Liquid sulfonylurea herbicide composition

Abstract

This invention relates to a liquid herbicide composition comprising: a non-aqueous solvent system; at least one sulfonylurea herbicide in an amount of less than 10% by weight; and two or more surfactants; and characterized in that: 80% to 100% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition is composed of surfactants selected from surfactant classes 1-14 as described herein; and at least two surfactant classes 1-14 each constitute at least 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition. The inventors have found that if a combination of two or more surfactants from these different surfactant classes is used, and if the majority of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition comes from a defined surfactant class, degradation of the sulfonylurea herbicide can be significantly reduced or eliminated even in the absence of a stabilizer.

Description

1. Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to liquid herbicide compositions comprising a non-aqueous solvent system, an amount of at least one sulfonylurea herbicide in a quantity of less than 10% by weight, and a combination of at least two surfactants described herein. The invention also relates to the use of such a combination of surfactants in improving the chemical stability of small amounts of sulfonylurea herbicides in liquid compositions comprising a non-aqueous solvent system. 2. Background Technology

[0002] Sulfonylureas are a well-known and important class of herbicides, widely used to control a range of annual and perennial broadleaf weeds and grasses in various agricultural and horticultural crops, as well as turf, pasture, and non-agricultural crops. However, sulfonylurea compounds are known to be unstable, as they tend to hydrolyze via the cleavage of sulfonylurea bridges. While this instability is sometimes considered advantageous in achieving low soil residues of these compounds, it presents serious problems for the commercial storage stability of formulated products.

[0003] One approach to maintaining the stability of sulfonylurea herbicides is to formulate them as solid products. However, end users generally prefer liquid herbicide compositions over solid ones because liquids are easier to handle in metering, pumping, dilution, and dispersion in water, as well as in spraying operations, and often exhibit higher bioavailability. However, the tendency of sulfonylurea herbicides to hydrolyze in liquid compositions makes the development of stable liquid formulations a challenge.

[0004] The first step in imparting a degree of stability to sulfonylurea herbicides is to formulate them into non-aqueous formulations, such as dispersions (OD), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), or soluble concentrates (SL). However, these formulations typically require the presence of surfactants to disperse the sulfonylurea in the non-aqueous formulation or, after dilution with water, to disperse the non-aqueous solvent and sulfonylurea in the final canned mixture. Mixtures of different surfactants are often used to achieve these different objectives.

[0005] US 2005 / 113254 A1 describes a liquid formulation of a sulfonylurea with one or more safeners, wherein the sulfonylurea is selected from the group consisting of mesulfuron, thifensulfuron, benzylsulfuron, chlorsulfuron, and their salts and esters, and the safener is selected from the group consisting of mefenpyr, isoxadifen, cloquintocet, fenchlorazol, and their salts and esters. The primary surfactant used is a sulfosuccinate surfactant. WO 00 / 25586 A1 describes a liquid herbicide composition comprising a herbicide suspended or dissolved in a non-aqueous liquid phase, a sulfonylurea herbicide suspended in the non-aqueous liquid phase, and at least one surfactant, such as an alkylbenzene sulfonate, ethoxylated castor oil, or tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate. WO 2017 / 220680 A1 describes a liquid herbicide composition comprising a non-aqueous solvent system, at least one sulfonylurea herbicide, at least one inorganic lithium salt or C1-C12 organic lithium salt, and a surfactant (such as alkylbenzene sulfonate or ethoxylated sorbitan ester). WO 2012 / 175899 A1 describes a liquid herbicide composition comprising a herbicide pyrandione derivative, namely pyrimisulfuron or chlorpyrifos methyl ester, and a surfactant, such as alkylbenzene sulfonate, ethoxylated castor oil, or tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether.

[0006] The inventors have discovered that certain typical surfactants used can cause degradation of sulfonylurea herbicides in non-aqueous liquid formulations. The stability of sulfonylureas is significantly impaired when these surfactants are used as the main component of surfactant mixtures, or worse, when they are used with other surfactants that also cause degradation. Therefore, the inventors have sought a method to improve the stability of sulfonylurea herbicides in liquid compositions based on surfactant selection.

[0007] The inventors also discovered that the degree of degradation of sulfonylurea herbicides depends on the concentration of the sulfonylurea herbicide in the liquid composition. Degradation is more severe when the amount of sulfonylurea herbicide is low (e.g., less than 10% by weight in the liquid composition) compared to when sulfonylureas are present in relatively large quantities. While one way to reduce sulfonylurea degradation in the presence of the degrading surfactant is to increase its amount in the liquid composition, this is not always feasible. Sulfonylurea herbicides are very effective, and if formulated with other active agents (e.g., non-sulfonylurea herbicides), they typically need to be formulated in relatively small amounts. Therefore, the inventors sought a method to improve the stability of sulfonylurea herbicides in liquid compositions, even at low concentrations, based on the selection of surfactants. 3. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The inventors have surprisingly discovered that by using specific combinations of surfactants, the degradation of sulfonylurea herbicides (even in small amounts) can be reduced or completely avoided, thus achieving the present invention. For the purposes of this invention, surfactants are classified into "surfactant classes" based on shared or common chemical structures. The inventors have found that if a combination of two or more surfactants from these different surfactant classes is used, and if the majority of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition comes from a defined surfactant class, the degradation of sulfonylurea herbicides can be significantly reduced or eliminated, even in low amounts.

[0009] This invention relates to a liquid herbicide composition comprising: a non-aqueous solvent system; one or more sulfonylurea herbicides, wherein at least one sulfonylurea herbicide is present in the liquid composition at an amount of less than 10% by weight; and two or more surfactants; and is characterized in that:

[0010] The total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition comprises 80% to 100% by weight of surfactants selected from surfactant classes 1-14 listed below; and

[0011] At least two different surfactant classes 1-14 each constitute more than 10% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition:

[0012] Category 1 alkyl-terminated fatty alcohol alkoxylates;

[0013] Category 2 consists of nitrogen-free alkylbenzene sulfonates that resist counterions;

[0014] Category 3 metal stearates;

[0015] Category 4: Fatty acid-polyalkylene glycol ABA-block copolymers;

[0016] Category 5: Fatty alcohol alkoxylates;

[0017] Category 6: Fatty acid alkoxylates;

[0018] Category 7 Ethoxylated castor oil;

[0019] Category 8: Dehydrated sorbitol esters;

[0020] Category 9: Ethoxylated sorbitol esters;

[0021] Category 10: EO / PO / EO block copolymers;

[0022] Category 11 Tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether;

[0023] Category 12 contains nitrogen-free, counterionic tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate;

[0024] Category 13 contains nitrogen-free, counterionic tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate; and

[0025] Category 14 consists of ethoxylated alkyl phosphates that do not contain nitrogen-containing counterions.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, surfactant categories 1-4 together account for 60% to 90% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition, and surfactant categories 5-14 each account for 10% to 40% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition.

[0027] The present invention also relates to the use of a combination of two surfactants from the two different surfactant classes described above for improving the stability of sulfonylurea herbicides in the liquid herbicide compositions of the present invention. 4. Detailed Implementation

[0028] 4.1 General Notes

[0029] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “includes,” “has,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a composition comprising a list of components is not necessarily limited to those components, but may include other components not specifically listed or inherent to such a composition. In other words, the terms “comprises,” “includes,” “has,” or any other variations thereof also cover the disclosed embodiments that do not have additional components (i.e., consist of these components).

[0030] Furthermore, the word "a" (indefinite articles "a" and "an") preceding an element or component of the invention is intended to be non-limiting in terms of the number of instances (i.e., the number of times) of the element or component. Thus, "a" ("a" or "an") should be interpreted as including one or at least one, and the singular form of an element or component also includes the plural, unless the number clearly indicates a singular.

[0031] Furthermore, when one aspect of the invention is described as "preferred," it should be understood that this preferred aspect of the invention can be combined with other preferred aspects of the invention.

[0032] 4.2 Liquid Composition

[0033] The herbicide composition of this invention is a liquid. "Liquid" means that the composition is in liquid form at standard temperature and pressure. Suitable liquid compositions for use in this invention include non-aqueous liquid formulations as defined in the "Catalogue of pesticide formulation types and international coding system", Technical Monograph 2, 6th Edition, May 2008, CropLife International. Exemplary liquid compositions for use in this invention include dispersible concentrates (DC), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), liquid portions of solid / liquid (KK) or liquid / liquid (KL) packages, oil dispersions (OD), oil-miscible flowable concentrates (OF), oil-mixed liquids (OL), oil-based soluble concentrates (SL), spreadable oils (SO), oil-based ultra-low volume liquids (UL) or suspensions (SU), or any other non-aqueous liquid (AL) not specifically coded in the CropLife monograph. Among these, oil dispersions (OD), dispersible concentrates (DC), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), and oil-based soluble concentrates (SL) are preferred. These and other formulations are known in the art and described, for example, in Wade van Valkenburg’s “Pesticide Formulations” (1973) and Alan Knowles’ edited “New Trends in Crop Protection Formulations” (2013).

[0034] This invention is particularly suitable for improving the chemical stability of sulfonylureas in oil dispersions (OD), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), and soluble concentrates (SL). Therefore, these types of formulations are most preferred in this invention. The term "oil dispersion" should be understood to mean a dispersion concentrate based on a non-aqueous solvent in which one or more solid active compounds are suspended, and wherein other active ingredients are optionally dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent. In one embodiment, at least one sulfonylurea compound is suspended in a non-aqueous solvent system. Additional sulfonylurea compounds may be co-suspended and / or dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent system. In addition to one or more sulfonylurea compounds, one or more non-sulfonylurea herbicidal compounds may be suspended and / or dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent system.

[0035] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "suspension" and "dissolved" shall be used in their usual sense within the art. Whether a compound is suspended or dissolved can be determined at standard temperature and pressure. For the avoidance of any doubt, the term "suspension" may mean that 80% by weight or more, preferably 90% by weight or more, even more preferably 95% by weight or more of the compound in question is suspended in a liquid composition, while the term "dissolved" may mean that 90% by weight or more, preferably 95% by weight or more, even more preferably 99% by weight or more of the compound in question is dissolved in a liquid composition.

[0036] 4.3 Non-aqueous solvent systems

[0037] The compositions of the present invention comprise a non-aqueous solvent system. The term "non-aqueous solvent system" means that one or more solvents other than water (e.g., organic solvents) are used as the liquid carrier in the liquid composition. This does not mean that the solvent system must be completely free of water. Trace amounts of water may be present in the components used to prepare the non-aqueous solvent system. For example, trace amounts of water may be introduced into the solvent system via organic solvents, surfactants, or salts used to prepare the liquid herbicide composition. Although the term "non-aqueous solvent system" is clear in the art (e.g., OD, EC, and SL employ non-aqueous solvent systems), to avoid any doubt, it can be understood that the term means that the amount of water contained in the liquid composition is 5% by weight or less, preferably 3% by weight or less, more preferably 2% by weight, and most preferably 1% by weight or less.

[0038] Sulfonylurea herbicides are dissolved, dispersed, suspended, or otherwise contained in a non-aqueous solvent system. Typical solvents are described in Marsden's Solvents Guide, 2nd Edition, Interscience, New York, 1950. The non-aqueous solvent system preferably contains one or more aprotic organic solvents as the main component of the solvent system. The stability of sulfonylureas is significantly improved when the amount of the aprotic solvent in the solvent system is 50% by weight or more. Preferably, one or more aprotic solvents constitute 60% by weight or more, 70% by weight or more, 80% by weight or more, and most preferably 90% by weight or more of the solvent system. Aprotic organic solvents suitable for use in this invention include, for example, those listed under "Component (C)" in US 2005 / 0113254 (Bayer Crop Science GmbH):

[0039] (1) Hydrocarbons, which may be unsubstituted or substituted, for example

[0040] (1a) Aromatic hydrocarbons, such as mono- or polyalkyl-substituted benzenes, such as toluene, xylene, mesitylene, ethylbenzene, or mono- or polyalkyl-substituted naphthalenes, such as 1-methylnaphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, or dimethylnaphthalene, or other benzene-derived aromatic hydrocarbons, such as indene dihydrogen benzoate or or a mixture thereof,

[0041] (1b) Aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as straight-chain or branched aliphatic compounds, such as formula C n H 2n+2 Examples include pentane, hexane, octane, 2-methylbutane, or 2,2,4-trimethylpentane; or cyclic, optionally alkyl-substituted aliphatic compounds, such as cyclohexane or methylcyclopentane, or mixtures thereof, for example... D series series or A series of solvents, such as 82 (ExxonMobil Chemicals), or IP series or G series (Total FinaElf); and straight-chain, branched or cyclic unsaturated aliphatic compounds containing terpenes, such as turpentine oil and its components (e.g., pinene, camphene), and compounds derived therefrom, such as isobornyl acetate (exo-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl acetate),

[0042] (1c) A mixture of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, for example A series of solvents, such as 100 150 or 200 (ExxonMobil Chemicals) Series (TotalFinaElf) or A series of solvents, such as 28 (Petrochem Carless), or

[0043] (1d) Halogenated hydrocarbons, such as halogenated aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as chlorobenzene or dichloromethane;

[0044] (2) Non-protic polar solvents, such as ethers and esters of mono-, di-, or polyfunctional C1-C9 alkyl acids, such as their mono-, di-, or tri-esters, for example, C1-C9... 18 Alkyl alcohols, ketones with low tautomerization tendency, phosphate esters, amides, nitriles or sulfones, such as tri-2-ethylhexyl phosphate, diisobutyl adipate, RPDE (Rhodia), cyclohexanone, PC (Huntsman), γ-butyrolactone, pyrrolidone solvents such as N-methylpyrrolidone or N-butylpyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide, acetonitrile, tributyl phosphate, or PO series (Clariant);

[0045] (3) Fatty acid esters from the following sources: for example, natural sources, such as natural oils (e.g., animal or vegetable oils), or synthetic sources, such as... Series such as MEPa or MESU, or ME series or AE series (Cognis), ME series (Salim), Series such as 30167(ICI), Series such as 1530 (Petrofina), C series (Stepan) or 23 series (Witco). Fatty acid esters are preferably C. 10 -C 22 Fatty acids, preferably C 12 -C 20 Fatty acid esters. C 10 -C 22 Fatty acid esters are esters of acids such as unsaturated or saturated C. 10 -C 22 Fatty acids, especially those with an even number of carbon atoms, such as erucic acid, lauric acid, and palmitic acid, particularly C... 18 Fatty acids, such as stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, or linolenic acid.

[0046] Fatty acid esters such as C 10 -C 22 Examples of fatty acid esters are fatty acids such as C. 10 -C 22 glycerol and glycol esters of fatty acids or their transesterification products, such as alkyl fatty acid esters like C 10 -C 22 Fatty acid C1-C 20 Alkyl esters, which may be, for example, glycerol or ethylene glycol fatty acid esters (such as C... 10 -C 22 Fatty acid esters and C1-C 20 Obtained by transesterification of alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol, propanol, or butanol). Preferred fatty acid alkyl esters (e.g., C42-C ... 10 -C 22 Fatty acid C1-C 20Alkyl esters are methyl esters, ethyl esters, propyl esters, butyl esters, 2-ethylhexyl esters, and dodecyl esters. Preferred are ethylene glycol and glycerol fatty acid esters (such as C...). 10 -C 22 Fatty acid esters, especially fatty acids with an even number of carbon atoms, such as erucic acid, lauric acid, and palmitic acid, particularly C... 18 Fatty acids, such as stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, or linolenic acid, are C 10 -C 22 A homogeneous or mixed mixture of ethylene glycol esters and glycerides of fatty acids.

[0047] Animal oils and vegetable oils are well-known and commercially available. For the purposes of this invention, the term "animal oil" may be understood to mean oils of animal origin, such as whale oil, cod liver oil, musk oil, or mink oil, while the term "vegetable oil" may be understood to mean oils of oil-producing plant species, such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, palm oil, thistle oil, walnut oil, peanut oil, olive oil, or castor oil, especially rapeseed oil, wherein vegetable oils also include their transesterification products, such as alkyl esters, such as rapeseed oil methyl ester or rapeseed oil ethyl ester.

[0048] Vegetable oil is preferably C 10 -C 22 Fatty acids, preferably C 12 -C 20 Fatty acid esters. C 10 -C 22 Fatty acid esters are, for example, unsaturated or saturated carbon atoms, particularly those with an even number of carbon atoms. 10 -C 22 Fatty acid esters, C 10 -C 22 Fatty acids such as erucic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, and especially C 18 Fatty acids, such as stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, or linolenic acid. Examples of vegetable oils are glycerol or ethylene glycol with C... 10 -C 22 C of fatty acids 10 -C 22 Fatty acid esters, or C 10 -C 22 Fatty acid C1-C 20 Alkyl esters, which may be, for example, derived from the above-mentioned glycerol or ethylene glycol C 10 -C 22 Fatty acid esters and C1-C 20 It is obtained by transesterification of alcohols (such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, or butanol). Vegetable oils can be included in the mixture in the following forms: commercially available vegetable oils, particularly rapeseed oil (such as rapeseed oil methyl ester), for example... B (Novance, France) MESU and ME series (Cognis, Germany) Series (ICI), Petrofina or biodiesel, or commercially available formulation additives containing vegetable oils, particularly rapeseed oil-based formulation additives (such as rapeseed oil methyl ester), for example... (Victoria Chemical Company, Australia) B (Novance, France) (Bayer AG, Germany) (Stefes, Germany) or (Stefes, Germany)

[0049] Examples of synthetic esters are, for example, esters derived from fatty acids having an odd number of carbon atoms, such as C... 11 -C 21 Fatty acid esters.

[0050] Preferred organic solvents are: hydrocarbons, particularly aromatic hydrocarbons and / or aliphatic hydrocarbons; and fatty acid esters, such as vegetable oils, for example, triglycerides of fatty acids having 10 to 22 carbon atoms that may be saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched and may or may not carry other functional groups, such as corn oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, soybean oil, coconut oil, palm oil, thistle oil or castor oil, and their transesterification products, such as fatty acid alkyl esters, and mixtures thereof.

[0051] Preferred solvents for use in this invention include: linear or branched C6-C30 paraffin oils, such as hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane, undecane, dodecane, tridecane, tetradecane, pentadecane, hexadecane, mixtures thereof, or mixtures thereof with their higher-boiling-point homologues, such as heptadecane, octadecane, nonadecane, eicosane, dodecane, tridecane, tetradecane, pentadecane, and their branched isomers; aromatic and alicyclic solvents, which may be unsubstituted or substituted C7-C18 hydrocarbon compounds, such as mono- or polyalkyl-substituted benzene or mono- or polyalkyl-substituted naphthalene; and vegetable oils such as liquid triglycerides, such as olive oil, kapok oil, castor oil, and papaya oil. Camellia oil, palm oil, sesame oil, corn oil, rice bran oil, peanut oil, walnut oil, coconut oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, tung oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, or their transesterification products such as alkyl esters, such as rapeseed oil methyl ester or rapeseed oil ethyl ester; animal oils, such as whale oil, cod liver oil, or mink oil; liquid esters of C1-C12 monohydric or polyhydric alcohols (such as butanol, n-octanol, isooctanol, dodecyl alcohol, cyclopentanol, cyclohexanol, cyclooctanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or benzyl alcohol) with C2-C10 carboxylic acids or polycarboxylic acids (such as hexanoic acid, decanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, succinic acid, and glutaric acid) or with aromatic carboxylic acids (benzoic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, and phthalic acid). Therefore, the esters that can be used in the compositions of the present invention are, for example, benzyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, isobornyl acetate, ethyl nonanoate, methyl or ethyl benzoate, methyl, propyl or butyl salicylate, diesters of phthalic acid with saturated aliphatic or alicyclic C1-C12 alcohols, such as dimethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, diisooctyl phthalate; liquid amides of C1-C3 amines, alkylamines or alkanolamines with C6-C18 carboxylic acids; or mixtures thereof.

