] Example 9:

[0271] Soluble concentrates SL-12 to SL-24 and SL-28 to SL-37 were incubated at 0°C for 4 weeks and then analyzed by visual inspection. The following soluble concentrates formed clear solutions: SL-12, SL-14, SL-15, SL-16, SL-18, SL-19, SL-21, SL-22, SL-28, SL-29, SL-30, SL-31, SL-32, SL-33, SL-34, SL-35, SL-36.

[0272] The following soluble concentrates formed a turbid mixture: SL-17

[0273] The following soluble concentrates formed crystals or precipitated solids: SL-13, SL-20, SL-23, SL-24, SL-37.

[0274] Embodiment 10:

[0275] Soluble concentrates SL-12 to SL-24 and SL-28 to SL-37 were incubated at 10°C for 4 weeks and then analyzed by visual inspection. The following soluble concentrates formed clear solutions: SL-12, SL-14, SL-15, SL-16, SL-18, SL-19, SL-21, SL-22, SL-28, SL-29, SL-30, SL-31, SL-32, SL-33, SL-34, SL-35, SL-36.

[0276] The following soluble concentrates formed a turbid mixture: SL-17

[0277] The following soluble concentrates formed crystals or precipitated solids: SL-13, SL-20, SL-23, SL-24, SL-37.

[0278] Example 11:

[0279] The production of soluble concentrates SL-38 to SL-60 was similar to Example- 1. The amounts of ingredients are listed in Tables J, K and L.

[0280] Table J: Composition of SL-38 to SL-45 in [g]

[0281] Compound SL-38 SL-39 SL-40 SL-41 SL-42 SL-43 SL-44 SL-45 Dicamba-KA 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 <![CDATA[H2O (软化) ]]> 310.1 281.9 366.5 338.3 422.9 394.7 338.3 394.7 Solvent B 56.4 84.6 56.4 84.6 56.4 84.6 28.2 28.2 Polymer C 197.4 197.4 141.0 141.0 84.6 84.6 197.4 141.0

[0282] Table K: Composition of SL-46 to SL-53 in [g]

[0283] Compound SL-46 SL-47 SL-48 SL-49 SL-50 SL-51 SL-52 SL-53 Dicamba-KA 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 <![CDATA[H2O (软化) ]]> 451.1 310.1 281.9 253.7 253.7 310.1 366.5 338.3 Solvent B 28.2 28.2 56.4 84.6 112.8 112.8 112.8 141.0 Polymer C 84.6 225.6 225.6 225.6 197.4 141.0 84.6 84.6

[0284] Table L: Composition of SL-54 to SL-60 in [g]

[0285] Compound SL-54 SL-55 SL-56 SL-57 SL-58 SL-59 SL-60 Dicamba-KA 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 <![CDATA[H2O (软化) ]]> 451.1 422.9 394.7 366.5 338.3 366.5 479.3 Solvent B 84.6 112.8 141.0 169.2 197.4 197.4 84.6 Polymer C 28.2 28.2 28.2 28.2 28.2 - -

[0286] Example 12:

[0287] The production of soluble concentrates SL-61 to SL-72 was similar to Example-1. The amounts of ingredients are listed in Tables M and N.

[0288] Table M: ​​Composition of SL-61 to SL-68 in [g]

[0289] Compound SL-61 SL-62 SL-63 SL-64 SL-65 SL-66 SL-67 SL-68 Dicamba-KA 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 <![CDATA[H2O (软化) ]]> 253.7 253.7 310.1 366.5 338.3 451.1 422.9 394.7 Solvent E 84.6 112.8 112.8 112.8 141.0 84.6 112.8 141.0 Polymer C 225.6 197.4 141.0 84.6 84.6 28.2 28.2 28.2

[0290] Table N: Components of SL-69 to SL-72 in [g]

[0291] Compound SL-69 SL-70 SL-71 SL-72 Dicamba-KA 736.1 736.1 736.1 736.1 <![CDATA[H2O (软化) ]]> 366.5 338.3 366.5 479.3 Solvent E 169.2 197.4 197.4 84.6 Polymer C 28.2 28.2 - -

[0292] Example 13:

[0293] Soluble concentrates SL-61 to SL-72 were analyzed by visual inspection directly after preparation. The following soluble concentrates formed clear solutions: SL-63, SL-64, SL-65, SL-66, SL-67, SL-68, SL-69, SL-70, SL-71.

[0294] The following soluble concentrates formed cloudy mixtures containing undissolved solids: SL-61, SL-62, SL-72.