[0052] The presence of a non-aqueous solvent system allows it to be used as a liquid carrier for other components present in the composition. Preferably, the amount of organic solvent contained in the non-aqueous solvent system is at least 5% by weight, based on the weight of the composition. When other components in the composition are also liquids (e.g., liquid herbicides and / or liquid emulsifiers), a small amount of organic solvent may be used. More preferably, the amount of organic solvent contained in the non-aqueous solvent system is at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, or at least 40% by weight of the composition. Preferably, the amount of organic solvent contained in the non-aqueous solvent system is less than 95% by weight of the composition. More preferably, the amount of organic solvent contained in the non-aqueous solvent system is less than 90%, less than 85%, less than 80%, less than 75%, or less than 60% by weight of the composition. Any disclosed lower weight percentage limit for the amount of organic solvent in the non-aqueous solvent system may be combined with any disclosed upper weight percentage limit to further define a weight percentage range suitable for the purposes of this invention. As an example, exemplary ranges for the amount of organic solvent in the composition include 5% to 95% by weight, 10% to 90% by weight, 20% to 80% by weight, 30% to 60% by weight, 40% to 60% by weight, 10% to 75% by weight, and 20% to 60% by weight, all based on the weight of the liquid herbicide composition.

[0053] When more than one organic solvent is present in the composition, the amounts described herein refer to the total amount of all organic solvents present in the composition.

[0054] Based on the weight of the liquid composition, the total amount of protonated organic solvents, such as alcohols, amines, and carboxylic acids, is preferably kept below 20% by weight. More preferably, the total amount of protonated organic solvents is below 15% by weight, below 10% by weight, below 5% by weight, below 2% by weight, or below 1% by weight of the composition. When more than one protonated solvent is present in the composition, the amounts described herein refer to the total amount of all protonated solvents present in the composition.

[0055] 4.4 Sulfonylurea

[0056] The liquid composition of the present invention comprises at least one sulfonylurea herbicide, wherein the content of the sulfonylurea herbicide is less than 10% by weight based on the weight of the liquid composition. The sulfonylurea is not particularly limited and can be any herbicidal sulfonylurea known in the art or described in patent literature. For example, the sulfonylurea can be selected from those listed in the 16th edition of "The Pesticide Manual" (ISBN-10:190139686X). As a general structure, the sulfonylurea can be a compound of formula (1) as described in WO 2007 / 027863 A2 (EIDuPont De Nemours and Company):

[0057]

[0058] Where J is R 13 SO2N(CH3)- or J can be selected from the following groups:

[0059]

[0060]

[0061] And among them,

[0062] R is H or CH3;

[0063] R 1 It is F, Cl, Br, NO2, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 haloalkyl, C3-C4 cycloalkyl, C2-C4 haloalkenyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 haloalkoxy, C2-C4 alkoxyalkoxy, CO2R 14 C(O)NR 15 R 16 SO2NR 17 R 18 S(O) n R 19 C(O)R 20 CH2CN or L;

[0064] R 2 It is H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, CH3, OCH3, SCH3, CF3 or OCF2H;

[0065] R 3 It is Cl, NO2, CO2CH3, CO2CH2CH3, C(O)CH3, C(O)CH2CH3, C(O)-cyclopropyl, SO2N(CH3)2, SO2CH3, SO2CH2CH3, OCH3 or OCH2CH3;

[0066] R4 It is a C1-C3 alkyl, C1-C2 haloalkyl, C1-C2 alkoxy, C2-C4 haloalkenyl; F, Cl, Br, NO2, CO2R 14 C(O)NR 15 R 16 SO2NR 17 R 18 S(O) n R 19 C(O)R 20 Or L;

[0067] R 5 It is H, F, Cl, Br, or CH3;

[0068] R 6 It is a C1-C3 alkyl group, optionally substituted with 0 to 3 F, 0 to 1 Cl and 0 to 1 C3-C4 alkoxyacetoxy, or R. 6 It is C1-C2 alkoxy, C2-C4 haloalkenyl, F, Cl, Br, CO2R 14 C(O)NR 15 R 16 SO2NR 17 R 18 S(O) n R 19 C(O)R 20 Or L;

[0069] R 7 It is H, F, Cl, CH3 or CF3;

[0070] R 8 It is H, C1-C3 alkyl or pyridinyl;

[0071] R 9 It is C1-C3 alkyl, C1-C2 alkoxy, F, Cl, Br, NO2, CO2R 14 SO2NR 17 R 18 S(O) n R 19 OCF2H, C(O)R 20 C2-C4 haloalkenyl or L;

[0072] R 10 It is H, Cl, F, Br, C1-C3 alkyl or C1-C2 alkoxy;

[0073] R 11 It is H, C1-C3 alkyl, C1-C2 alkoxy, C2-C4 haloalkenyl, F, Cl, Br, CO2R 14 C(O)NR15 R 16 SO2NR 17 R 18 S(O) n R 19 C(O)R 20 Or L;

[0074] R 12 It is a halogen, C1-C4 alkyl or C1-C3 alkylsulfonyl group;

[0075] R 13 It is a C1-C4 alkyl group;

[0076] R 14 The group consisting of allyl, propargyl, oxetyl-3-yl and optionally substituted C1-C3 alkyl groups independently selected from at least one member selected from halogen, C1-C2 alkoxy and CN;

[0077] R 15 It is H, C1-C3 alkyl or C1-C2 alkoxy;

[0078] R 16 It is a C1-C2 alkyl group;

[0079] R 17 It is H, C1-C3 alkyl, C1-C2 alkoxy, allyl, or cyclopropyl;

[0080] R 18 It is an H or C1-C3 alkyl group;

[0081] R 19 It is a C1-C3 alkyl, C1-C3 haloalkyl, allyl, or propynyl;

[0082] R 20 It is a C1-C4 alkyl, a C1-C4 haloalkyl, or optionally a C3-C5 cycloalkyl with halogenated components;

[0083] n is 0, 1, or 2;

[0084] L is

[0085]

[0086] L 1 It is CH2, NH or O;

[0087] R 21 Selected from the group consisting of H and C1-C3 alkyl groups;

[0088] X is selected from the following group: H, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 haloalkoxy, C1-C4 haloalkyl, C1-C4 haloalkylthio, C1-C4 alkylthio, halogen, C2-C5 alkoxyalkyl, C2-C5 alkoxyalkoxy, amino, C1-C3 alkylamino and di(C1-C3 alkyl)amino;

[0089] Y is selected from the group consisting of: H, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 haloalkoxy, C1-C4 alkylthio, C1-C4 haloalkylthio, C2-C5 alkoxyalkyl, C2-C5 alkoxyalkoxy, amino, C1-C3 alkylamino, di(C1-C3 alkyl)amino, C3-C4 alkenoxy, C3-C4 alkynoxy, C2-C5 alkylthioalkyl, C2-C5 alkylsulfinylalkyl, C2-C5 alkylsulfonylalkyl, C1-C4 haloalkyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C5 cycloalkyl, azide, and cyano; and

[0090] Z is selected from the following groups: CH and N;

[0091] The conditions are: (i) when X and / or Y are C1 haloalkoxy groups, then Z is CH; and (ii) when X is a halogen, then Z is CH, and Y is OCH3, OCH2CH3, N(OCH3)CH3, NHCH3, N(CH3)2 or CF2H.

[0092] In formula (1) above, the term "alkyl" used alone or in compound terms such as "alkylthio" or "halogenated alkyl" includes straight-chain or branched alkyl groups, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, or various butyl isomers; "cycloalkyl" includes, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, and cyclopentyl; "alkenyl" includes straight-chain or branched alkenes, such as vinyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, and various butenyl isomers; "alkenyl" also includes polyenes, such as 1,2-propadienyl and 2,4-butadiene. "Alkenyl"; "alkynyl" includes straight-chain or branched alkynes, such as ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, and various butynyl isomers; "alkynyl" may also include a portion consisting of multiple triple bonds, such as 2,5-hexadiynyl; "alkoxy" includes, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, and various butoxy isomers; "alkoxyalkyl" indicates alkoxy substitution on an alkyl group, examples of which include CH3OCH2, CH3OCH2CH2, CH3CH2OCH2, CH3C H2CH2CH2OCH2 and CH3CH2OCH2CH2; "alkoxyalkoxy" indicates alkoxy substitution on an alkoxy group; "olefinoxy" includes a straight-chain or branched olefinoxy moiety, examples include H2C=CHCH2O, (CH3)CH=CHCH2O, and CH2=CHCH2CH2O; "alkynoxy" includes a straight-chain or branched alkynoxy moiety, examples include HC≡CCH2O and CH3C≡CCH2O; "alkylthio" includes a branched or straight-chain alkylthio group. Parts, such as methylthio, ethylthio, and various propylthio isomers; "alkylthioalkyl" indicates alkylthio substitution on an alkyl group, examples include CH3SCH2, CH3SCH2CH2, CH3CH2SCH2, CH3CH2CH2CH2SCH2, and CH3CH2SCH2CH2; "alkylsulfinylalkyl" and "alkylsulfonylalkyl" respectively include the corresponding sulfoxide and sulfone; other substituents such as "alkylamino" and "dialkylamino" are similarly defined.

[0093] In formula (1) above, the total number of carbon atoms in the substituents is indicated by the prefix "Ci-Cj", where i and j are numbers from 1 to 5. For example, C1-C4 alkyl represent methyl to butyl, including various isomers. As further examples, C2 alkoxyalkyl represents CH3OCH2; C3 alkoxyalkyl represents, for example, CH3CH(OCH3), CH3OCH2CH2, or CH3CH2OCH2; C4 alkoxyalkyl represents various isomers of alkyl groups substituted with alkoxy groups containing a total of 4 carbon atoms, examples including CH3CH2CH2OCH2 and CH3CH2OCH2CH2.

[0094] In formula (1) above, the term "halogen" alone or in the form of compound words such as "haloalkyl" includes fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. Furthermore, when used in the form of compound words such as "haloalkyl," the alkyl group may be partially or completely substituted with the same or different halogen atoms. Examples of "haloalkyl" include F3C, ClCH2, CF3CH2, and CF3CCl2. The terms "haloalkoxy" and "haloalkylthio" are defined similarly to the term "haloalkyl." Examples of "haloalkoxy" include CF3O, CCl3CH2O, HCF2CH2CH2O, and CF3CH2O. Examples of "haloalkylthio" include CCl3S, CF3S, CCl3CH2S, and ClCH2CH2CH2S.

[0095] For this invention, the preferred sulfonylurea of ​​formula (1) includes those comprising, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 haloalkoxy, halogen, and di(C1-C3 alkyl)amino, and Y is selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, and C1-C4 haloalkoxy. More preferably, X is selected from CH3, OCH3, Cl, OCHF2, and N(CH3)2, and Y is selected from CH3, OCH3, OCHF2, and OCH2CF3.

[0096] The preferred sulfonylurea of ​​formula (1) further includes the following sulfonylurea: where J is J-1, R 1 It is Cl, CO2CH3, CO2C2H5, CH2CH2CF3 or OCH2CH2Cl, and R 2 It is H; J is J-1, R 1 It is CO2CH3, and R 2 It is CH3; J is J-2, R 3 It is CO2C2H5, OCH2CH3 or COC3-cycloalkyl, L 1 It is CH2, O or NH, and R 2 It's H; J is J-5, R 4 It is CO2CH3, and R 5 It's H; J is J-6, R 6 It is CON(CH3)2, SO2CH2CH3 or CF3, and R 7 It's H; J is J-10, R 8 It is CH3, R 9 It is CO2CH3, and R 10 It is Cl.

[0097] For the purposes of this invention, sulfonylureas of formula (1) or any illustrative sulfonylureas mentioned herein should be understood to refer to all commonly used forms in the art, such as acids, esters, salts, and isomers. In this invention, salts include acid addition salts with inorganic or organic acids such as hydrobromic acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, oxalic acid, propionic acid, salicylic acid, tartaric acid, 4-toluenesulfonic acid, or valeric acid. Salts formed with organic bases (e.g., pyridine, ammonia, or triethylamine) or inorganic bases (e.g., hydrides, hydroxides, or carbonates of sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, or barium) are also included. Preferred salts of sulfonylureas of formula (1) or illustrative sulfonylureas mentioned herein include lithium, sodium, potassium, triethylammonium, and quaternary ammonium salts. Preferred esters for the purposes of this invention are alkyl esters, particularly C1-C… 10 Alkyl esters, such as methyl esters and ethyl esters.

[0098] The sulfonylureas that can be used in exemplary formula (1) of the present invention include:

[0099] Amidosulfuron (N-[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-N-methylmethanesulfonamide),

[0100] Azimsulfuron (N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]-carbonyl]-1-methyl-4-(2-methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-sulfonamide)

[0101] Benzulofuron-methyl (2-[[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]-sulfonyl]methyl]benzoate),

[0102] Chlorimuron-ethyl (2-[[[[(4-chloro-6-methoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate),

[0103] Chlorsulfuron (2-chloro-N-[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]benzenesulfonamide),

[0104] Cinosulfuron (N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)-benzenesulfonamide),

[0105] Cyclosulfamuron (N-[[[2-(cyclopropylcarbonyl)phenyl]amino]-sulfonyl]-N 1 -(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)urea),

[0106] ethametsulfuron-methyl (2-[[[[[4-ethoxy-6-(methylamino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]carbonyl]amino]-sulfonyl]benzoate),

[0107] ethoxysulfuron ([[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)-amino]carbonyl]aminosulfonic acid 2-ethoxyphenyl ester),

[0108] Flazasulfuron (N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinesulfonyl),

[0109] Flucetosulfuron (l-[3-[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)-amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-2-pyridyl]-2-fluoropropylmethoxyacetate),

[0110] Flupyrsulfuron-methyl (2-[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pyridinecarboxymethyl ester),

[0111] Foramsulfuron (2-[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-4-(formamido)-N,N-dimethylbenzamide),

[0112] Halosulfuron-methyl (3-chloro-5-[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-l-methyl-lH-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester),

[0113] Imazosulfuron (2-chloro-N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-sulfonamide),

[0114] iodosulfuron-methyl (4-iodo-2-[[[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate),

[0115] Iofensulfuron (2-iodo-N-[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]benzenesulfonamide),

[0116] Mesosulfuron-methyl (2-[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]-sulfonyl]-4-[[(methanesulfonyl)amino]methyl]benzoate),

[0117] Metazosulfuron (3-chloro-4-(5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-1,4,2-dioxazin-3-yl)-N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-5-sulfonamide)

[0118] Methyl mesulfuron-methyl (2-[[[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate),

[0119] Nicosulfuron (2-[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-N,N-dimethyl-3-pyridinecarboxamide),

[0120] orthosulfamuron (2-[[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]amino]-N,N-dimethylbenzamide),

[0121] oxasulfuron (2-[[[[(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate 3-oxacyclobutyl ester),

[0122] primisulfuron-methyl (2-[[[[[4,6-bis(trifluoromethoxy)-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate),

[0123] Prosulfuron (N-[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]-2-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)benzenesulfonamide),

[0124] Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl (5-[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxyethyl),

[0125] Rimsulfuron (N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]-3-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-pyridinesulfonamide),

[0126] sulfometuron-methyl (2-[[[[(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-benzoate),

[0127] sulfosulfuron (N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]-2-(ethylsulfonyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-sulfonamide),

[0128] Thifensulfuron-methyl (3-[[[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-2-thiencarboxylic acid methyl ester),

[0129] Triasulfuron (2-(2-chloroethoxy)-N-[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]benzenesulfonamide),

[0130] Tribenuron-methyl (2-[[[[N-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-N-methylamino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate),

[0131] Trifloxysulfuron (N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-2-pyridinesulfonamide)

[0132] Triflusulfuron-methyl (methyl 2-[[[[[4-dimethylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]carbonyl]amino]-sulfonyl]-3-methylbenzoate), and

[0133] Tritosulfuron (N-[[[4-methoxy-6-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]carbonyl]-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfonamide).

[0134] Other sulfonylureas mentioned in the art (e.g., propyrisulfuron: 2-chloro-N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]-6-propylimidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine-3-sulfonamide) may also be used in this invention.

[0135] Preferred salts of the above-mentioned sulfonylureas include their sodium salt and their potassium salt.

[0136] Based on the total weight of the liquid composition of the present invention, the liquid composition preferably contains at least 0.1% by weight of at least one sulfonylurea. More preferably, the amount of sulfonylurea contained is at least 0.2% by weight, at least 0.5% by weight, at least 0.7% by weight, at least 1% by weight, or at least 2% by weight. It has been found that increasing the amount of sulfonylurea can improve its chemical stability. The presence of at least one sulfonylurea is 10% by weight or less, preferably 8% by weight or less, 6% by weight or less, 5% by weight or less, 3% by weight or less, or 2% by weight or less. Reducing the amount of sulfonylurea allows it to be formulated with other less active ingredients that must be present in relatively large amounts. Any preferred lower weight percentage of the amount of sulfonylurea can be combined with any preferred upper weight percentage to determine a more suitable weight percentage range for the present invention. As an example, further exemplary ranges of the amount of at least one sulfonylurea in the liquid composition include 0.1 wt% to 10 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 10 wt%, 1 wt% to 10 wt%, 2 wt% to 10 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 8 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 5 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 3 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 2 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 3 wt%, and 0.5 wt% to 2 wt%.

[0137] The composition may include more than one sulfonylurea herbicide, wherein at least one sulfonylurea herbicide is present in an amount of less than 10% by weight based on the liquid composition, and preferably in the amount described in the preceding paragraph. Additional sulfonylurea herbicides in the composition may be present in any actual amount. When the liquid composition includes more than one sulfonylurea herbicide, the total amount of sulfonylurea herbicide in the liquid composition is preferably less than 30% by weight. More preferably, the total amount of sulfonylurea herbicide in the liquid composition is less than 25% by weight, less than 20% by weight, or less than 10% by weight. The total amount of sulfonylurea herbicide in the liquid composition can be from 0.1 wt% to 30 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 25 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 20 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 10 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 30 wt%, 1 wt% to 20 wt%, 2 wt% to 10 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 8 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 5 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 3 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 2 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 3 wt%, and 0.5 wt% to 2 wt%.

[0138] When sulfonylureas are used in modified forms (such as their salts or esters), the amounts described herein as weight % refer to the weight of the modified sulfonylurea.

[0139] When the liquid composition is an oil dispersion of sulfonylurea, it is preferred that the sulfonylurea, present in an amount of 10% by weight or less, has a particle size (D50) of at least 100 nm, at least 200 nm, at least 500 nm, at least 1 μm, at least 2 μm, or at least 3 μm, because particle sizes smaller than these may generate excessive heat during milling and may degrade the sulfonylurea. Preferably, the sulfonylurea particle size (D50) is less than 30 μm, less than 15 μm, less than 10 μm, less than 7 μm, less than 5 μm, less than 3 μm, less than 1 μm, or less than 500 nm. Any preferred lower limit of the sulfonylurea particle size can be combined with any preferred upper limit to further define the suitable particle size range of the present invention. As examples, other exemplary ranges for the particle size (D50) of sulfonylureas include 0.1 μm to 30 μm, 0.2 μm to 15 μm, 0.5 μm to 10 μm, 0.1 μm to 0.5 μm, 0.2 μm to 1 μm, 0.5 μm to 3 μm, 1 μm to 15 μm, 1 μm to 10 μm, 1 μm to 7 μm, 2 μm to 15 μm, 2 μm to 10 μm, 2 μm to 7 μm, 3 μm to 15 μm, 3 μm to 10 μm, and 3 μm to 7 μm. D50 refers to the volume median particle size and can be determined by laser scattering using the method described in CIPAC MT187.

[0140] As described above, the liquid compositions of the present invention may contain more than one sulfonylurea herbicide compound. The liquid compositions may contain any combination of sulfonylureas as disclosed herein. For example, the liquid composition may contain less than 10% by weight of bensulfuron-methyl and any other sulfonylureas described herein; the liquid composition may contain less than 10% by weight of mesosulfuron-methyl and any other sulfonylureas described herein; the liquid composition may contain less than 10% by weight of nicosulfuron and any other sulfonylureas described herein; the liquid composition may contain less than 10% by weight of iodosulfuron and any other sulfonylureas described herein; or the liquid composition may contain less than 10% by weight of chlorpyrifos methyl and any other sulfonylureas described herein. Other exemplary combinations of sulfonylureas used in this invention include: pyrimisulfuron and iodosulfuron (optionally sodium salts); nicosulfuron and pyrimisulfuron; nicosulfuron and thifensulfuron; nicosulfuron and flupropsulfuron; mesosulfuron methyl ester and iodosulfuron methyl ester (optionally sodium salts); mesosulfuron methyl ester and sulfonylsulfuron; mesosulfuron methyl ester and thifensulfuron methyl ester; mesosulfuron methyl ester and bensulfuron methyl ester; mesosulfuron methyl ester and chlorsulfuron; mesosulfuron methyl ester and chlorsulfuron ethyl ester; mesosulfuron methyl ester and benzylsulfuron methyl ester; benzylsulfuron methyl ester and benzylsulfuron methyl ester; benzylsulfuron methyl ester and thifensulfuron methyl ester; mesosulfuron methyl ester, benzylsulfuron methyl ester and thifensulfuron methyl ester; benzylsulfuron methyl ester and chlorsulfuron ethyl ester; benzylsulfuron methyl ester Methyl sulfadiazine and mesosulfuron (optionally as methyl ester); bensulfuron-methyl and iosulfuron-methyl (optionally as sodium salt); iosulfuron-methyl (optionally as sodium salt) and mesosulfuron; iosulfuron-methyl (optionally as sodium salt) and mesosulfuron-methyl; iosulfuron-methyl (optionally as sodium salt) and pyrimisulfuron; iosulfuron-methyl (optionally as sodium salt) and formamide sulfonyl; iosulfuron (optionally as sodium salt) and iosulfuron; mesosulfuron (and / or as methyl ester) and iosulfuron-methyl; formamide sulfonyl and iosulfuron-methyl (optionally as sodium salt); pyrimisulfuron and thifensulfuron; bensulfuron-methyl and thifensulfuron-methyl; thifensulfuron-methyl and chlorimuron-ethyl. In the above combinations, based on the weight of the liquid composition, the amount of the sulfonylurea herbicide first mentioned in any given combination is less than 10% by weight. Alternatively, in the above combinations, the amount of the second mentioned sulfonylurea herbicide present is 10% by weight or less based on the weight of the liquid composition. In the case of the triple combination, the amount of the third mentioned sulfonylurea herbicide present is 10% by weight or less based on the weight of the liquid composition. In yet another embodiment, the amount of each sulfonylurea herbicide in the combinations listed above is 10% by weight or less based on the weight of the liquid composition.

[0141] Finally, while the liquid compositions of the present invention may comprise one or more of the sulfonylureas disclosed herein, it is also contemplated that the invention extends to liquid compositions that do not comprise one or more of the sulfonylureas disclosed herein. In other words, when the definition of a liquid composition disclosed herein (including liquid compositions as defined in the appended claims) does not expressly refer to a specific sulfonylurea, the invention extends to liquid compositions that do not contain that specific sulfonylurea, provided that at least one sulfonylurea is present in the liquid composition. For example, for any liquid composition defined herein that does not expressly require the presence of nicosulfuron and / or iosulfuron, the invention extends to liquid compositions that explicitly do not contain nicosulfuron and / or iosulfuron.

[0142] 4.5 Surfactants

[0143] The total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition of the present invention is preferably 5% by weight or more, and may be 7.5% by weight or more, 10% by weight or more, 12.5% ​​by weight or more, 15% by weight or more, 17.5% by weight or more, or 20% by weight or more. The total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition of the present invention is preferably 30% by weight or less, and may be 25% by weight or less, 20% by weight or less, 17.5% by weight or less, or 15% by weight or less. The preferred range of the total amount of surfactant includes combinations of any lower limit of 5% by weight or more, 7.5% by weight or more, 10% by weight or more, 12.5% ​​by weight or more, or 15% by weight or more, and an upper limit of 30% by weight or less, 25% by weight or less, or 20% by weight or less. For example, preferred ranges for the total amount of surfactant in a liquid composition include 5% to 30% by weight, 5% to 20% by weight, 7.5% to 30% by weight, 7.5% to 20% by weight, 10% to 30% by weight, 10% to 25% by weight, 10% to 20% by weight, 10% to 17.5% by weight, 10% to 15% by weight, 12.5% ​​to 30% by weight, 12.5% ​​to 25% by weight, 12.5% ​​to 20% by weight, 12.5% ​​to 17.5% by weight, 15% to 30% by weight, 15% to 25% by weight, and 15% to 20% by weight. It should be noted that commercially available surfactants are sometimes provided in a liquid carrier (such as an organic solvent). If this surfactant is used to prepare the liquid formulation of the present invention, the actual amount of surfactant (i.e., excluding the carrier or any other non-surfactant components) should be taken into account when calculating the total amount of surfactant in the composition.

[0144] The total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition comprises at least 80% to at most 100% by weight of surfactants selected from the following surfactant classes:

[0145] Category 1 alkyl-terminated fatty alcohol alkoxylates;

[0146] Category 2 consists of nitrogen-free alkylbenzene sulfonates that resist counterions;

[0147] Category 3 metal stearates;

[0148] Category 4: Fatty acid-polyalkylene glycol ABA-block copolymers;

[0149] Category 5: Fatty alcohol alkoxylates;

[0150] Category 6: Fatty acid alkoxylates;

[0151] Category 7 Ethoxylated castor oil;

[0152] Category 8: Dehydrated sorbitol esters;

[0153] Category 9: Ethoxylated sorbitol esters;

[0154] Category 10: EO / PO / EO block copolymers;

[0155] Category 11 Tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether;

[0156] Category 12 contains nitrogen-free, counterionic tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate;

[0157] Category 13 contains nitrogen-free, counterionic tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate; and

[0158] Category 14 consists of ethoxylated alkyl phosphates that do not contain nitrogen-containing counterions.

[0159] The inventors have discovered that the stability of sulfonylurea herbicides is significantly improved when at least 80% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition is composed of surfactants from categories 1-14 described above. This invention allows for the presence of other surfactants, although in relatively small quantities (up to 20% by weight of the total surfactants) compared to the total amount from surfactant categories 1-14. Allowing for a small amount of other surfactants provides greater flexibility to ensure the overall properties of the surfactants in the liquid composition meet desired requirements. In other words, the surfactant categories listed above provide sufficient flexibility to conform the overall surfactant properties of the liquid composition to meet commercial and practical purposes. Therefore, to further improve the stability of sulfonylureas, it is preferred that at least 85% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, even more preferably at least 95% by weight, and even more preferably 99% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition is composed of surfactants from the surfactant categories listed above; in other embodiments, all surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition are selected from surfactant categories 1-14 listed above.

[0160] The liquid composition comprises at least two different classes of surfactants 1-14, each class comprising at least 10% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. This ensures that the liquid composition contains a substantial amount of surfactants from two different classes. The inventors have found that combining two or more surfactant classes 1-14 can yield surfactant systems with better surfactant properties, which can be customized as needed, while improving the stability of sulfonylurea herbicides. For example, the liquid composition may comprise surfactants with good dispersibility (such as those in classes 1-4) and surfactants with good emulsifying properties (such as those in classes 5-14), thereby providing a composition with good dispersibility and emulsifying properties. For example, based on the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition, the liquid composition may comprise 70% by weight of a surfactant of class 1 and 10% by weight of a surfactant of class 8. In this example, 80% by weight of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant classes 1-14 (in this example, the remaining 20% ​​by weight of surfactant may be surfactants not belonging to classes 1-14, or may be surfactants belonging to classes 1-14, or may be a mixture of both). In this example, at least two different surfactant categories 1-14 each account for at least 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition (70% by weight for category 1; 10% by weight for category 8).

[0161] The liquid composition may contain three surfactants from three different surfactant classes 1-14, four surfactants from four different surfactant classes 1-14, or five surfactants from five different surfactant classes 1-14, and so on. In each of these cases, the combined amount of surfactants from surfactant classes 1-14 accounts for more than 80% by weight of the total surfactants, and at least two surfactant classes (or optionally all three, four, five, etc.) each account for more than 10% by weight of the total surfactants in the composition. For example, based on the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition, the liquid composition may contain 70% by weight of surfactants from class 1, 10% by weight of surfactants from class 8, and 5% by weight of surfactants from class 10. In this case, 85% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition are selected from surfactant classes 1-14, and at least two different surfactant classes 1-14 account for at least 10% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition (i.e., class 1 accounts for 70% by weight; class 8 accounts for 10% by weight). In this example, surfactant class 10 does not constitute at least 10% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition (it constitutes 5% by weight), but this is acceptable because at least two other surfactant classes (i.e., class 1 and class 8) each constitute more than 10% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. In one embodiment of the invention, the liquid composition may contain three surfactants from three different surfactant classes 1-14, four surfactants from four different surfactant classes 1-14, or five surfactants from five different surfactant classes 1-14, wherein each of the three, four, or five surfactant classes constitutes more than 10% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition.

[0162] The liquid composition may contain more than one surfactant in each surfactant class. In this case, each surfactant in the composition is counted in the total surfactant quantity, but the combined amount of surfactants from a particular class is counted in the contribution of that surfactant class to the total surfactant quantity in the composition. For example, the liquid composition may contain three surfactants from two different classes: 70% by weight of a first surfactant from class 1, 5% by weight of a second surfactant from class 8, and 5% by weight of a third surfactant from class 8. In this example, 80% by weight of the total surfactant quantity in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant classes 1-14, and at least two different surfactant classes 1-14 each account for at least 10% by weight of the total surfactant quantity in the liquid composition (i.e., class 1 accounts for 70% by weight; class 8 accounts for 10% by weight when considering the total surfactant quantity from class 8).

[0163] As described above, surfactant categories 1-4 tend to have good dispersing properties, while surfactant categories 5-14 tend to have good emulsifying properties. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 accounts for at least 10% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and at least one of surfactant categories 5-14 accounts for at least 10% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid. It should be understood that 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactants of categories 1-14.

[0164] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid composition wherein at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and at least one of surfactant categories 5-14 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 1-4 together account for 30% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and surfactant categories 5-14 together account for 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; it should be understood that 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. In this embodiment, it is preferred that surfactant categories 1-4 together account for 40% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and surfactant categories 5-14 each account for 10% to 60% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. More preferably, surfactant categories 1-4 together account for 50% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and surfactant categories 5-14 each account for 10% to 50% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. More preferably, surfactant categories 1-4 together comprise 60% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactant categories 5-14 each comprise 10% to 40% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. Even more preferably, surfactant categories 1-4 together comprise 70% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactant categories 5-14 each comprise 10% to 30% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. Surfactant categories 1-4 may even comprise 80% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactant categories 5-14 each comprise 10% to 20% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. In each of the above preferred embodiments, 80% to 100% by weight, preferably 90% to 100% by weight, of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. The inventors have found that the stability of sulfonylureas improves with increasing content of surfactants from categories 1-4.

[0165] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid composition wherein surfactant category 1 accounts for 30% to 90% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 5-14 together account for 10% to 70% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. It should be understood that at least one of surfactant categories 5-14 accounts for 10% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. In this embodiment, surfactant category 1 preferably accounts for 40% to 90% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, more preferably 50% to 90% of the total surfactant, even more preferably 60% to 90% of the total surfactant, even more preferably 70% to 90% of the total surfactant, and even up to 80% to 90% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactant categories 5-14 together account for 10% to 60% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, 10% to 50% of the total surfactant, 10% to 40% of the total surfactant, 10% to 30% of the total surfactant, and 10% to 20% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, respectively.

[0166] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid composition wherein surfactant category 2 comprises 30% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 5-14 comprise 10% to 70% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. It should be understood that at least one of surfactant categories 5-14 comprises 10% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. In this embodiment, surfactant category 2 preferably comprises 40% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, more preferably 50% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 60% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 70% to 90% by weight, and even up to 80% to 90% by weight, while surfactant categories 5-14 comprise 10% to 60% by weight, 10% to 50% by weight, 10% to 40% by weight, 10% to 30% by weight, and 10% to 20% by weight, respectively, of the total surfactant in the liquid composition.

[0167] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid composition wherein surfactant category 3 comprises 30% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 5-14 comprise 10% to 70% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. It should be understood that at least one of surfactant categories 5-14 comprises 10% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. In this embodiment, surfactant category 3 preferably comprises 40% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, more preferably 50% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 60% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 70% to 90% by weight, and even up to 80% to 90% by weight, while surfactant categories 5-14 comprise 10% to 60% by weight, 10% to 50% by weight, 10% to 40% by weight, 10% to 30% by weight, and 10% to 20% by weight, respectively, of the total surfactant in the liquid composition.

[0168] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid composition wherein surfactant category 4 comprises 30% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 5-14 comprise 10% to 70% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. It should be understood that at least one of surfactant categories 5-14 comprises 10% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. In this embodiment, surfactant category 4 preferably comprises 40% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, more preferably 50% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 60% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 70% to 90% by weight, and even up to 80% to 90% by weight, while surfactant categories 5-14 comprise 10% to 60% by weight, 10% to 50% by weight, 10% to 40% by weight, 10% to 30% by weight, and 10% to 20% by weight, respectively, of the total surfactant in the liquid composition.

[0169] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid composition wherein surfactant category 5 comprises 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 30% to 90% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. It should be understood that at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 comprises 10% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. In this embodiment, surfactant category 5 preferably comprises 10% to 60%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 40%, 10% to 30%, or 10% to 20% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 40% to 90%, 50% to 90%, 60% to 90%, 70% to 90%, or 80% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, respectively.

[0170] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid composition wherein surfactant category 6 comprises 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 30% to 90% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. It should be understood that at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 comprises 10% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. In this embodiment, surfactant category 6 preferably comprises 10% to 60%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 40%, 10% to 30%, or 10% to 20% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 40% to 90%, 50% to 90%, 60% to 90%, 70% to 90%, or 80% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, respectively.

[0171] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid composition wherein surfactant category 7 comprises 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 30% to 90% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. It should be understood that at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 comprises 10% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. In this embodiment, surfactant category 7 preferably comprises 10% to 60%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 40%, 10% to 30%, or 10% to 20% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 40% to 90%, 50% to 90%, 60% to 90%, 70% to 90%, or 80% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, respectively.

[0172] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid composition wherein surfactant category 8 comprises 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 30% to 90% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. It should be understood that at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 comprises 10% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. In this embodiment, surfactant category 8 preferably comprises 10% to 60%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 40%, 10% to 30%, or 10% to 20% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 40% to 90%, 50% to 90%, 60% to 90%, 70% to 90%, or 80% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, respectively.

[0173] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid composition wherein surfactant category 9 comprises 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 30% to 90% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. It should be understood that at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 comprises 10% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. In this embodiment, surfactant category 9 preferably comprises 10% to 60%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 40%, 10% to 30%, or 10% to 20% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 40% to 90%, 50% to 90%, 60% to 90%, 70% to 90%, or 80% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, respectively.

[0174] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid composition wherein surfactant category 10 comprises 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 30% to 90% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. It should be understood that at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 comprises 10% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. In this embodiment, surfactant category 10 preferably comprises 10% to 60%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 40%, 10% to 30%, or 10% to 20% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 40% to 90%, 50% to 90%, 60% to 90%, 70% to 90%, or 80% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, respectively.

[0175] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid composition wherein surfactant category 11 comprises 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 30% to 90% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. It should be understood that at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 comprises 10% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. In this embodiment, surfactant category 11 preferably comprises 10% to 60%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 40%, 10% to 30%, or 10% to 20% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 40% to 90%, 50% to 90%, 60% to 90%, 70% to 90%, or 80% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, respectively.

[0176] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid composition wherein surfactant category 12 comprises 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 30% to 90% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. It should be understood that at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 comprises 10% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. In this embodiment, surfactant category 12 preferably comprises 10% to 60%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 40%, 10% to 30%, or 10% to 20% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 40% to 90%, 50% to 90%, 60% to 90%, 70% to 90%, or 80% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, respectively.

[0177] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid composition wherein surfactant category 13 comprises 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 30% to 90% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. It should be understood that at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 comprises 10% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. In this embodiment, surfactant category 13 preferably comprises 10% to 60%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 40%, 10% to 30%, or 10% to 20% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 40% to 90%, 50% to 90%, 60% to 90%, 70% to 90%, or 80% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, respectively.

[0178] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a liquid composition wherein surfactant category 14 comprises 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 30% to 90% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. It should be understood that at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 comprises 10% or more of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. In this embodiment, surfactant category 14 preferably comprises 10% to 60%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 40%, 10% to 30%, or 10% to 20% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 40% to 90%, 50% to 90%, 60% to 90%, 70% to 90%, or 80% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, respectively.

[0179] The surfactant categories of the invention listed above will now be described in more detail, with illustrative examples of each category provided. It should be understood that, for any embodiment described to date, the invention also relates to those embodiments in which the surfactant categories are described in detail below.

[0180] Category 1 Alkyl-terminated fatty alcohol alkoxylates

[0181] Category 1 surfactants are those commonly referred to in the art as alkyl-terminated fatty alcohol alkoxylates, preferably C1-C6 alkyl-terminated fatty alcohol alkoxylates. In a preferred embodiment, and for all embodiments described herein, the alkyl-terminated fatty alcohol alkoxylate can be represented by formula (I):

[0182] R 1 -(EO) x (PO) y (BO) z -OR 2 Formula (I)

[0183] in,

[0184] R 1 It is a straight-chain or branched C8 to C24 alkyl group, preferably a straight-chain or branched C12 to C15 alkyl group;

[0185] EO, PO and BO represent ethoxy (OC2H4), propoxy (OC3H6) and butoxy (OC4H8) respectively, and the EO, PO and BO groups are arranged randomly or in block form;

[0186] The exponents x, y, and z are each independent integers from 0 to 50, provided that the sum of x + y + z is from 1 to 150, preferably from 3 to 50;

[0187] R 2 It is a C1-C6 alkyl group, preferably methyl.

[0188] In one implementation, R 1 EO, PO, BO and R 2 As described in equation (I) above, but x is 0 to 50, y is 0 to 20, and z is 0 to 15, provided that the sum of x + y + z is 1 to 95, preferably 3 to 30. In another embodiment, R 1 It is a straight-chain C12 to C15 alkyl group, x is 1 to 50, preferably 3 to 15, y and z are both 0, and EO, PO, BO and R 2 As described in equation (I) above. In another embodiment, R 1 It is a straight-chain or branched C12 to C15 alkyl group, EO, PO, BO and R 2 As stated in equation (I) above, x ranges from 3 to 15, y ranges from 0 to 4, z is 0, the sum of x + y + z ranges from 1 to 15, and R 2 It is a C1-C3 alkyl group, preferably methyl. In another embodiment, R 1 It is a straight-chain C12 to C15 alkyl group, EO, PO, BO as described in formula (I) above, x is 3 to 15, y and z are both 0, and R 2It is a C1-C3 alkyl group, preferably methyl. In another embodiment, R 1 It is a straight-chain C12 to C15 alkyl group, EO, PO, BO as described in formula (I) above, x is 6 to 15, y and z are both 0, and R 2 It is methyl. Examples of alkyl-terminated fatty alcohol alkoxylates that can be used include XM products from Clariant, such as those with 6EO ( Xm060) or 15EO The methyl ether of isotridecyl glycol polyethylene glycol ether (Xm0150).