[0295] Example 14:

[0296] Soluble concentrates SL-61 to SL-72 were analyzed by visual inspection after 4 weeks of incubation at 54° C. The following soluble concentrates formed clear solutions: SL-63, SL-64, SL-65, SL-66, SL-67, SL-68, SL-69, SL-70, SL-71.

[0297] The following soluble concentrates formed cloudy mixtures containing undissolved solids: SL-61, SL-62, SL-72.

[0298] Example 15:

[0299] The droplet ratio properties of diluted soluble concentrates SL-30 to SL-37 mixed with glyphosate were analyzed. To this end, 0.94 liters of soluble concentrates selected from SL-1 to SL-14 were mixed with 2.07 liters of soluble concentrate containing 540g / l glyphosate potassium salt, and the mixture was diluted with water to a total volume of 94 liters. The resulting spray solution was then sprayed using an AIXR nozzle ("TeeJet FlatSprayTip") at a pressure of 2.76 bar or a TTI nozzle ("Turbo TeeJet Induction Flat SprayTip") at a pressure of 4.13 bar. The droplet size distribution was measured using a Sympatec Helos KF laser diffraction device. Measurements were taken in 31 particle size classes ranging from 18 to 3500 μm. Measurements were taken at a distance of 30.5 cm from the nozzle at an angle of 0°. The data were analyzed based on 10 measurements collected in two runs. If necessary, the lens was cleaned between runs.

[0300] As a comparison, a spray solution was prepared by mixing 0.93 liters of an aqueous soluble concentrate (SL-C3) containing 754 g / L N,N-bis-(3-aminopropyl)methylammonium dicamba with 2.07 liters of a soluble concentrate containing 540 g / L glyphosate potassium and diluting with water to a total volume of 94 liters. Table P shows the fine droplet fractions for the soluble concentrates SL-30 to SL-37 tested for different nozzle types and in comparison with SL-C3.

[0301] Table P: Measurement of <100 μm droplets of SL-30 to SL-37 and SL-C3 after mixing with potassium glyphosate and dilution with water

[0302]

[0303] Example 16:

[0304] The production of soluble concentrates SL-73 to SL-108 was similar to Example- 1. The amounts of ingredients are listed in Tables Q, R, S, T, U and V.

[0305] Table Q: Composition and density of SL-73 to SL-80

[0306]

[0307] Table R: Composition of SL-81 to SL-85 in [g]

[0308]

[0309] Table S: Composition of SL-86 to SL-92 in [g]

[0310] Compound SL-88 SL-89 SL-90 SL-91 SL-92 Dicamba-KC[g] 755.9 755.9 755.9 756.3 756.3 Solvent A[g] - - - 16.92 56.4 Solvent B[g] - - 56.4 50.76 112.8 Solvent E[g] 112.8 169.2 - 16.92 - Polymer B[g] 84.6 28.2 141.0 84.6 28.2 Polymer C[g] - - - - - Water [g] 347.0 347.0 347.0 389.5 361.27 Density at 20℃[g / ml] 1.348 1.349 NA 1.314 1.328

[0311] Table T: Composition and density of SL-93 to SL-100

[0312] Table U: Composition of SL-101 to SL-107 in [g]

[0313]

[0314] Table V: Components of SL-108 to SL-112 in [g]

[0315]

[0316] Example 17:

[0317] Atomization research is carried out to measure the droplet ratio produced by spraying the simulated spray tank mixture under a pressure of 63psi via Turbo Teejet Induction (TTI) 11004 nozzle, to simulate ground manipulator arm (ground boom) and apply.Spray tank mixture contains the soluble concentrate as shown in Table W that is 1 % by weight, the adjuvant A that is 0.25 % by weight and water that the final concentration is 1 % by weight.Use laser diffraction particle size analyzer to measure spray droplet size spectrum.Data are expressed as whole droplet size spectrum and use the spray volume contained in the relatively small droplet of average diameter between 2-105um and 2-141 μm to compare.Use the bucket mixture that contains the dicamba-SL that is 1 % by weight, the adjuvant A that is 0.25 % by weight and water that the final concentration is 1 % by weight as control (SL-C4).