[0189] Category 2: Alkylbenzene sulfonates with nitrogen-free counterions

[0190] Category 2 surfactants are those commonly referred to in the art as alkylbenzene sulfonates. The sulfonate group binds to an anti-ion. The inventors have found that alkylbenzene sulfonates with nitrogen-containing anti-ions result in poor stability of sulfonylureas. Therefore, Category 2 surfactants are alkylbenzene sulfonates in which the anti-ion is nitrogen-free. In a preferred embodiment, and for all embodiments described herein, the alkylbenzene sulfonate can be represented by formula (II):

[0191]

[0192] in,

[0193] R 1 It is hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms;

[0194] R 2 It is hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms;

[0195] R 3 It is an alkyl group having 8 to 40 carbon atoms, and preferably located at the para position of the SO3M group; and

[0196] M is a monovalent or divalent cation, provided that M does not contain a nitrogen atom.

[0197] In one implementation, R 1 and R 2 Independently hydrogen or methyl, and R 3 And M as described in equation (II) above. In another embodiment, R 1 and R 2 Both are hydrogen, and R 3 And M as described in equation (II) above. In another embodiment, R 1 and R 2 Both are hydrogen, R 3 And M as described in equation (II) above, and R 3Located at the para position of the SO3M group. In another embodiment, R 1 and R 2 Independently hydrogen or methyl, R 3 It is a straight-chain or branched C8 to C16 alkyl group, and M is as described in formula (II) above. In another embodiment, R 1 R 2 and R 3 As defined in formula (II) or any of the foregoing embodiments, M is an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion, or a Zn ion. In formula (II) or any of the foregoing embodiments, R... 3 It can be attached to the benzene ring at any carbon atom of the alkyl chain. Preferably, R 3 It is a straight-chain alkyl group, making alkylbenzene sulfonates straight-chain alkylbenzene sulfonates (commonly abbreviated as LAS in the art). R 3 It can also be a branched alkyl group, such that the alkylbenzene sulfonate is a branched alkylbenzene sulfonate (commonly abbreviated as BAS in the art). In formula (II) or any of the foregoing embodiments, the preferred alkali metal of M is lithium, sodium, or potassium, and the preferred alkaline earth metal of M is calcium or magnesium. In formula (II) or any of the foregoing embodiments, M is preferably sodium or calcium. In a preferred embodiment, the alkylbenzene sulfonate is a sodium or calcium salt of an alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, wherein R 1 and R 2 Both are H, R 3 It is a C10-C14 alkyl group. In this embodiment, R is further preferred. 3 Located at the para position of the SO3M group. In this embodiment, it is further preferred that the C10-C14 alkyl group is a straight-chain C10, straight-chain C11, straight-chain C12, straight-chain C13, or straight-chain C14 alkyl group.

[0198] Suitable examples of commercially available alkylbenzene sulfonates include, but are not limited to, those that are not commercially available alkylbenzene sulfonates. 411、 N-411, 411-E, D-40 D-62-L, N-300 60E 60L 70B and 401-A (all from Stepan; Northfield, IL); EVm50 / NS EVm62 / H, EVm62 / N, EVm62 / S, EVm63 / B, EVm70 / B EVm70 / 13 EVm70 / 2E, YS 94 TS 50 / F and AS / 1 (both from Huntsman International LLC; The Woodlands, TX); EH, 4814, Phenylsulfonat CA, Phenylsulfonat CA 62, and Phenylsulfonat CAL (all from Clariant; Charlotte, NC). The most preferred alkylbenzene sulfonates are sodium or calcium salts of linear dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, particularly those from Rhodia GmbH (formerly...). )of 70 / B (Calcium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate) 60 / BE (calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate), Phenylsulfonat CA100 (calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate) from Clariant GmbH, or Huntsman's... EVm70 / 2E (linear dodecylbenzenesulfonate calcium), EVm40 / 2ND (branched alkylbenzene sulfonate) and EVm40 / 2ND (linear alkylbenzene sulfonate).

[0199] Category 3 Metal Stearates

[0200] Category 3 surfactants are those commonly referred to in the art as metal stearates. In a preferred embodiment, and for all embodiments described herein, the metal stearate may be sodium stearate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, or aluminum stearate.

[0201] Category 4: Fatty acid-polyalkylene glycol ABA-block copolymers;

[0202] Category 4 surfactants are ABA-block copolymers of fatty acids and polyalkylene glycols. In a preferred embodiment, and for all embodiments described herein, the ABA block copolymer may have the general formula A-COO-B-OOC-A, where B is a divalent residue of a water-soluble polyalkylene glycol and A is a fatty acid residue with a molecular weight of at least 500. In a preferred embodiment, the ABA block copolymer has the general formula A-COO-B-OOC-A, where A and B are defined as follows.

[0203] In a preferred embodiment, A is represented by formula (IV-A):

[0204]

[0205] in,

[0206] R is hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon group or a substituted hydrocarbon group;

[0207] R1 is hydrogen or a monovalent C1 to C24 hydrocarbon group, preferably a C1-C24 alkyl group;

[0208] R2 is a divalent C1 to C24 hydrocarbon group, preferably a C1-C24 alkyl group;

[0209] n is 0 or 1;

[0210] p is an integer from 0 to 200.

[0211] In the above formula, the units R1, R2, and n within the parentheses can be the same or different. Hydrocarbons R, R1, and R2 can be straight-chain or branched.

[0212] In a preferred embodiment, B has a molecular weight of at least 500 and is a divalent residue of a water-soluble polyalkylene glycol of formula (IV-B):

[0213]

[0214] in,

[0215] R3 is hydrogen or a C1 to C3 alkyl group;

[0216] q is an integer between 10 and 500.

[0217] The R3s in the repeating units of polymer component B can be all the same or different. Preferably, in the block copolymer of formula A-COO-B-OOC-A, component B is derived from polyethylene glycol and component A is derived from stearic acid, such as polyhydroxystearic acid, preferably from poly(12-hydroxystearic acid).

[0218] Therefore, R can be a straight-chain C from stearic acid. 17 H 35 The group, wherein the unit containing R1 and R2 can be derived from 12-hydroxystearic acid, in which case the value of p is preferably at least 2. The value of q is preferably from 20 to 60, more preferably above 23. The weight ratio of component A to component B (A:B) is preferably from 9:1 to 1:9.

[0219] An example of a commercially available ABA-type polymeric surfactant is Arlacel P135, a PEG 30 dimerized hydroxystearate. Another similar surfactant used in this invention is Atlox 4912. Both Arlacel P135 and Atlox 4912 are block copolymers (ABA) of polyethylene glycol and polyhydroxystearic acid with a molecular weight of approximately 5000, and are available from Croda. Another example of such a polymeric surfactant is the commercially available surfactant Termul. TM 2510 (Huntsman).

[0220] Category 5 Fatty alcohol alkoxylates

[0221] Category 5 surfactants are those commonly referred to in the art as fatty alcohol alkoxylates. In a preferred embodiment, and for all embodiments described herein, the fatty alcohol alkoxylate can be represented by formula (V):

[0222] R 1 -(EO) x (PO) y (BO) z -OH formula (V)

[0223] in

[0224] R 1 It is a straight-chain or branched C8 to C24 alkyl group, preferably a straight-chain or branched C12 to C15 alkyl group;

[0225] EO, PO, and BO represent ethoxy (OC2H4), propoxy (OC3H6), and butoxy (OC4H8), respectively, and the EO, PO, and BO groups are arranged randomly or in block form; and

[0226] The exponents x, y, and z are each independent integers from 0 to 50, provided that the sum of x + y + z is from 1 to 150, preferably from 3 to 50;

[0227] In one implementation, R 1 EO, PO, and BO are as described in formula (V) above, but x is 0 to 50, y is 0 to 20, and z is 0 to 15, provided that the sum of x + y + z is 1 to 95, preferably 3 to 30. In another embodiment, R 1 It is a straight-chain C12 to C15 alkyl group, x is 1 to 50, preferably 3 to 15, y and z are both 0, and EO, PO, BO are as described in formula (V) above. In another embodiment, R 1It is a straight-chain or branched C12 to C15 alkyl group, EO, PO, BO as described in formula (V) above, x is 3 to 15, y is 0 to 4, z is 0, and the sum of x+y+z is 3 to 15. In another embodiment, R 1 It is a straight-chain C12 to C15 alkyl group, EO, PO, BO as described in formula (V) above, x is 3 to 15, and y and z are both 0. In another embodiment, R 1 It is a straight-chain C12 to C15 alkyl group, EO, PO, BO as described in formula (V) above, x is 6 to 15, and y and z are both 0.

[0228] Examples of these fatty alcohol alkoxylates can include: those from Clariant Products such as C, EP, LA, O, OA, OX, T, UD, and X, for example, those with 3EO ( X 030), 5EO ( X 050), 6EO ( X060), 8EO ( X 080), 9EO ( X 090), 10EO ( X 100), 15EO ( X150) isotridecyl glycol polyethylene glycol ether; or ( ) having 8EO and 4PO EP2584) C12-C15 alkoxy ethers; from Croda Product A, for example, has 3EO ( A3), 7EO A7), 11EO( C12-C15 polyethylene glycol ether (A11); from BASF and A, AT, ON, and TO products; from Cognis FOH products; from Akzo-Nobel Product; from Huntsman Products; Terminus TM 5429 (from Huntsman International); Tergitol TM 15-S-3, Tergitol TM 15-S-7, Tergitol TM 15-S-9, Tergitol TM 15-S-12, Tergitol TM 15-S-15, Tergitol TM 15-S-20, TergitolTM 15-S-30 and Tergitol TM 15-S-40 (all from The Dow Chemical Co.). Other examples include polyoxyalkylene-modified C2-C18 fatty alcohols containing 2 to 50 olefin (ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide) units, particularly those having (average) 12 or (average) carbon atoms, which can be composed of Antarox B12DF, Antarox FM33, Antarox FM63 and Antarox V74, Rhodasurf ID 060, Rhodasurf ID 070 and Rhodasurf LA 42 from Rhodia, and polyoxyalkylene-modified C8-C22 fatty alcohols containing 1 to 25 olefin (ethylene oxide or propylene oxide) units.

[0229] Category 6 Fatty acid alkoxylates

[0230] Category 6 surfactants are those commonly referred to in the art as fatty acid alkoxylates. In a preferred embodiment, and for all embodiments described herein, the fatty acid alkoxylate can be represented by formula (VI):

[0231] R 1 -COO-(EO) x (PO) y (BO) z -R 2 Formula (VI)

[0232] in,

[0233] R 1 It is a straight-chain or branched C7 to C23 alkyl group, preferably a straight-chain or branched C11 to C17 alkyl group;

[0234] EO, PO and BO represent ethoxy (OC2H4), propoxy (OC3H6) and butoxy (OC4H8) respectively, and the EO, PO and BO groups are arranged randomly or in block form;

[0235] The exponents x, y, and z are each independent integers from 0 to 50, provided that the sum of x + y + z is from 1 to 150, preferably from 3 to 50;

[0236] R 2 It is hydrogen (i.e., monofatty acid alkoxylates) or C(=O)R 3 (i.e., di-fatty acid alkoxylates), where R 3 It is a straight-chain or branched C7 to C23 alkyl group, preferably a straight-chain or branched C11 to C17 alkyl group;

[0237] In one implementation, R 1 EO, PO, BO and R 2 As described in equation (VI) above, but x is 0 to 50, y is 0 to 20, and z is 0 to 15, provided that the sum of x + y + z is 1 to 95, preferably 3 to 30. In another embodiment, R 1 It is a straight-chain C11 to C17 alkyl group, x is 1 to 50, preferably 3 to 15, y and z are both 0, and EO, PO, BO and R 2 As described in equation (VI) above. In another embodiment, R 1 It is a straight-chain or branched C11 to C17 alkyl group, EO, PO, BO as described in formula (VI) above, x is 3 to 15, y is 0 to 4, z is 0, the sum of x+y+z is 3 to 15, and R 2 Is it H or C(=O)R? 3 , where R 3 It is a C11-C17 alkyl group. In another embodiment, R 1 It is a straight-chain C11 to C17 alkyl group, EO, PO, BO as described in formula (VI) above, x is 3 to 15, y and z are both 0, and R 2 Is it H or C(=O)R? 3 , where R 3 It is a C11-C17 alkyl group. In another embodiment, R 1 It is a straight-chain C11 to C17 alkyl group, EO, PO, BO as described in formula (VI) above, x is 6 to 15, y and z are both 0, and R 2 Is it H or C(=O)R? 3 , where R 3 It is a C11-C17 alkyl group.

[0238] Examples of these fatty acid alkoxylates may include: POE monolaurate, POE dilaurate, POE monooleate, POE dioleate, POE monostearate, POE distearate, POE monoisostearate, POE diisostearate, POE monopalmitate, POE dispalmitate, POE monomyristate, POE dimyristate, POE diisooctanoate, and POE dishurate, wherein POE indicates a polyoxyethylene degree of 3 to 15. In one example, the surfactant is POE-8 monostearate or POE-8 distearate. Commercially available examples include: Pegnol 24-O, 14-O, and EDS(S) (all manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry); Agnique PEG 200ML, 600ML, 200MO, 260MO, 300MO, 400MO, 600MO, 400MS, 660MS, 300DO, 400DO, 600DO, and 200DL (all manufactured by BASF); Cithrol 4MS, 10MS, 4ML, 6ML, 2DO, 2DE, 4DL, and 4DS, as well as Myrj S8 (PEG-8 stearic acid), Myrj S40 (PEG-40 stearic acid), Myrj S50 (PEG-50 stearic acid), or Myrj 59 (PEG-100 stearic acid) (all manufactured by Croda); Nikkol MYL-10, MYS-10, MYS-45, and MYO-10 (all manufactured by Nikkol). (manufactured by Chemicals); Nonion L-2, L-4, O-2, O-4, O-6, S-1, S-2, S-4, S-6, S-10, S-15, MM-4, MM-9, IS-2, IS-4, IS-6, DL-4HN, DP-1.5HN, DO-4HN, DS-4HN, DIS-400 and DIS-600 (all manufactured by NOF); Ethofat O / 15, O / 20 and 60 / and Lionon MO-60, DT-600M, DT-600S and DBH-40 (all manufactured by Lion).

[0239] Category 7 Ethoxylated Castor Oil

[0240] Category 7 surfactants are those commonly referred to in the art as ethoxylated castor oil. In a preferred embodiment, and for all embodiments described herein, ethoxylated castor oil can be represented by formula (VII):

[0241]

[0242] in,

[0243] EO stands for ethylene oxide unit.

[0244] a, b, and c each independently represent integers from 0 to 300; and

[0245] x, y, and z each independently represent integers from 1 to 300;

[0246] In this document, hydrogenated castor oil refers to castor oil of formula (VII), wherein some, preferably ≥90%, and most preferably all, of the carbon-carbon double bonds contained in the ricinoleic acid residues are hydrogenated. In one embodiment, regardless of hydrogenation, the degree of ethoxylation in formula (VII) is 3 to 600 (i.e., 3 ≤ a + b + c + x + y + z ≤ 600), preferably 3 to 400, more preferably 3 to 200, even more preferably 5 to 60, and even more preferably 10 to 40. In one embodiment of the invention, regardless of hydrogenation, a, b, and c are all 0, and the degree of ethoxylation is derived from x + y + z. For example, in this embodiment, a + b + c = 0, and the degree of ethoxylation is 3 to 600 (i.e., 3 ≤ x + y + z ≤ 600), preferably 3 to 400, more preferably 3 to 200, even more preferably 5 to 60, and even more preferably 10 to 40.

[0247] Preferred examples of ethoxylated castor oil include PEG-8 castor oil, PEG-9 castor oil, PEG-10 castor oil, PEG-11 castor oil, PEG-15 castor oil, PEG-16 castor oil, PEG-20 castor oil, PEG-25 castor oil, PEG-26 castor oil, PEG-29 castor oil, PEG-44 castor oil, PEG-50 castor oil, PEG-54 castor oil, PEG-55 castor oil, and PEG-60 castor oil. PEG-75 castor oil, PEG-80 castor oil, PEG-100 castor oil, PEG-200 castor oil, PEG-8 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-10 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-16 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-20 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-25 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-35 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-65 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-80 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-100 hydrogenated castor oil, and PEG-200 hydrogenated castor oil.

[0248] Examples of commercially available ethoxylated castor oils include: Etocas 5, Etocas 10 (PEG-10 castor oil), Etocas 29, Etocas 32, Etocas 35 and Etocas 40 (PEG-40 castor oil), all from Croda; 8240 8241 and 8242 (all from Stepan); 1283, 1284 1285 2507 3512 and 3540 (all from Huntsman International); EL200 EL300 EL360 EL 400 and EL 540 (all from Clariant); Alkamulus R81, Alkamulus BR, Alkamulus OR / 40, and Alkamulus 14R (all from Rhodia); Sorpol CA30 and Sorpol CA42 from Toho Chemical Industry; CO-20TX, CO-40TX, CO-50TX, and CO-60TX from Nikko Chemicals; and EMLEX C-20, EMLEX C-30, and EMLEX C-40 from Nihon Emulsion. Examples of commercially available ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oils include: Croduret 7, Croduret 25, Croduret 40, Croduret 50, and Croduret 60 from Croda; HCO-20, HCO-30, and HCO-40 from Nikko Chemicals; and EMLEX HC-20 from Nihon Emulsion.

[0249] Category 8: Dehydrated sorbitol esters

[0250] Category 8 surfactants are those commonly referred to in the art as sorbitol esters. In a preferred embodiment, and for all embodiments described herein, sorbitol esters may be represented by formula (VIII):

[0251]

[0252] in,

[0253] R 1 It consists of saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residues from C10 to C18 (i.e., -(C=O)-C9 to -(C=O)-C17), and

[0254] R 2 and R 3 It is independently hydrogen or saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residues from C10 to C18 (i.e., -(C=O)-C9 to -(C=O)-C17).

[0255] R 1 R 2 and R 3 They can be the same or different. R 1 R 2 and R 3 Preferred fatty acid residues include decanoic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. In a preferred embodiment, R 2 and R 3 Both are hydrogen, R 1 It is a fatty acid residue selected from lauric acid (i.e., the surfactant is sorbitol laurate), stearic acid (i.e., the surfactant is sorbitol stearate), and oleic acid (i.e., the surfactant is sorbitol oleate). In another preferred embodiment, R 1 R 2 and R 3 All are fatty acid residues selected from lauric acid (i.e., the surfactant is sorbitol trilaurate), stearic acid (i.e., the surfactant is sorbitol tristearate), and oleic acid (i.e., the surfactant is sorbitol trioleate). Examples of commercially available sorbitol esters that can be used in this invention include Span. TM 20. Span TM 40. Span TM 60. Span TM 65. Span TM 80 and Span TM 85 (all from Croda; Edison, NJ).

[0256] Category 9 Ethoxylated sorbitol esters

[0257] The surfactants of category 9 are those commonly referred to in the art as ethoxylated sorbitol esters. In a preferred embodiment, and for all embodiments described herein, the ethoxylated sorbitol ester can be represented by formula (IX):

[0258]

[0259] in,

[0260] EO stands for ethylene oxide unit.

[0261] R 1 These are saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residues from C10 to C18 (i.e., -(C=O)-C9 to -(C=O)-C17).

[0262] R 2 and R 4Independently, it is hydrogen or a C10 to C18 saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residue (i.e., -(C=O)-C9 to -(C=O)-C17), and

[0263] The degree of ethoxylation is 10 to 40 (i.e., 10 ≤ w + x + y + z ≤ 40), preferably 18 to 22, and more preferably 20.

[0264] In a preferred embodiment, w+x+y+z = 18 to 22, preferably 20, R 1 It consists of C12 to C18 saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residues, and R 2 To R 4 Both are H. In a further preferred embodiment, w+x+y+z=20, R 1 It comes from C18 unsaturated fatty acid residues of oleic acid, and R 2 To R 4 All are H. Preferred examples of ethoxylated sorbitol esters include polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitol monolaurate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitol monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitol monostearate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitol monooleate, and sorbitol hexaenoate.

[0265] Examples of ethoxylated sorbitol esters that can be used in this invention and are commercially available include: Arlatone TM TV, Atlas TM G-1086 (Sorbitol Hexaoleate), Atlas TM G-1096, Atlox TM 1045A, Cirrasol TM G-1086, Cirrasol TM G-1096, Tween TM 20. Tween TM 21. Tween TM 40. Tween TM 60. Tween TM 61. Tween TM 65. Tween TM 80 (polyoxyethylene (20) dehydrated sorbitan monooleate), Tween TM 81 and Tween TM 85 (all from Croda) SEE-340 and SEE-341 (from Stepan).

[0266] Category 10 EO / PO / EO block copolymers

[0267] Category 10 surfactants are those triblock copolymers commonly referred to in the art as ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO). They are sometimes also referred to in the art as polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers. In a preferred embodiment, and for all embodiments described herein, the EO / PO / EO block copolymer can be represented by formula (X):

[0268] R 1 —(EO) x (PO) y (EO) z —R 2 Formula (X)

[0269] in

[0270] EO stands for ethylene oxide and PO stands for propylene oxide. EO and PO are arranged in a block form.

[0271] x and z are independently ranges from 2 to 150, and y is ranges from 1 to 100.

[0272] R 1 It is OH or a straight-chain or branched C1-C20 alkyl or alkenyl group, and

[0273] R 2 It is H or a straight-chain or branched C1-C20 alkyl or alkenyl group.

[0274] In the EO / PO block copolymer of formula (X), x and z are preferably independently 5 to 100, and y is 10 to 80; more preferably x and z are independently 8 to 50, and y is 20 to 60; even more preferably x and z are independently 10 to 20, and y is 25 to 40. In these preferred embodiments, it is further preferred that x and z are the same. The weight-average molecular weight of the EO / PO block copolymer of formula (X) is preferably 250 to 19000, more preferably 1000 to 15000, even more preferably 1500 to 10000, and even more preferably 1500 to 5000. In a preferred embodiment, x and z are independently 2 to 150, y is 1 to 100, and R 1 It is OH, R 2 The weight-average molecular weight of the H, EO / PO block copolymer is between 250 and 19,000. In another preferred embodiment, x and z are independently 8 to 50, y is 20 to 60, and R... 1 It is OH, R 2 It is H. In another preferred embodiment, x and z are independently between 8 and 20, y is between 20 and 40, and R 1 It is OH, R 2 It's H.

[0275] Examples of commercially available EO / PO block copolymers that can be used in this invention include those sold by Crodo under the name Synperonic, for example... PE / F32 (INCI name: Poloxamer 108), PE / F108 (INCI name: Poloxamer 338), PE / L44 (INCI name: Poloxamer 124), PE / L42 (INCI name: Poloxamer 122), PE / F127 (INCI name: Poloxamer 407), PE / F88 (INCI name: Poloxamer 238), PE / L64 (INCI name: Poloxamer 184), PE / F88 (INCI name: Poloxamer 238), PE / F87 (INCI name: Poloxamer 237); or from BASF. F68 (INCI name: Poloxamer188).

[0276] Category 11 Tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether

[0277] The surfactants of category 11 are those commonly referred to in the art as tristyrene-phenol polyoxyethylene ethers. In a preferred embodiment, and for all embodiments described herein, the tristyrene-phenol polyoxyethylene ether can be represented by formula (XI):

[0278]

[0279] in,

[0280] n is a number from 4 to 150, preferably from 10 to 100, and more preferably from 15 to 60;

[0281] Preferred examples are those where n is 15, 16, 19, 20, 36, or 54. A commercially available example of such a surfactant with 16EO is... BSU (from Rhodia).

[0282] Category 12 Tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate with nitrogen-free counterions

[0283] The surfactants of category 12 are those commonly referred to in the art as tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether sulfates. The sulfate group binds to an anti-ion. The inventors have found that tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether sulfates with nitrogen-containing anti-ions result in poor stability of sulfonylureas. Therefore, the surfactant of category 12 is tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate, wherein the anti-ion is nitrogen-free. In a preferred embodiment, and for all embodiments described herein, tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate can be represented by formula (XII):

[0284]

[0285] in,

[0286] n is a number from 4 to 150, preferably from 10 to 100, and more preferably from 15 to 60; and

[0287] R 1 It is a cation, provided that R 1 It does not contain nitrogen atoms.

[0288] In a preferred embodiment, R 1 It is selected from hydrogen, sodium, or potassium. In a more preferred embodiment, n is a number from 15 to 60, and R 1 It is selected from hydrogen, sodium, or potassium.

[0289] An example of a commercially available tristyrene-phenol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate surfactant that is nitrogen-free and has anti-counterionic properties is... 4D384.

[0290] Category 13 Tristyrene-phenol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate with nitrogen-free counterions

[0291] The surfactants of category 13 are those commonly referred to in the art as tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate. The phosphate group binds to the counterion. The inventors have found that tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate with a nitrogen-containing counterion results in poor stability of sulfonylureas. Therefore, the surfactant of category 13 is tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate, wherein the counterion is nitrogen-free. In a preferred embodiment, and for all embodiments described herein, tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate can be represented by formula (XIII):

[0292]

[0293] in,

[0294] n is a number from 4 to 150, preferably from 10 to 100, and more preferably from 15 to 60; and

[0295] R1 and R 2 It is an independent cation, provided that R is... 1 and R 2 None of them contain nitrogen atoms.

[0296] In a preferred embodiment, R 1 and R 2 The nitrogen is independently selected from hydrogen, sodium, or potassium. In a more preferred embodiment, n is a number from 15 to 60, and R... 1 and R 2 It is independently selected from hydrogen, sodium, or potassium.

[0297] An example of tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate of formula (XIII) is as follows: Tristyrylphenol-polyethylene glycol ether-phosphate esters obtainable from 3D33 and as... Tristyrylphenol-polyethylene glycol ether-potassium phosphate available from FLK (both from Rhodia).

[0298] Category 14 Ethoxylated Alkyl Phosphates

[0299] The surfactants of category 14 are those commonly referred to in the art as ethoxylated alkyl phosphates. The phosphate group binds to the counterion. The inventors have found that ethoxylated alkyl phosphates with nitrogen-containing counterions result in poor stability of sulfonylureas. Therefore, it is preferable to use ethoxylated alkyl phosphates in which the counterion is nitrogen-free. In a preferred embodiment, and for all embodiments described herein, the ethoxylated alkyl phosphate can be represented by formula (XIV):

[0300]

[0301] in,

[0302] R 1 It is a straight-chain or branched C6 to C24 alkyl or alkenyl group, preferably a straight-chain or branched C8 to C12 alkyl group;

[0303] R 2 It is a straight-chain or branched C6 to C24 alkyl or alkenyl group, preferably a straight-chain or branched C8 to C12 alkyl group; or a cation, provided that the cation does not contain nitrogen atoms;

[0304] R 3 It is a cation, provided that the cation does not contain nitrogen atoms;

[0305] n is between 3 and 20; and

[0306] m is 0 or 20.

[0307] In a preferred embodiment, the cation R of formula (XIV)2 and R 3 It is independently selected from hydrogen, sodium, or potassium. In one embodiment, R 1 It is a C6-C10 straight-chain or branched alkyl group, n is 3 to 8, m is 0, R 2 and R 3 It is independently a cation, preferably selected from hydrogen, sodium, and potassium. In a preferred embodiment, R 1 It is a C8 alkyl group, n is 5, m is 0, and R 2 and R 3 As defined above in formula (XIV). In another preferred embodiment, R 1 It is a C10 alkyl group, n is 4, m is 0, and R 2 and R 3 As defined above in formula (XIV). In another preferred embodiment, R 1 It is an alkyl group from C11 to C14, n is 6, m is 0, and R 2 and R 3 As defined above in expression (XIV). In another implementation, R 1 It is a C10-C16 straight-chain or branched alkyl group, where n is 3 to 8, m is 3 to 8, and R is... 2 It is a C10-C16 straight-chain or branched alkyl group, R 3 It is a cation, preferably selected from hydrogen, sodium, and potassium. In a preferred embodiment, R 1 It is a C11 to C14 alkyl group, n+m=6, R 3 It is a cation, preferably hydrogen, sodium, or potassium. Commercially available examples of ethoxylated alkyl phosphates include Rhodafac RS 610 / E (Solvay), Atlox AL-3382 (Croda), and Multitrope 810 (Croda).

[0308] 4.6 Preferred combinations of sulfonylureas and surfactants

[0309] As described above, 80% to 100% by weight of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition consists of surfactants selected from surfactant categories 1-14 listed above; and at least two surfactant categories 1-14 each account for at least 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition. However, the inventors have found that stability is further improved if the surfactant category is selected according to the sulfonylurea.

[0310] For example, the stability of mesosulfuron-methyl is greatly improved when surfactants are selected from surfactant categories 1-13, and surfactants selected from categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 achieve the best results. Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid herbicide composition comprising: a non-aqueous solvent system; methyl mesosulfuron-methyl; and two or more surfactants; characterized in that at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition, and at least one of surfactant categories 5-13 (or more preferably 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13) accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 1-4 together account for 30% to 90% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition, and surfactant categories 5-13 (or more preferably 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13) together account for 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition; it should be understood that 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition are selected from surfactant categories 1-13 (or more preferably 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13). In this embodiment, surfactant categories 1-4 preferably account for 40% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, more preferably 50% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 60% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 70% to 90% by weight, and even more preferably up to 80% to 90% by weight, while surfactant categories 5-13 (or more preferably 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13) respectively account for 10% to 60% by weight, 10% to 50% by weight, 10% to 40% by weight, 10% to 30% by weight and 10% to 20% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition.

[0311] For the embodiment described above, if the liquid composition contains 0.5% to 2% by weight of methyl mesulfuron-methyl, it is preferred that surfactant classes 1-4 account for 30% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, surfactant classes 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 account for 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. In this embodiment, surfactants of categories 1-4 preferably constitute 60% to 90% by weight, more preferably 70% to 90% by weight, and even up to 80% to 90% by weight, of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactants of categories 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 constitute 10% to 40% by weight, 10% to 30% by weight, and 10% to 20% by weight, respectively, of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. It has been observed that liquid formulations containing relatively small amounts of mesotrione exhibit higher sulfonylurea degradation rates. Surfactants of categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 exhibit optimal mesotrione stability at these low concentrations.

[0312] The stability of thifensulfuron-methyl is improved if the surfactant is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid herbicide composition comprising: a non-aqueous solvent system; thifensulfuron-methyl; and two or more surfactants; characterized in that at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition, and at least one of surfactant categories 5-14 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 1-4 together account for 30% to 90% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition, while surfactant categories 5-14 together account for 10% to 70% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition; it should be understood that 80% to 100% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14. In this embodiment, surfactant categories 1-4 preferably account for 40% to 90% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, more preferably 50% to 90% of the total surfactant, even more preferably 60% to 90% of the total surfactant, and even more preferably 70% to 90% of the total surfactant, and even more preferably 80% to 90% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, respectively.

[0313] The stability of chlorimuron-methyl is most improved when the surfactant is selected from surfactant classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14. Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid herbicide composition comprising: a non-aqueous solvent system; ethyl chlorimuron-methyl; and two or more surfactants; characterized in that at least one of surfactant classes 1-4 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition, and at least one of surfactant classes 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition; surfactant classes 1-4 together account for 30% to 90% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition, and surfactant classes 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 together account for 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition; it should be understood that 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition are selected from surfactant classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14. In this embodiment, surfactant categories 1-4 preferably account for 40% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, more preferably 50% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 60% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 70% to 90% by weight, and even up to 80% to 90% by weight, while surfactant categories 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 account for 10% to 60% by weight, 10% to 50% by weight, 10% to 40% by weight, 10% to 30% by weight and 10% to 20% by weight, respectively, of the total surfactant in the liquid composition.

[0314] Regarding the three sulfonylureas mentioned above—methyl mesulfuron-methyl, thifensulfuron-methyl, and chlorimuron-ethyl—the inventors have also discovered that, when selecting any surfactant from categories 1-14, to maximize stability, it is preferable to select a surfactant whose hydroxyl content (-OH) is less than 6% by weight based on the surfactant's molecular weight. When selecting a surfactant from categories 13 or 14, a diester form is preferred.

[0315] The stability of bensulfuron-methyl is improved when surfactants are selected from categories 1-14, and the best results are obtained when surfactants are selected from categories 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14. Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid herbicide composition comprising: a non-aqueous solvent system; bensulfuron-methyl; and two or more surfactants; characterized in that at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 (preferably 2 and / or 4) accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition, and at least one of surfactant categories 5-14 (preferably 5, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14) accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 1-4 (preferably 2 and / or 4) together account for 30% to 90% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition, and surfactant categories 5-14 (preferably 5, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14) together account for 10% to 70% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition; it should be understood that 80% to 100% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14 (preferably 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14). In this embodiment, surfactant categories 1-4 (preferably 2 and / or 4) are preferably 40% to 90% by weight of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition, more preferably 50% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 60% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 70% to 90% by weight, and even up to 80% to 90% by weight, respectively, while surfactant categories 5-14 (preferably 5, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14) are respectively 10% to 60% by weight, 10% to 50% by weight, 10% to 40% by weight, 10% to 30% by weight and 10% to 20% by weight of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition.

[0316] For the embodiment described above, if the liquid composition contains 0.5% to 2% benzylsulfuron, it is preferred that surfactant classes 2 to 4 together account for 30% to 90% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and surfactant classes 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 together account for 10% to 70% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant classes 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14. In this embodiment, it is preferred that surfactant classes 2 and 4 together account for 60% to 90% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, preferably 70% to 90% of the total surfactant, and even up to 80% to 90% of the total surfactant, while surfactant classes 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, and 14 together account for 10% to 40% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, 10% to 30% of the total surfactant, and 10% to 20% of the total surfactant, respectively. Surfactants in categories 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 exhibited optimal bensulfuron-methyl stability at these low concentrations.

[0317] The stability of sulfonylsulfuron is improved when surfactants are selected from categories 1-14, and the best results are obtained when surfactants are selected from categories 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14. Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid herbicide composition comprising: a non-aqueous solvent system; sulfonylsulfuron; and two or more surfactants; characterized in that at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 (preferably 2 and / or 4) accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition, and at least one of surfactant categories 5-14 (preferably 5, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14) accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 1-4 (preferably 2 and / or 4) together account for 30% to 90% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition, and surfactant categories 5-14 (preferably 5, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14) together account for 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition; it should be understood that 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid composition are selected from surfactant categories 1-14 (preferably 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14). In this embodiment, surfactant categories 1-14 (preferably 2 and / or 4) are preferably 40% to 90% by weight of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition, more preferably 50% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 60% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 70% to 90% by weight, and even more preferably up to 80% to 90% by weight, while surfactant categories 5-14 (preferably 5, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14) are respectively 10% to 60% by weight, 10% to 50% by weight, 10% to 40% by weight, 10% to 30% by weight and 10% to 20% by weight of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition.

[0318] For the embodiment described above, if the liquid composition contains 0.5% to 2% sulfonylsulfonate, it is preferred that surfactant classes 2 to 4 together account for 30% to 90% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and surfactant classes 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, and 14 together account for 10% to 70% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant classes 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14. In this embodiment, it is preferred that surfactant classes 2 and 4 together account for 60% to 90% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, preferably 70% to 90% of the total surfactant, and even up to 80% to 90% of the total surfactant, while surfactant classes 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, and 14 together account for 10% to 40% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, 10% to 30% of the total surfactant, and 10% to 20% of the total surfactant, respectively. Surfactants in categories 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, and 14 exhibited the best sulfonylsulfuron stability at these low concentrations.

[0319] Similar to the cases of methyl mesulfuron-methyl, thifensulfuron-methyl, and chlorimuron-ethyl, the inventors have discovered that certain members of the surfactant class stabilize these sulfonylureas to a greater extent than other members of the same class for bensulfuron-methyl and sulfonylsulfuron-methyl. For bensulfuron-methyl and sulfonylsulfuron-methyl, when selecting hydroxyl-containing surfactants, it is also preferred to select surfactants whose hydroxyl content (-OH) is less than 6% by weight based on the surfactant's molecular weight. When selecting surfactants from categories 1-14, it is preferred to select surfactants that do not contain any nitrogen.

[0320] The stability of pyrimisulfuron is improved when surfactants are selected from surfactant categories 1-14 (preferably 2 and / or 4), and the best results are obtained from surfactants selected from categories 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 14. Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid herbicide composition comprising: a non-aqueous solvent system; sulfadiazine; and two or more surfactants; characterized in that at least one of surfactant categories 1-4 (preferably 2 and / or 4) accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition, and at least one of surfactant categories 5-14 (preferably 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 14) accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition; surfactant categories 1-4 (preferably 2 and / or 4) together account for 30% to 90% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition, and surfactant categories 5-14 (preferably 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 14) together account for 10% to 70% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition; it should be understood that 80% to 100% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14 (preferably 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 14). In this embodiment, surfactant categories 1-4 (preferably 2 and / or 4) are preferably 40% to 90% by weight of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition, more preferably 50% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 60% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 70% to 90% by weight, and even more preferably up to 80% to 90% by weight, while surfactant categories 5-14 (preferably 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 14) are respectively 10% to 60% by weight, 10% to 50% by weight, 10% to 40% by weight, 10% to 30% by weight and 10% to 20% by weight of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition.

[0321] For the embodiment described above, if the liquid composition contains 0.5% to 2% sulfadiazine, it is preferred that surfactant classes 2 to 4 together account for 30% to 90% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and surfactant classes 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14 together account for 10% to 70% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant classes 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14. In this embodiment, it is preferred that surfactant classes 2 and 4 together account for 60% to 90% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, preferably 70% to 90% of the total surfactant, and even up to 80% to 90% of the total surfactant, while surfactant classes 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14 together account for 10% to 40% of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, 10% to 30% of the total surfactant, and 10% to 20% of the total surfactant, respectively. Surfactants in categories 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14 exhibited the best sulfadiazine stability at these low concentrations.

[0322] The stability of pyrimisulfuron is improved when the surfactant is selected from surfactant classes 1-14 (preferably 2, 4, 5, 7, and 11). Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid herbicide composition comprising: a non-aqueous solvent system; pyrimisulfuron; and two or more surfactants; characterized in that at least one surfactant class 1-4 (preferably 2 and / or 4) accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and at least one surfactant class 5-14 (preferably 5, 7, and 11) accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant classes 1-4 (preferably 2 and / or 4) together account for 30% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and surfactant classes 5-14 (preferably 5, 7, and 11) together account for 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; it should be understood that 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant classes 1-14 (preferably 2, 4, 5, 7, and 11). In this embodiment, surfactant categories 1-4 (preferably 2 and / or 4) are preferably 40% to 90% by weight of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition, more preferably 50% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 60% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 70% to 90% by weight, and even up to 80% to 90% by weight, respectively, while surfactant categories 5-14 (preferably 5, 7 and 11) are respectively 10% to 60% by weight, 10% to 50% by weight, 10% to 40% by weight, 10% to 30% by weight and 10% to 20% by weight of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition.