[0318] Table W: Measurement of fine droplets of SL-73 to SL-81 and SL-C4

[0319]

[0320] Example 18:

[0321] The volatility of soluble concentrates SL-78 to SL-108 in the presence of glyphosate-K was analyzed. To this end, 0.94 liters of a soluble concentrate selected from SL-78 to SL-108 was mixed with 2.07 liters of a soluble concentrate containing 540 g / l of glyphosate potassium salt, and the mixture was diluted with water to a total volume of 94 liters. The sample was further diluted with water to ensure that the amount of active ingredient per unit area in the test tube was similar to the amount obtained by spraying the active ingredient in the field at the recommended application rate. The sample was then incubated in a glass tube contained in a water bath. The sample was incubated at 70°C for 24 hours. Volatilized sample material was continuously removed from the tube via an air duct. The residual amount of dicamba was determined relative to the application rate. The volatility is reported as [1 – (residual amount / application amount)], expressed as a percentage. The results are summarized in Tables X to AB below.

[0322] Table X: Volatility of samples SL-73 to SL-81 measured in a Büchi Multivapor P-12

[0323]

[0324] Table Y: Volatility of samples SL-82 to SL-90 measured in a Büchi Multivapor P-12

[0325] nm = not measured

[0326] Table Z: Volatility of samples SL-91 to SL-97 measured in a Büchi Multivapor P-12

[0327] Soluble concentrate SL-91 SL-92 SL-93 SL-94 SL-95 SL-96 SL-97 Volatility [%] 13.7 11.3 10.4 4.1 9.9 5.8 5.3

[0328] Table AA: Volatility of samples SL-98 to SL-104 measured in a Büchi Multivapor P-12

[0329]

[0330] Table AB: Volatility of samples SL-105 to SL-112 measured in a Büchi Multivapor P-12

[0331] nm = not measured

[0332] Example 19:

[0333] A quantitative Humi-Dome study was conducted. To this end, two treated glass panels were placed in a plastic tray, which was covered with a clear plastic Humi-Dome (from Hummert International, total dimensions 25 cm wide x 50 cm long x 20 cm high). The Humi-Dome was equipped with an air sampling filter box containing glass fiber and cotton pad filter media, which was connected to a vacuum pump with a flow rate of 2 liters / minute. Individual Humi-Domes representing different study treatments and replicates were placed in a controlled growth chamber environment at 35°C and 25 to 40% humidity. Soluble concentrates SL-73 to SL-81 and a comparative soluble concentrate SL-C5 containing the control dicamba-SL were tested in a tank mix with water and 0.25% adjuvant A by volume. Treatments were applied to the glass panels using a laboratory track sprayer using a TeeJet 95015E nozzle from Spraying Systems and a spray volume of 146 L / ha. The application rate of dicamba was 560 grams of acid equivalent per hectare. After 24 hours of air sampling, the filters were collected, extracted, and analyzed for dicamba content using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The total amount of dicamba captured was then divided by the total volume of airflow through the filter to calculate the total amount of dicamba captured per unit volume of air and the relative reduction in dicamba captured on the filter compared to SC-C5, as summarized in Tables AC.

[0334] Table AD: Reduction in dicamba captured in filters compared to controls as measured in the Humi-Dome assay [%]

[0335] Soluble concentrate Reduction in dicamba captured in filter compared to SL-C5 [%] SL-C5 - SL-73 77 SL-74 73 SL-75 69 SL-76 71 SL-77 74 SL-78 68 SL-79 66 SL-80 72 SL-81 75

[0336] Example 19

[0337] Quantitative Humi-Dome research was carried out as described in Example 18, with the difference that glyphosate-K was added to the bucket mixture. SL-C6 was used as a comparative sample, which consisted of dicamba-K in water. The rate of application of glyphosate was 1120 grams of acid equivalent per hectare. After 24 hours, the filter was collected, extracted, and dicamba content was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The total amount of dicamba captured was then divided by the total volume of the airflow through the filter to calculate the relative reduction of the dicamba captured in the filter compared to SC-C6 as summarized in Tables AE.

[0338] Table AE: Reduction in Dicamba Capture in Filters Compared to SL-C6 as Measured in the Humi-Dome Assay [%]

[0339]

Claims

1. An aqueous agricultural chemical composition comprising a potassium salt of dicamba and an additive selected from the group consisting of a) Polyalkylene oxide block copolymer of formula (I) R 1 O(EO) n (PO) m (IS) p R 2 (I), in EO is CH2CH2O; PO is CH2CH(CH3)O; R 1 、R 2 is H or C1-C3-alkyl; n and p are independently natural numbers from 10 to 250; and m is a natural number from 10 to 100; b) a hyperbranched polycarbonate attached to a linear polymer comprising polyethylene oxide; and c) a solvent selected from the group consisting of C1-C6-alkyl lactates and C3-C6-lactones, wherein the potassium salt of dicamba is present in an amount of at least 30 wt % based on the total weight of the agricultural chemical composition. 2 . The agricultural chemical composition according to claim 1 , wherein n and p in formula (I) are independently natural numbers ranging from 20 to 200. 3 . 3 . The agricultural chemical composition according to claim 1 , wherein m in formula (I) is a natural number of 20 to 70. 4 . The agricultural chemical composition according to claim 2 , wherein m in formula (I) is a natural number of 20 to 70.