[0323] The stability of pyrimisulfuron is improved when surfactants are selected from surfactant categories 1-14, with the best results achieved from surfactants selected from categories 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14. Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid herbicide composition comprising: a non-aqueous solvent system; pyrimisulfuron; and two or more surfactants; characterized in that at least one surfactant category 1-4 (preferably 1, 2, and 4) accounts for 30% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant weight in the liquid composition, and surfactant categories 5-14 (preferably 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14) accounts for 10% to 70% by weight of the total surfactant weight in the liquid composition; it should be understood that 80% to 100% by weight of the total surfactant weight in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14 (preferably 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14). In this embodiment, surfactant categories 1-14 (preferably 1, 2, and 4) preferably account for 40% to 90% of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition, more preferably 50% to 90% of the total amount of surfactant, even more preferably 60% to 90% of the total amount of surfactant, even more preferably 70% to 90% of the total amount of surfactant, and even more preferably up to 80% to 90% of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactant categories 5-14 (preferably 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14) respectively account for 10% to 60% of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition, 10% to 50% of the total amount of surfactant, 10% to 40% of the total amount of surfactant, 10% to 30% of the total amount of surfactant, and 10% to 20% of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition.

[0324] For the embodiment described above, if the liquid composition contains 0.5% to 2% pyrimisulfuron, it is preferred that surfactant classes 1, 2, and 4 together account for 30% to 90% of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition, and surfactant classes 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14 together account for 10% to 70% of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition are selected from surfactant classes 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14. In this embodiment, surfactants of categories 1, 2, and 4 preferably constitute 60% to 90% by weight, more preferably 70% to 90% by weight, and even up to 80% to 90% by weight, of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, while surfactants of categories 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14 constitute 10% to 40% by weight, 10% to 30% by weight, and 10% to 20% by weight, respectively, of the total surfactant in the liquid composition. It has been observed that liquid formulations containing relatively less pyrimisulfuron exhibit higher sulfonylurea degradation rates. Surfactants of categories 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14 exhibit optimal pyrimisulfuron stability at these low concentrations.

[0325] The stability of fluamsulfuron is maximized when the surfactant is selected from surfactant classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 (preferably 2, 4, 5, and 11). Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid herbicide composition comprising: a non-aqueous solvent system; fluamsulfuron; and two or more surfactants; characterized in that at least one surfactant class 1-4 (preferably 2 and / or 4) accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition, and at least one surfactant class 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 (preferably 5 and / or 11) accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid composition; surfactant classes 1-4 ( Preferably, surfactants 2 and / or 4 together comprise 30% to 90% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition, and surfactant classes 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (preferably 5 and 11) together comprise 10% to 70% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition; it should be understood that 80% to 100% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (preferably 2, 4, 5 and 11). In this embodiment, surfactant classes 1-4 (preferably 2 and / or 4) are preferably 40% to 90% by weight of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition, more preferably 50% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 60% to 90% by weight, even more preferably 70% to 90% by weight, and even up to 80% to 90% by weight, respectively. Surfactant classes 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (preferably 5 and / or 11) are preferably 10% to 60% by weight, 10% to 50% by weight, 10% to 40% by weight, 10% to 30% by weight and 10% to 20% by weight of the total amount of surfactant in the liquid composition, respectively.

[0326] For the embodiment described above, if the liquid composition contains 0.5% to 2% fluorosulfuron, it is preferred that surfactants of categories 2 and 4 together constitute 30% to 90% of the total surfactant content in the liquid composition, and surfactants of categories 5 and 11 together constitute 10% to 70% of the total surfactant content in the liquid composition, and 80% to 100% of the total surfactant content in the liquid composition is selected from surfactant categories 2, 4, 5, and 11. In this embodiment, it is preferred that surfactants of categories 2 and 4 together constitute 60% to 90% of the total surfactant content in the liquid composition, preferably 70% to 90% and even up to 80% to 90% of the total surfactant content, while surfactants of categories 5 and 11 together constitute 10% to 40% fluorosulfuron, 10% to 30% fluorosulfuron, and 10% to 20% fluorosulfuron, respectively. Surfactants of categories 2, 4, 5, and 11 exhibit optimal fluorosulfuron stability at these low concentrations.

[0327] This invention includes specific embodiments of the surfactants discussed above, such as methyl mesulfuron-methyl, thifensulfuron-methyl, ethyl chlorimuron-methyl, benzylsulfuron, sulfonylsulfuron, pyrimisulfuron, acylsulfuron-methyl, pyrimisulfuron, and flumethinazole. Examples of surfactants of each surfactant category are as follows:

[0328] • Isotridecyl polyethylene glycol ether; 6EO; methyl-terminated (Category 1; e.g., Genapol XM060),

[0329] • Isotridecyl polyethylene glycol ether; 15EO; methyl-terminated (Category 1; e.g., Genapol XM150),

[0330] • Calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (Category 2; e.g., Nansa EVm70 / 2E),

[0331] • Calcium stearate (Category 3)

[0332] Magnesium stearate (Category 3),

[0333] • C12-C15 alkoxylated ethers; 8EO and 4PO (Category 5; e.g., Genapol EP2584),

[0334] • C12-C15 polyethylene glycol ethers; 3EO (Category 5; e.g., Synperonic A3),

[0335] • C12-C15 polyethylene glycol ethers; 7EO (Category 5; e.g., Synperonic A7),

[0336] • C12-C15 polyethylene glycol ethers; 11EO (Category 5; e.g., Synperonic A11),

[0337] • PEG-8 monostearate (Category 6; e.g., Cithrol 4MS),

[0338] • PEG-8 stearate (Category 6; e.g., Myrj S8),

[0339] • Ethoxylated castor oil; 10EO (Category 7; e.g., Etocas 10),

[0340] • Ethoxylated castor oil; 40EO (Category 7; e.g., Etocas 40),

[0341] • Polyoxyethylene (20) dehydrated sorbitan monooleate (Category 9; e.g., Tween 80),

[0342] • Sorbitol hexaoleate; 40EO (Category 9; e.g., Atlas G1086),

[0343] • EO / PO block copolymer, 40% EO (Category 10; e.g., Synperonic PE / L64),

[0344] • Tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether; 16EO (Category 11; e.g., Soprophor BSU),

[0345] • Tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate; 16EO (Class 13; e.g., Soprophor 3D33),

[0346] • Isotridecyl phosphate; 6EO (Category 14; e.g., RhodafacRS 610 / E),

[0347] • Octyl phosphate; 5EO (Category 14; e.g., Atlox AL-3382),

[0348] • Decyl phosphate; 4EO (Category 14; e.g., Multitrope 810).

[0349] 4.7 Other surfactants

[0350] Liquid herbicide compositions may contain non-sulfonylurea herbicides or safeners, as described below.

[0351] 4.7.1 Non-sulfonylurea herbicides

[0352] The compositions of the present invention may also contain one or more herbicides other than sulfonylurea herbicides. These additional non-sulfonylurea herbicides may be liquids, waxy solids, or powders, and may be dissolved, dispersed, suspended, or otherwise included in the composition. There are no particular limitations on the additional herbicidal compounds; they may be any herbicidal compounds known in the art. For example, the compounds may be selected from the herbicidal compounds listed in the 16th edition of the Pesticide Handbook (ISBN-10:190139686X) and the references cited therein. Exemplary additional herbicidal compounds include:

[0353] 2,4-D (e.g., ester or amine), 2,4-DB, 2,3,6-TBA, acetochlor, acifluorfe, acifluorfen-sodium, aclonifen, alachlor, alloxydim, alloxydim-sodium, ametryn, amicabazone, aminopyralid, amitrol, anilofos, sulfadiazine (...) asulam, atrazine, azafenidin, beflubutamid, benzolin, benzolin-ethyl, benzurestate, benzfendizone, benzobicyclon, benzofenap, bifenox, bilanafos, bipyrazon, bispyr ibac-sodium, bixlozone, bromacil, bromobutide, bromofenoxim, bromoxynil, butachlor, butafenacil, butenachlor, butralin, butroxydim, butylate, cafenstrole, carbetamide, carfentrazon (e-ethyl), methoxyfen, chloridazon, chlornitrofen, chlorotoluron, cinidon-ethyl, cinmethylin, clacyfos, clefoxydim, clethodim, clodinafop-propargyl, clonazepam, clonprop, clopyralidCloransulam-ethyl, cumyluron, cyanazine, cyclopyranil, cyclopyrimorate, cycloxydim, cyhalofop-butyl, cypyrafluone, daimuron, dazomet, desmedipham, dicamba, dichlobenil, dichlorprop, dichlorprop-2,4-D propionic acid hlorprop-P), diclofop-methyl, diclosulam, difenzoquat, diflufenican, diflufenzopyr, dikegulac-sodium, dimefuron, dimepiperate, dimesulfazet, dimethachlor, dimethametryn, dimethenamid, diquat- dibromide, dithiopyr, diuron, dymron, epyrifenacil, EPTC, esprocarb, ethalfluralin, ethofumesate, ethoxyfen, etobenzanid, fenoxaprop-ethyl, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, fenquinotrione, fentrazamide, high-efficiency Flumprop-M-isopropyl, flumprop-M-methyl, florasulam, florpyrauxifen, fluazifop, fluazifop-butyl, fluazolate, flucarbazone-sodium, fluchloralin, flufenacet, flufenpyr, flumetsulamFlumiclorac-pentyl, flumioxazin, fluometuron, fluorochloridone, fluoroglycofen-ethyl, flupoxam, fluridone, fluroxypyr, fluroxypyr-butoxypropyl, fluroxypyr-meptyl, flurprimidol, and flurt... amone, fluthiacet-methyl, fomesafen, glufosinate, glufosinate-ammonium, glyphosate, halauxifen, haloxyfop, haloxyfop-ethoxyethyl, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfop-P-methyl, herbimycin, cycloazine Hexazinone, imazamethabenz-methyl, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazethapyr, indanofan, ioxynil, isoproturon, isouron, isoxaben, isoxachlortole, isoxaflutole, ketosulfonate Tospiradox, lactoferrin, lancotrione, lenacil, linuron, MCPA, MCPB, mecoprop, mecoprop-p, mefenacet, mesotrione, metamifop, metamitron, metazachlor, methabenzthiazuron, methyldymronMetobromuron, metolachlor, metosulam, metoxuron, metribuzin, molinate, monolinuron, naproanilide, napropamide, neburon, oxabentrinil, oxadiargyl, oxadiazon, oxaziclomefone, oxyfluorfen The following herbicides are listed: paraquat, nonanoic acid, pendimethalin, pendralin, penoxsulam, pentoxazone, pethoxamid, phenmedipham, picloram, picolinafen, pinoxaden, piperophos, pretilachlor, and profluazol. Profoxydim, prometryn, propachlor, propanil, propaquizafop, propisochlor, propoxycarbazone-sodium, propyzamide, prosulfocarb, pyraclonil, pyraflufen-ethyl, pyrazolynate, pyrazoxyfen, pyrimidin (pyribenzoxim), pyributicarb, pyridafol, pyridate, pyriftalide, pyriminobac-methyl, pyrithiobac-Sodium, quinchlorac, quinmerac, quinoclamine, quintrione, quizalofop-ethyl, quizalofop-P-ethylQuizalofop-P-tefuryl, sethoxydim, simazine, simetryn, S-metolachlor, sulcotrione, sulfentrazone, sulfosate, tebuthiuron, tepraloxydim, terbuthylazine, terbutryn, tetflupyrolimet, and thenyl chlor), thiazopyr, thiobencarb, tiafenacil, tiocarbazil, tolpyralate, tralkoxydim, triafamone, triallate, triaziflam, trilopyr, tridiphane, trifludimoxazin, trifluralin, tripyrasulfone.

[0354] When present, the amount of additional nonsulfonylurea herbicide contained in the liquid composition is preferably at least 0.1% by weight. More preferably, the amount of nonsulfonylurea herbicide contained is at least 0.2% by weight, at least 0.5% by weight, at least 0.7% by weight, at least 1% by weight, at least 2% by weight, at least 5% by weight, at least 10% by weight, at least 15% by weight, at least 20% by weight, or at least 25% by weight. The amount of nonsulfonylurea herbicide contained in the composition is preferably 95% by weight or less. When the nonsulfonylurea herbicide itself is liquid, a large amount of nonsulfonylurea herbicide can be used. More preferably, the amount of nonsulfonylurea herbicide contained is 60% by weight or less, 50% by weight or less, 40% by weight or less, 35% by weight or less, 30% by weight or less, or 25% by weight or less. Any disclosed lower weight percentage of nonsulfonylurea herbicide dosage can be combined with any disclosed upper weight percentage of nonsulfonylurea herbicide dosage to further define the weight percentage range suitable for the purposes of this invention. As an example, other exemplary ranges for the amount of nonsulfonylurea herbicide in the liquid composition include 0.1% to 95% by weight, 1% to 60% by weight, 2% to 50% by weight, 5% to 40% by weight, 10% to 30% by weight, 15% to 25% by weight, 25% to 35% by weight, and 10% to 50% by weight.

[0355] When a salt or derivative (ester, etc.) of a nonsulfonylurea herbicide is used for the purposes of this invention, the amount described herein as a percentage by weight refers to the weight of the salt or derivative. When more than one nonsulfonylurea herbicide (as a salt or derivative, etc.) is present in the composition, the amount described herein refers to the total amount of all nonsulfonylurea herbicides present in the composition.

[0356] In this invention, one or more nonsulfonylurea herbicides may be partially or completely encapsulated (e.g., microcapsules) as described in WO 2008 / 061721 A2 (GAT Microencapsulation AG). In this case, the weight percent amounts described herein are values ​​of the nonsulfonylurea herbicide excluding the encapsulating material.

[0357] The liquid compositions of the present invention may comprise any sulfonylureas and any non-sulfonylurea herbicides described herein.

[0358] For example, liquid compositions may contain bensulfuron-methyl and any other non-sulfonylurea herbicides described herein. Exemplary combinations containing bensulfuron-methyl include: bensulfuron-methyl and 2,4-D (e.g., as an ester or amine or choline salt); bensulfuron-methyl and MCPA (e.g., as an ester or amine); bensulfuron-methyl and bromuconazole; bensulfuron-methyl and glyphosate; bensulfuron-methyl and fluroxypyr; bensulfuron-methyl and dicamba (e.g., as a sodium salt or diethylene glycolamine salt or ester); bensulfuron-methyl and 2-methyl-4-chloropropionic acid; bensulfuron-methyl and MCPB; bensulfuron-methyl, fluroxypyr, and dichloropyridine; bensulfuron-methyl and pyrazosulfuron-methyl; bensulfuron-methyl and diflubenzuron; bensulfuron-methyl and diflubenzuron-methyl.

[0359] Liquid compositions may contain nicosulfuron and any other non-sulfonylurea herbicides described herein. Exemplary combinations containing nicosulfuron include: nicosulfuron and dicamba (optionally as a sodium salt or ester); nicosulfuron and atrazine; nicosulfuron and broadleaf herbicide; nicosulfuron and dichloropyridine (optionally as a potassium salt or ester); nicosulfuron and diflupenzopyr (optionally as a sodium salt or ester); nicosulfuron and metolachlor; nicosulfuron and terbutaline; nicosulfuron and mesotrione; and nicosulfuron and bentazon.

[0360] The liquid composition may contain methyl mesosulfuron-methyl and any other non-sulfonylurea herbicides described herein. Exemplary combinations containing mesosulfuron-methyl include: mesosulfuron-methyl and acetochlor; mesosulfuron-methyl and cyclohexane; mesosulfuron-methyl and metribuzin; mesosulfuron-methyl and chlorpyrifos; mesosulfuron-methyl and fluroxypyr; mesosulfuron-methyl and 2-methyl-4-chloropropionic acid; mesosulfuron-methyl and chlorpyrifos; mesosulfuron-methyl and pyrazosulfuron; mesosulfuron-methyl and propargite; mesosulfuron-methyl and glyphosate ammonium; mesosulfuron-methyl and dicamba (optionally as sodium, dimethylammonium or diethylene glycolamine salt or as an ester); mesosulfuron-methyl and 2,4-D (optionally as dimethylammonium salt, choline salt or ester); and mesosulfuron-methyl, dicamba (optionally as sodium, dimethylammonium or diethylene glycolamine salt or as an ester) and 2,4-D (optionally as dimethylammonium salt, choline salt or ester).

[0361] Other exemplary combinations of sulfonylureas and non-sulfonylureas used in this invention include: bensulfuron-methyl and acetochlor; bensulfuron-methyl and indoxacarb; bensulfuron-methyl and barnyardgrass; bensulfuron-methyl and pretilachlor; bensulfuron-methyl and tetrazolium-methyl; bensulfuron-methyl and methoxythiamethoxam; bensulfuron-methyl and cyclooxam; bensulfuron-methyl and oxadiazon; bensulfuron-methyl and brobutyroxychloride; bensulfuron-methyl, cyclooxam, oxadiazon and brobutyroxychloride; bensulfuron-methyl and butachlor; bensulfuron-methyl and chlorfenapyr; bensulfuron-methyl and chlorfenapyr. Pyrimethanil methyl ester and bensulfuron-methyl; bensulfuron-methyl ester, chlorpyrifos and bensulfuron-methyl; chlorpyrifos ethyl ester and mesosulfuron-methyl; iosulfuron-methyl ester (optionally as sodium salt) and isoxadifen-ethyl; iosulfuron-methyl ester (optionally as sodium salt) and propanil (optionally as sodium salt); iosulfuron-methyl ester (optionally as sodium salt) and pyrfluthrin; iosulfuron-methyl ester (optionally as sodium salt) and quizalofop-p-ethyl; mesosulfuron-methyl (and / or as methyl ester) and pyrfluthrin; mesosulfuron-methyl ( And / or as methyl ester) and propanil (e.g., sodium salt); pyrimisulfuron-ethyl and pretilachlor; pyrimisulfuron-ethyl and cyclopyralid; pyrimisulfuron-ethyl and bensulfuron-methyl; pyrimisulfuron-ethyl and pendimethalin; pyrimisulfuron-ethyl and isoamycin; pyrimisulfuron-ethyl and oxadiazon; pyrimisulfuron-ethyl and bicyclopyralid; pyrimisulfuron-ethyl and cyhalofop-butyl; pyrimisulfuron-ethyl and penflusulfonil; pyrimisulfuron-ethyl, cyhalofop-butyl, pretilachlor and isoamycin; pyrimisulfuron-ethyl, bicyclopyralid and penflusulfonil; pyrimisulfuron-ethyl, bicyclopyralid Oxalide, isoamyl, and oxadiazon; pyrimisulfuron-ethyl, pretilachlor, isoamyl, and pendimethalin; pyrimisulfuron-ethyl, bicyclosulfuron, butachlor, and cyprosulfuron-methyl; pyrimisulfuron-ethyl, bicyclosulfuron, and tetrazolium; formamide-sulfuron and bis(oxazolyl)sulfuron; formamide-sulfuron and cyprosulfamide; formamide-sulfuron and thiencarbazone-methyl; formamide-sulfuron and iodosulfuron-methyl sodium salt. Sodium salt and bis(oxazolyl) acid; formamide sulfonyl, sodium iosulfate, cyclopropanesulfonamide and thiamethoxam methyl ester; iosulfate and thiamethoxam methyl ester; metsulfuron methyl ester, bensulfuron methyl ester and acetochlor; thifensulfuron methyl ester, chlorpyrifos ethyl ester and propyzoxystrobin; pyrimisulfuron and mesotrione; pyrimisulfuron and metolachlor; pyrimisulfuron and dicamba; pyrimisulfuron, metolachlor and dicamba; thifensulfuron methyl ester and dicamba, 2,4-D-ester, MCPA-ester, clodinafop-propargyl, cyhalofop-butyl, fluroxypyr, acetochlor, cyclohexane and promethazine; chlorpyrifos ethyl ester and acetochlor; chlorpyrifos ethyl ester and cyprodinil; chlorpyrifos ethyl ester and imazalil acetochlor.