5. Agrochemical composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the additive a) wherein the (n+p) / m ratio in formula I is from 1:1 to 10:

1.

6. The agrochemical composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the additive b) wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to a polyethylene glycol-mono-C1-C 18 -alkyl ether.

7. The agrochemical composition according to claim 5, comprising the additive b), wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to a polyethylene glycol-mono-C1-C 18 -alkyl ether.

8. The agrochemical composition according to claim 6, wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether.

9. The agrochemical composition according to claim 7, wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate is linked to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether.

10. The agrochemical composition according to claim 1, comprising the additive b), wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate contains a polyetherol based on an alcohol having at least 3 OH groups and 1 to 30 molecules of alkylene oxide.

11. The agrochemical composition according to claim 6, comprising the additive b), wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate contains a polyetherol based on an alcohol having at least 3 OH groups and 1 to 30 molecules of alkylene oxide.

12. The agrochemical composition according to claim 10, wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate contains a polyether alcohol based on an alcohol having at least 3 OH groups and 5 to 20 molecules of propylene oxide.

13. The agrochemical composition according to claim 11, wherein the hyperbranched polycarbonate contains a polyether alcohol based on an alcohol having at least 3 OH groups and 5 to 20 molecules of propylene oxide.

14. The agrochemical composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 to 9 and 11 to 13, comprising glyphosate and / or glufosinate and / or pyraclostrobin.

15. The agrochemical composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 to 9 and 11 to 13, wherein the potassium salt of dicamba is present in an amount of at least 40-70 wt% based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

16. The agricultural chemical composition according to claim 14, wherein the potassium salt of dicamba is present in an amount of at least 40-70 weight % based on the total weight of the agricultural chemical composition.

17. The agrochemical composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 to 9, 11 to 13 and 16, wherein the potassium salt of dicamba is present in an amount of at least 55 wt% based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

18. The agricultural chemical composition according to claim 16, wherein the potassium salt of dicamba is present in an amount of at least 55 weight percent based on the total weight of the agricultural chemical composition.

19. An agrochemical composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 to 9, 11 to 13, 16 and 18, which contains additive a) or a mixture of additive b) and additive c).

20. The agrochemical composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 to 9, 11 to 13, 16 and 18, which contains at least 22% by weight of water, based on the total weight of the formulation.

21. The agrochemical composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 to 9, 11 to 13, 16 and 18, wherein the concentration of the sum of all additives a), b) and c) is 1 to 35% by weight, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

22. The agricultural chemical composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 to 9, 11 to 13, 16 and 18, which contains a by-product of dicamba-K selected from 3,5-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid, 3,6-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-chloro-2,6-dimethoxybenzoic acid, 3,4-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid, 3,4-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid and / or 3,5-dichloro-4-methoxybenzoic acid and the potassium salt of any one of them.

23. The agrochemical composition according to claim 22, wherein the concentration of the by-product is at least 1 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

24. A method for producing the agricultural chemical composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, comprising the step of contacting dicamba-K with the additive as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. A method for controlling unwanted vegetation and / or regulating plant growth, wherein an agrochemical composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23 is allowed to act on the respective pest, their environment or the crop to be protected from the respective pest, on the soil and / or on the crop and / or on their environment.

26. An adjuvant composition for increasing the solubility of dicamba-K in an aqueous composition, the aqueous composition comprising a potassium salt of dicamba at a concentration of at least 30 wt % based on the total weight of the agricultural chemical composition, wherein the adjuvant composition comprises a mixture of the additive a) or additive b) as described in any one of 1 to 13 and the additive c) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

27. A method for reducing droplet formation of an aqueous composition comprising at least 30% by weight of a potassium salt of dicamba, based on the total weight of the agrochemical composition, comprising the step of contacting the potassium salt of dicamba with the additive a), b) or c) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 and water.

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