[0362] 4.7.2 Safety Agent

[0363] The compositions of the present invention may contain one or more safeners, which may be dissolved, dispersed, suspended or otherwise included in the composition. Suitable safeners are those listed in the Pesticide Handbook (ISBN-10:190139686X) and those listed in paragraphs

[0113] to

[0129] of US 2006 / 0276337 A1 (the paragraphs are incorporated herein by reference).

[0364] Exemplary safety agents include:

[0365] (1) Dichlorophenylpyrazoline-3-carboxylic acid compounds, such as ethyl 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(ethoxycarbonyl)-5-methyl-2-pyrazoline-3-carboxylic acid and related compounds, as described in WO 91 / 07874;

[0366] (2) Derivatives of dichlorophenylpyrazole carboxylic acid, preferably compounds such as ethyl 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-methylpyrazole-3-carboxylate, ethyl 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazole-3-carboxylate, ethyl 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)pyrazole-3-carboxylate, ethyl 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-phenylpyrazole-3-carboxylate, and related compounds, as described in EP-A-333131 and EP-A-269806;

[0367] (3) Triazole carboxylic acid compounds, preferably such as oxazol, i.e., ethyl 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-trichloro-methyl-(1H)-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate and related compounds (see EP-A-174 562 and EP-A-346620);

[0368] (4) 5-Benzyl- or 5-phenyl-2-isooxazoline-3-carboxylic acid or 5,5-diphenyl-2-isooxazoline-3-carboxylic acid compounds, preferably such as ethyl 5-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-2-isooxazoline-3-carboxylic acid or ethyl 5-phenyl-2-isooxazoline-3-carboxylic acid, or related compounds as described in WO 91 / 08202, or ethyl 5,5-diphenyl-2-isooxazoline carboxylic acid or n-propyl ester or ethyl 5-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-phenyl-2-isooxazoline-3-carboxylic acid, as described in patent application (WO-A-95 / 07897);

[0369] (5) 8-quinolinoxyacetic acid compounds, preferably 1-methylhexyl-1-yl(5-chloro-8-quinolinoxy)acetate, 1,3-dimethylbut-1-yl(5-chloro-8-quinolinoxy)acetate, 4-allyloxybutyl(5-chloro-8-quinolinoxy)acetate, 1-allyloxypropyl-2-yl(5-chloro-8-quinolinoxy)acetate, ethyl acetate (5-chloro-8-quinolinoxy), methyl acetate (5-chloro-8-quinolinoxy), allyl acetate (5-chloro-8-quinolinoxy), 2-(2-propyliminooxy)-1-ethyl(5-chloro-8-quinolinoxy)acetate, 2-oxopropyl-1-yl(5-chloro-8-quinolinoxy)acetate and related compounds, such as EP-A-86 750, EP-A-94 349 and EP-A-191 736 or EP-A-0 As described in 492 366;

[0370] (6) (5-chloro-8-quinolinoxy)malonic acid compounds, preferably such as diethyl (5-chloro-8-quinolinoxy)malonate, diallyl (5-chloro-8-quinolinoxy)malonate, methyl ethyl (5-chloro-8-quinolinoxy)malonate, and related compounds, as described in EP-A-0 582 198;

[0371] (7) Phenoxyacetic acid or phenoxypropionic acid derivatives or aromatic carboxylic acid compounds, such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (ester), 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxypropionate, MCPA or 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (ester);

[0372] (8) Pyrimidine active compounds, such as "dehydropyridine";

[0373] (9) Dichloroacetamide active compounds commonly used as pre-emergence safeners (soil activity safeners), such as "Dichloropropenylamine" (-N,N-diallyl-2,2-dichloroacetamide), "R-29148" (3-dichloroacetyl-2,2,5-trimethyl-1,3-oxazolidinone from Stauffer), "Dexamethasone" (4-dichloroacetyl-3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazine), "PPG-1292" (-N-allyl-N-[(1,3-dioxacyclopent-2-yl)methyl]dichloroacetamide from PPG Industries), "DK-24" (-N-allyl-N-[(allylaminocarbonyl)methyl]dichloroacetamide from Sagro-Chem), "AD-67" or "MON". 4660 (3-dichloroacetyl-1-oxa-3-azaspiro[4,5]decane from Nitrokemia or Monsanto), “dicyclonon” or “BAS145138” or “LAB145138” (3-dichloroacetyl-2,5,5-tri-methyl-1,3-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane from BASF) and “furilazol” or “MON 13900” ((RS)-3-dichloroacetyl-5-(2-furanyl)-2,2-dimethyloxazolidinone);

[0374] (10) Active compounds of dichloroacetone derivatives, such as “MG 191” (CAS-Reg. 96420-72-3) (2-dichloromethyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxane from Nitrokemia);

[0375] (11) Oxy-imino compounds, such as "(Z)-1,3-dioxacyclopent-2-ylmethoxyimino-(phenyl)acetonitrile", "fluoxime" (1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-ethylone O-(1,3-dioxacyclopent-2-ylmethyl)oxime and "(Z)-cyanomethoxyimino-(phenyl)acetonitrile" or "CGA43089" ((Z)-cyanomethoxyimino-(phenyl)acetonitrile);

[0376] (12) Thiazole carboxylic acid ester active compounds known as seed dressing agents, such as "Jiecaoan" (2-chloro-4-trifluoromethyl-1,3-thiazol-5-carboxylic acid benzyl ester);

[0377] (13) Naphthalene dicarboxylic acid derivatives, such as "naphthalene dicarboxylic anhydride" (1,8-naphthalene dicarboxylic anhydride);

[0378] (14) Active compounds of chromoacetic acid derivatives, such as “CL 304415” (CAS-Reg No. 31541-57-8) (2-(4-carboxychromo-4-yl)acetic acid from American Cyanamid);

[0379] (15) Active compounds that, in addition to their herbicidal effect on harmful plants, also act as safeners for crops, such as "piperazine" or "MY-93" (-S-1-methyl-1-phenylethylpiperidine-1-thiocarboxylic acid ester), "sparazine" or "SK23" (1-(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)-3-p-tolyl-urea), "benzuron" or "JC-940" (3-(2-chlorophenylmethyl)-1-(1-methyl-1-phenyl-ethyl)urea, see JP-A-60087254), "trimethoprim" or "NK 049" (3,3'-dimethyl-4-methoxybenzophenone), "CSB" (1-bromo-4-(chloromethylsulfonyl)benzene) (CAS-Reg No. 54091-06-4 from Kumiai).

[0380] Preferred herbicide safeners used in this invention include cyclophosphamide, BCS (1-bromo-4-[(chloromethyl)sulfonyl]benzene), quinoline, cyclophosphamide, dichloropropanesulfonamide, dicyclonon, 2-(dichloromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-dioxacyclopentane (MG 191), dietholate, cyclophosphamide, cyclophosphamide, cyclophosphamide, fluroxypyr, cyclophosphamide, cyclophosphamide, cyclophosphamide, cyclophosphamide, cyclophosphamide, cyclophosphamide, cyclophosphamide, mefenpyrethyl, metcamifen, cyclophosphamide ((4-methoxy-3-methylphenyl)(3-methylphenyl) ketone), mephenate, naphthalenecarboxylic anhydride, and cyclophosphamide.

[0381] The liquid compositions of the present invention may comprise any sulfonylureas described herein and any suitable safeners described herein. Exemplary combinations of sulfonylureas and safeners include: iodosulfuron-methyl (optionally as a sodium salt) and mefenpyr-diethyl; mesosulfuron-methyl (and / or as a methyl ester) and mefenpyr-diethyl; mesosulfuron-methyl (and / or as a methyl ester) and propensulfuron-methyl (e.g., sodium salt) and mefenpyr-diethyl.

[0382] 4.8 Stabilizer

[0383] Because the surfactant combinations described herein improve the stability of sulfonylurea herbicides compared to those currently used in the art, this invention provides formulators with greater freedom to adapt compositions to specific needs without necessarily including stabilizers. In other words, if regulatory agencies require a certain minimum level of stability, the liquid compositions of this invention can include one or more stabilizers to further improve stability and meet regulatory requirements. Suitable stabilizers include: salts of carboxylic acids or inorganic acids, such as diammonium hydrogen phosphate, ammonium acetate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, sodium thiocyanate; urea, thiourea, or derivatives thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, if the liquid herbicide composition contains nicosulfuron as a sulfonylurea herbicide, it is urea-free. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid herbicide composition is completely urea-free. In some cases, it has been found that urea provides less stabilizing effect than many of the stabilizers described herein. Particularly preferred stabilizers include inorganic salts of metal carbonates and metal phosphates disclosed in WO 2016 / 102499A1, or inorganic or organic Li salts disclosed in WO 2017 / 220680A1. In other words, the liquid compositions of the present invention may contain any of the salts disclosed in these documents, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0384] When present, the total amount of stabilizer is preferably 0.1% by weight or more, and more preferably 10% by weight or less, based on the weight of the liquid herbicide composition.

[0385] Exemplary stabilizers from these documents are provided below.

[0386] 4.8.1 Inorganic salts selected from metal carbonates and metal phosphates

[0387] Exemplary inorganic salts selected from metal carbonates and metal phosphates include those derived from alkali metals (such as lithium, sodium, and potassium), alkaline earth metals (such as magnesium and calcium), and those derived from other metals (such as aluminum). Preferred salts of the present invention include various forms of sodium phosphate and sodium carbonate. Exemplary salts include Na3PO4, Na2CO3, AlPO4, Mg3(PO4)2, and Na2HPO4. Both anhydrous and hydrated forms of metal salts can be used, but anhydrous forms are preferred in consideration of improving the chemical stability of sulfonylureas. When present, the total amount of inorganic salts selected from metal carbonates and metal phosphates is preferably 0.1% by weight or more, and preferably 10% by weight or less, based on the weight of the liquid herbicide composition.

[0388] It should be understood that the terms "sodium phosphate" and "potassium phosphate" respectively encompass all forms of sodium phosphate and potassium phosphate, as well as all their anhydrous and hydrated forms. For example, "sodium phosphate" includes sodium dihydrogen phosphate (anhydrous), sodium dihydrogen phosphate (monohydrate), sodium dihydrogen phosphate (dihydrate), disodium phosphate (anhydrous), disodium phosphate (dihydrate), disodium phosphate (heptahydrate), disodium phosphate (octahydrate), disodium phosphate (dodecanohydrate), trisodium phosphate (anhydrous, hexagonal), trisodium phosphate (anhydrous, cubic), trisodium phosphate (hemihydrate), trisodium phosphate (hexahydrate), trisodium phosphate (octahydrate), trisodium phosphate (dodecanohydrate), monosodium bisphosphate (anhydrous), disodium bisphosphate (anhydrous), disodium bisphosphate (hexahydrate), trisodium bisphosphate (anhydrous), trisodium bisphosphate (hydrate), trisodium bisphosphate (nonahydrate), tetrasodium phosphate (anhydrous), tetrasodium bisphosphate (dodecanohydrate), sodium triphosphate, and sodium tetraphosphate. The term "potassium phosphate" includes monopotassium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, and tripotassium phosphate, including their anhydrous forms.

[0389] 4.8.2 Lithium Salts

[0390] Organic lithium salts are lithium and C1-C 12 Salts of organic acids. Preferably, the organolithium salt is lithium and C1-C. 10 Salts of organic acids, more preferably C1-C8 organic acids, and even more preferably C1-C6 organic acids. Lithium and C2-C 10 Organic acids, C2-C8 organic acids, C4-C 10 Salts of organic acids and C4-C8 organic acids are also anticipated and preferred. Organic acids can be saturated or unsaturated; they can be aliphatic, aromatic, or heterocyclic; and / or they can be straight-chain, branched, or cyclic. As used herein, terms such as "C1-C8" are preferred. 12 The use of "organic acid" should be considered as a disclosure of an organic acid having every possible number of carbon atoms within the stated range (in this case, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 carbon atoms). To avoid any doubt, when assessing the total number of carbon atoms in an organic acid, the carbon atoms in the carboxylic acid group and any substituents on the organic acid are also calculated. Short-chain fatty acids (C1-C5) or medium-chain fatty acids (C6-C5) are particularly preferred. 12Lithium salts are preferred because they provide stability to sulfonylureas but have a reduced thickening effect on liquid formulations. In this regard, short-chain fatty acids are most preferred. Preferably, the short-chain fatty acids are C1-C4 organic acids, more preferably C1-C3 organic acids, and most preferably C1- or C2- organic acids. The organic acid may have one, two, three, or more carboxyl groups. Derivatives of the organic acid are acids with single, double, triple, or multiple substitutions along the carbon chain or cyclic structure. Examples of substituents in the organic acids of the present invention include: C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl and areneyl, hydroxymethyl, C2-C6 hydroxyalkyl, C2-C6 hydroxyalkenyl, aminomethyl, C2-C6 aminoalkyl, cyano, formyl, oxo, thio, hydroxyl, mercapto, amino, carboxyl, or imino. Preferred substituents are C1-C6 alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl), hydroxymethyl, hydroxyl, amino, and carboxyl. Examples of organic acids that can be used with lithium organic acid salts include, but are not limited to: formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, lactic acid, citric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, lauric acid, decanoic acid, caprylic acid, hexanoic acid, neopentanoic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, salicylic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, glyceric acid, glyoxylic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, octanoic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, propargyl acid, crotonic acid, isoctanoic acid, oleic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, and mucilage. Lithium salts of formic acid, citraconic acid, mesocarboxylic acid, camphoric acid, phthalic acid (ortho-, meta-, or para-position), naphtholic acid, benzoic acid, tolueneic acid, hydrazone, linalic acid, cinnamic acid, isonicotinic acid, nicotinic acid, dicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-dicyano-6,6'-dinicotinic acid, 8-carbamoyl-octanoic acid, 1,2,4-pentanetricarboxylic acid, 2-pyrrolic acid, propionaldehyde, 4-hydroxyphthalic acid, 1-pyrazolonic acid, gallic acid, or propanetricarboxylic acid are preferred. Lithium salts of formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, fumaric acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, and / or tartaric acid are particularly preferred, with lithium salts of formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, and oxalic acid being the most preferred.

[0391] Inorganic lithium salts are salts of lithium and inorganic acids. Exemplary inorganic acids include, but are not limited to: HAlO2, HAl(OH)4, H3AsO4, HAsO2, H3AsO3, H3BO3, and (HBO2). n, H2B4O7, HBO3, HBrO3, HBrO2, HBrO, HBrO4, H2CO3, H4CO4, H2C2O6, H2CO4(or H2CO3H2O2), HClO3, HClO4, HClO2, HClO, HONC, HOCN, HNCO, HIO3, HIO(or IOH, HIO4), H5IO6, H4I2O9, HNO3, HNO2, H3PO4, H5PO5, HPO3, H3PO3, H4P2O5, HPO2, H3PO2, H4P2O6, H4P2O7, H2SO4, H2SO3, H2S2O3, H2S2O7, H2SO2, H2S x O6 (x = 2-6), H6SO6, H2S2O4, H2SO5, H2S2O8, HSO3Cl, HSO3F, H2SiO3 (or SiO2·H2O), H4SiO4, H2Si2O5 (or SiO2·H2O), H4Si3O8, H6Si2O7 (or 2SiO2·3H2O), H[CHB 11 Cl 11 H2S, H2CS4, H2CS3, HCN, HSeCN, HSCN, HBF4, H2SiF6, HPF6, HF, HCl, HBr and HI. Preferably, the inorganic lithium salt is a carbonate, phosphate, sulfate or halide (preferably a fluoride or chloride).

[0392] The lithium salts intended for use in this invention are envisioned to include, for example, the following compounds: lithium acetate, lithium acetate dihydrate, lithium acetoacetate, lithium acetylacetone, lithium iodoacetate, lithium 2-hydroxybutyrate, lithium molybdate, lithium titanate, lithium manganese oxide, lithium manganese dioxide, lithium iron phosphate, lithium zirconate, lithium iron oxide, lithium D-gluconate, lithium pentaborate, lithium bromide, lithium iodide, lithium chloride, lithium calcium chloride, lithium bicarbonate, lithium carbonate, lithium citrate, lithium hydroxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium methionine, lithium oxalate, and lithium monoxide. Lithium oxide, lithium monophosphate, lithium orthophosphate, lithium silicate, lithium disilicate, lithium metasilicate, lithium sodium carbonate, lithium (E,E)-2,4-hexadienoate, lithium difluorophosphate, lithium difluorophosphite, lithium metaphosphate, trilithium phosphate, trilithium phosphite, lithium propionate, lithium butyrate, lithium valerate, lithium hexanoate, lithium heptanoate, lithium octanoate, lithium nonanoate, lithium decanoate, lithium formate, lithium phosphate (binary, monoary, ternary), lithium salicylate, lithium sodium phosphate, lithium sulfite, lithium sulfate, lithium disulfite, thiocyanate Lithium oxide, lithium fluorosilicate, lithium dioxatate, lithium β-hydropyruvate, lithium benzoate, lithium cyclohexane, lithium fluoride, lithium aluminate, lithium tetrafluoroborate, lithium thioacetate, L-glutamic acid monolithium salt, lithium fumarate, lithium trimethylsilyl alcohol, lithium hydrogen sulfate, lithium pyrophosphate, lithium dihydrogen phosphate, L-aspartic acid monolithium salt, lithium bromate, lithium periodate, D-gluconic acid monolithium salt, D-aspartic acid lithium salt, (R)-α-hydroxymethylaspartic acid lithium salt, lithium ethylmalonate lithium salt, lithium lactate, sulfur Lithium disulfide, lithium dichloroacetate, lithium dimethylacetate, lithium diethylacetate, lithium dipropylacetate, lithium metaborate, lithium laurate, lithium decanoate, lithium octanoate, lithium hexanoate, lithium tetraborate, lithium difluoride, lithium bismuthate, lithium borate, lithium chlorite, lithium hexametaphosphate, lithium hydrogen phosphite, lithium hydrogen selenite, lithium hydrogen sulfite, lithium dithionite, lithium hypochlorite, lithium polyphosphate, lithium polyphosphite, lithium propionate, lithium pyrophosphate, lithium selenate, lithium thiosulfate, lithium thiosulfate, and lithium thiosulfite. It should be understood that the above list includes their analogues, homologues, isomers, enantiomers, hydrates, and derivatives.

[0393] Both anhydrous and hydrated forms of lithium salts can be used for the purposes of this invention, but the anhydrous form is preferred in order to improve the chemical stability of sulfonylureas.

[0394] When present, the total amount of inorganic and C1-C12 organolithium salts is preferably 0.1% by weight or more, and more preferably 10% by weight or less, based on the weight of the liquid herbicide composition.

[0395] 4.9 Additives

[0396] The compositions of the present invention may include one or more additional adjuvants, such as thickeners and thixotropic agents, wetting agents, anti-drift agents, binders, penetrants, preservatives, antifreeze agents, antioxidants, solubilizers, fillers, carriers, colorants, defoamers, fertilizers, evaporation inhibitors, and agents that alter pH and viscosity. In one embodiment of the invention, the liquid composition includes at least one adjuvant, such as those listed in the *Herbic Adjuvants Outline*, 12th Edition, Southern Illinois University, 2014, or any earlier edition thereof. Examples of commonly used adjuvants include, but are not limited to, paraffin oil, horticultural spray oil (e.g., summer oil), methylated rapeseed oil, methylated soybean oil, and highly refined vegetable oils; polyol fatty acid esters, polyethoxylated esters, ethoxylated alcohols, alkyl polysaccharides and blends, amine ethoxylates, sorbitol fatty acid ester ethoxylates, polyethylene glycol esters, alkyl polyglucosides and their derivatives (e.g., esters), organosilicon surfactants, ethylene vinyl acetate terpolymers, and ethoxylated alkyl aryl phosphates.

[0397] 4.10 Preparation method

[0398] The compositions of the present invention can be prepared by known methods, such as mixing the components, grinding a suspended solid, or dissolving the solid (e.g., in WO 2016 / 102499 A1 or WO 2017 / 220680 A1). Therefore, a premix can be prepared, for example, by dissolving suitable adjuvants and additives in a non-aqueous solvent system (e.g., an organic solvent). Any soluble agrochemically active compound used can also be dissolved in the premix. Once the dissolution process is complete, the solid sulfonylurea or any other insoluble agrochemically active compound can be suspended in the mixture. The coarse suspension can optionally be finely ground after pre-grinding. In another embodiment, the solid sulfonylurea used and optionally any insoluble component are suspended in an organic solvent and ground. After grinding, any soluble active compound used that does not require grinding or is unnecessary for the grinding process, as well as any adjuvants and additives, can be added.

[0399] To prepare the mixture, conventional mixing equipment can be used, which may be temperature-controlled if necessary. For pre-grinding, high-pressure homogenizers or mills operated on a rotor-stator principle, such as Ultraturrax homogenizers (e.g., from IKA) or toothed colloid mills (e.g., from Puck or Fryma), can be used. For fine grinding, bead mills operating in batches (e.g., from Drais) or bead mills operating continuously (e.g., from Bachofen or Eiger) can be used.

[0400] 5. Examples

[0401] The following ingredients, under different trade names, were used in the examples:

[0402]

[0403] Example 1 - Effect of adding surfactant on the stability of sulfonylurea

[0404] A number of liquid compositions containing different sulfonylurea herbicides, with or without surfactants, were prepared in the same manner as the oil dispersions of WO 2016 / 102499 A1 (but without the addition of inorganic salts). These compositions were tested to determine the chemical stability of the sulfonylureas after storage at 54°C for two weeks. The results are summarized below.

[0405] Table 1-1

[0406]

[0407] Table 1-2

[0408]

[0409] It was found that sulfonylureas are generally stable in isobornyl acetate (OD1-OD3) in the absence of any surfactants. However, the stability of sulfonylureas is significantly reduced upon the addition of surfactants.

[0410] Example 2 - Effect of sulfonylurea concentration on stability in the presence of surfactant

[0411] Oil dispersions were prepared in the same manner as those for WO 2016 / 102499 A1 (but without the addition of inorganic salts). These dispersions were tested to determine the chemical stability of sulfonylureas after storage at 54°C for two weeks. The results are summarized below.

[0412] Table 2

[0413]

[0414] It was found that as the concentration of sulfonylurea decreased, the degradation of sulfonylurea (expressed as a percentage) became more severe.

[0415] Example 3 - Effect of surfactant blends on the stability of sulfonylureas (1)

[0416] Oil dispersions were prepared in the same manner as those for WO 2016 / 102499 A1 (but without the addition of inorganic salts). These dispersions were tested to determine the chemical stability of sulfonylureas after storage at 54°C for two weeks. The results are summarized below.

[0417] Table 3

[0418]

[0419] As observed in Example 1, sulfonylureas were found to be generally stable in the absence of any surfactant (OD16), but their stability decreased upon the addition of a surfactant. The choice of surfactant is important. The addition of surfactants not belonging to categories 1-14 resulted in complete degradation of the sulfonylureas (OD17). While stability could be improved by adding surfactants of categories 1-14 of the present invention (OD18), stability was significantly improved if surfactants of categories 1-14 comprised more than 80% by weight of the total surfactant content (OD19). Various combinations of surfactants of categories 1-14 were found to have similar stability (OD20-OD23).

[0420] Example 4 - Effect of surfactant blends on the stability of sulfonylureas (2)

[0421] Oil dispersions were prepared in the same manner as those for WO 2016 / 102499 A1 (but without the addition of inorganic salts). These dispersions were tested to determine the chemical stability of sulfonylureas after storage at 54°C for two weeks. The results are summarized below.

[0422] Table 4

[0423]

[0424] As observed in Example 3, stability can be improved by adding surfactants of categories 1-14 of the present invention (OD26), but stability is significantly improved if surfactants of categories 1-14 account for more than 80% by weight of the total surfactant content (OD27). Various combinations of surfactants of categories 1-14 were found to have similar stability (OD28-OD30).

[0425] Example 5 - Effect of surfactant blends on the stability of sulfonylureas (3)

[0426] Oil dispersions were prepared in the same manner as those for WO 2016 / 102499 A1 (but without the addition of inorganic salts). These dispersions were tested to determine the chemical stability of sulfonylureas after storage at 54°C for two weeks. The results are summarized below.

[0427] Table 5

[0428]

[0429] As observed in Examples 4 and 5, stability can be improved by adding surfactants of categories 1-14 of the present invention (OD33), but stability is significantly improved if surfactants of categories 1-14 account for more than 80% by weight of the total surfactant content (OD34). Various combinations of the three surfactants of categories 1-14 were found to have similar stability (OD35 and OD36).

[0430] Example 6 - Stability can be further improved by adding salt.

[0431] Oil dispersions were prepared in the same manner as those for WO 2016 / 102499 A1 (but without the addition of inorganic salts). These dispersions were tested to determine the chemical stability of sulfonylureas after storage at 54°C for two weeks. The results are summarized below.

[0432] Table 6

[0433]

[0434] The chemical stability of sulfonylureas is further improved by adding inorganic salts (OD38) selected from metal carbonates and metal phosphates or by adding inorganic or C1-C12 organic lithium salts (OD40 and OD42).

[0435] Example 7 - Effect of increasing the amount of surfactants in categories 1-4

[0436] Oil dispersions were prepared in the same manner as OD63 in WO 2017 / 220680 A1. These dispersions were tested to determine the chemical stability of sulfonylureas after storage at 54°C for two weeks. The results are summarized below.

[0437] Table 7

[0438]

[0439] The chemical stability of sulfonylureas is further improved by ensuring that surfactants of categories 1-4 (in this case, Nansa EVm70 / 2E - calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate) are present in a larger amount than surfactants of categories 5-14 (in this case, Atlas G1086 - sorbitan hexaoleate 40EO). Nansa EVm70 / 2E is commercially available in the form of isooctyl alcohol. The amount of each surfactant in OD43 is adjusted to ensure that the total amount of surfactant in the composition remains the same for OD42 and OD43 (17.42% by weight). In OD43, calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate accounts for approximately 60% by weight of the total surfactant content.

[0440] Example 8 - Effect of increasing the amount of surfactants in categories 1-4

[0441] Oil dispersions were prepared in the same manner as WO 2017 / 220680 A1. These dispersions were tested to determine the chemical stability of sulfonylureas after storage at 54°C for two weeks. The results are summarized below.

[0442] Table 8

[0443]

[0444] The chemical stability of sulfonylureas is further improved by ensuring that the surfactants of categories 1-4 (in this case, Nansa EVm40 / 2ND – primarily calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate) are present in a larger amount than the surfactants of categories 5-14 (in this case, Atlas G1086 plus a small amount of alcohol ethoxylate in Nansa EVM40 / 2ND). Stability improves with increasing amounts of surfactants of categories 1-4. The amounts of each surfactant in OD45 and OD46 are adjusted to ensure that the total amount of surfactant in the composition remains the same (17.42 wt%) from OD44 to OD46. In OD45 and OD46, calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate accounts for approximately 60 wt% and 70 wt% of the total surfactant content, respectively.

Claims

1. A liquid herbicide composition comprising: Non-aqueous solvent systems; One or more sulfonylurea herbicides, wherein the presence of at least one sulfonylurea herbicide in the liquid herbicide composition is less than 10% by weight; and Two or more surfactants; Its features are, The total amount of surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition comprises 80% to 100% by weight of surfactants selected from surfactant categories 1-14 listed below; and At least two different surfactant classes 1-14 each account for more than 10% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition. Its features are, Surfactant categories 1-4 comprise a total of 60% to 90% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition, and surfactant categories 5-14 comprise a total of 10% to 40% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition. Category 1 alkyl-terminated fatty alcohol alkoxylates; Category 2 consists of nitrogen-free alkylbenzene sulfonates that resist counterions; Category 3 metal stearates; Category 4: Fatty acid-polyalkylene glycol ABA-block copolymers; Category 5: Fatty alcohol alkoxylates; Category 6: Fatty acid alkoxylates; Category 7 Ethoxylated castor oil; Category 8: Dehydrated sorbitol esters; Category 9: Ethoxylated sorbitol esters; Category 10: EO / PO / EO block copolymers; Category 11 Tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether; Category 12 contains nitrogen-free, counterionic tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate; Category 13 contains nitrogen-free, counterionic tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate; and Category 14 consists of ethoxylated alkyl phosphates that do not contain nitrogen-containing counterions.

2. The liquid herbicide composition of claim 1, wherein, Based on the total weight of the liquid herbicide composition, the presence of at least one sulfonylurea herbicide in the liquid herbicide composition is from 0.1% to 5% by weight.

3. The liquid herbicide composition as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, Based on the total weight of the liquid herbicide composition, at least one sulfonylurea herbicide is present in the liquid herbicide composition in an amount of 0.1% to 1% by weight.

4. The liquid herbicide composition of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an inorganic salt selected from metal carbonates and metal phosphates, and / or an inorganic or C1-C12 organic lithium salt.

5. The liquid herbicide composition as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, Based on the total weight of the liquid herbicide composition, the total amount of surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition is from 5% to 30% by weight.

6. The liquid herbicide composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, Based on the total weight of the liquid herbicide composition, the total amount of sulfonylurea herbicide in the liquid herbicide composition is from 0.1% to 2% by weight.

7. The liquid herbicide composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sulfonylurea present in an amount of less than 10% by weight is selected from iodosulfuron, chlorpyrifos, mesosulfuron, pyrimisulfuron, acylsulfuron, tetrazolium sulfuron, benzylsulfuron, chlorpyrifos, chlorsulfuron, ethersulfuron, cypromethazine sulfuron, aminesulfuron, ethoxysulfuron, pyrimisulfuron, flupyrsulfuron, flupyrsulfuron, formamide sulfuron, imidazole sulfuron, iodosulfuron, mesosulfuron, pyrimisulfuron, nicosulfuron, pyrifenamide sulfuron, epoxysulfuron, flupyrsulfuron, promethazine sulfuron, fluprosulfuron, pyrimisulfuron, mesosulfuron, sulfonylurea, thiophene sulfuron, ethersulfuron, benzylsulfuron, trifluridine sulfuron, flumethanil, and triflumethanil or their salts or esters.

8. The liquid herbicide composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein it is formulated as an oil dispersion (OD), a dispersible concentrate (DC), an emulsifiable concentrate (EC), or a soluble concentrate (SL).

9. The liquid herbicide composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, (i) The alkyl-terminated fatty alcohol alkoxylates of category 1 are represented by formula (I): R 1 -(EO) x (PO) y (BO) z -O-R 2 Formula (I) in, R 1 It is a straight-chain or branched C8 to C24 alkyl group; EO, PO and BO represent ethoxy (OC2H4), propoxy (OC3H6) and butoxy (OC4H8) respectively, and the EO, PO and BO groups are arranged randomly or in block form; The exponents x, y, and z are each independent integers from 0 to 50, provided that the sum of x + y + z is from 1 to 150. R 2 It is a C1-C6 alkyl group; (ii) The alkylbenzene sulfonates of category 2 are represented by formula (II): in, R 1 It is hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R 2 It is hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R 3 It is an alkyl group having 8 to 40 carbon atoms; and M is a monovalent or divalent cation, provided that M does not contain a nitrogen atom; (iii) The metal stearates of category 3 are selected from sodium stearate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate or aluminum stearate; (iv) The fatty acid-polyalkylene glycol ABA block copolymers of category 4 have the general formula A-COO-B-OOC-A, wherein A and B are as follows: A is represented by equation (IV-A): in, R is hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon group or a substituted hydrocarbon group; R1 is hydrogen or a monovalent C1 to C24 hydrocarbon group; R2 is a divalent C1 to C24 hydrocarbon group; n is 0 or 1; p is an integer from 0 to 200; and B has a molecular weight of at least 500 and is a divalent residue of a water-soluble polyalkylene glycol of formula (IV-B): in, R3 is hydrogen or a C1 to C3 alkyl group; q is an integer between 10 and 500; (v) The fatty alcohol alkoxylates of category 5 are represented by formula (V): R 1 -(EO) x (PO) y (BO) z -OH of formula (V) in, R 1 It is a straight-chain or branched C8 to C24 alkyl group; EO, PO, and BO represent ethoxy (OC2H4), propoxy (OC3H6), and butoxy (OC4H8), respectively, and the EO, PO, and BO groups are arranged randomly or in block form; and The exponents x, y, and z are each independent integers from 0 to 50, provided that the sum of x + y + z is from 1 to 150. (vi) The fatty acid alkoxylates of category 6 are represented by formula (VI): R 1 -COO-(EO) x (PO) y (STAY) z -R 2 Formula (VI) in, R 1 It is a straight-chain or branched C7 to C23 alkyl group; EO, PO and BO represent ethoxy (OC2H4), propoxy (OC3H6) and butoxy (OC4H8) respectively, and the EO, PO and BO groups are arranged randomly or in block form; The exponents x, y, and z are each independent integers from 0 to 50, provided that the sum of x + y + z is from 1 to 150. R 3 It is hydrogen (i.e., monofatty acid alkoxylates) or C(=O)R 3 (i.e., di-fatty acid alkoxylates), where R 3 It is a straight-chain or branched C7 to C23 alkyl group; (vii) The ethoxylated castor oil surfactants of category 7 are represented by formula (VII) or their hydrogenated form: in, EO stands for ethylene oxide unit. a, b, and c each independently represent integers from 0 to 300; and x, y, and z each independently represent integers from 1 to 300; (viii) The dehydrated sorbitol esters of category 8 are represented by formula (VIII): in, R 1 It consists of saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residues from C10 to C18 (i.e., -(C=O)-C9 to -(C=O)-C17), and R 2 and R 3 Independently, it is hydrogen or a C10 to C18 saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residue; The ethoxylated dehydrated sorbitol esters of category (ix) 9 are represented by formula (IX): in, EO stands for ethylene oxide unit. R 1 These are saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residues from C10 to C18, i.e., -(C=O)-C9 to -(C=O)-C17. R 2 To R 4 Independently, it is hydrogen or a C10 to C18 saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residue, and The degree of ethoxylation is 10 to 40 (i.e., 10 ≤ w + x + y + z ≤ 40); (x) The EO / PO / EO block copolymer of category 10 is represented by formula (X): R 1 —(EO) x (PO) y (EO) z —R 2 Formula (X) in, EO stands for ethylene oxide unit, PO stands for propylene oxide unit, EO and PO are arranged in block form, x and z are independently 2 to 150, and y is 1 to 100. R 1 It is OH or a straight-chain or branched C1-C20 alkyl or alkenyl group, and R 2 It is H or a straight-chain or branched C1-C20 alkyl or alkenyl group; (xi) The tristyrene-based phenolic polyoxyethylene ether of category 11 is represented by formula (XI): in, n is a number between 4 and 150; (xii) The tristyrene-phenol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate described in category 12 is represented by formula (XII): in, n is a number between 4 and 150; and R 1 It is a cation, provided that R 1 It does not contain nitrogen atoms; (xiii) The tristyrene-phenol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate described in category 13 is represented by formula (XIII): in, n is a number between 4 and 150, and R 1 and R 2 It is an independent cation, provided that R is... 1 and R 2 None of them contain nitrogen atoms; The alkyl ethoxylated phosphates described in category 14 (xiv) are represented by formula (XIV): in, R 1 It is a straight-chain or branched C6 to C24 alkyl or alkenyl group; R 2 It is a straight-chain or branched C6 to C24 alkyl or alkenyl group, or a cation, provided that the cation does not contain nitrogen atoms; R 3 It is a cation, provided that the cation does not contain nitrogen atoms; n is between 3 and 20; and m ranges from 0 to 20.

10. The liquid herbicide composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sulfonylurea herbicide present in amounts of less than 10% by weight is mesosulfuron-methyl; At least one of surfactant categories 1-4 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition, and at least one of surfactant categories 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition. Surfactant categories 1-4 constitute 60% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition, and surfactant categories 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 constitute 10% to 40% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition; and The total amount of surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition is selected from surfactant classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.

11. The liquid herbicide composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sulfonylurea herbicide present in amounts of less than 10% by weight is thifensulfuron-methyl; At least one of surfactant categories 1-4 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition, and at least one of surfactant categories 5-14 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition. Surfactant categories 1-4 comprise 60% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition, and surfactant categories 5-14 comprise 10% to 40% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition; and The total amount of surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition is selected from surfactant categories 1-14, ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.

12. The liquid herbicide composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sulfonylurea herbicide present in amounts of less than 10% by weight is chlorimuron-ethyl; At least one of surfactant categories 1-4 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition, and at least one of surfactant categories 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition. Surfactant categories 1-4 together constitute 60% to 90% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition, and surfactant categories 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 together constitute 10% to 40% by weight of the total surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition; and The total amount of surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition is selected from surfactant classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.

13. The liquid herbicide composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sulfonylurea herbicide present in amounts of less than 10% by weight is bensulfuron-methyl; At least one of surfactant categories 2 and 4 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition, and at least one of surfactant categories 5, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition. Surfactant categories 2 and 4 together comprise 60% to 90% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition, and surfactant categories 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, and 14 together comprise 10% to 40% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition; and The total amount of surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition is selected from surfactant classes 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14, ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.

14. The liquid herbicide composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sulfonylurea herbicide present in amounts of less than 10% by weight is sulfonylsulfuron; At least one of surfactant categories 2 and 4 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition, and at least one of surfactant categories 5, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition. Surfactant categories 2 and 4 together comprise 60% to 90% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition, and surfactant categories 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, and 14 together comprise 10% to 40% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition; and The total amount of surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition is selected from surfactant classes 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14, ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.

15. The liquid herbicide composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sulfonylurea herbicide present in amounts of less than 10% by weight is sulfadiazine; At least one of surfactant categories 2 and 4 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition, and at least one of surfactant categories 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 14 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition. Surfactant categories 2 and 4 together comprise 60% to 90% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition, and surfactant categories 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14 together comprise 10% to 40% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition; and The total amount of surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition is selected from surfactant classes 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 14, ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.

16. The liquid herbicide composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sulfonylurea herbicide present in amounts of less than 10% by weight is pyrimisulfuron; At least one of surfactant categories 2 and 4 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition, and at least one of surfactant categories 5, 7 and 11 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition. Surfactant categories 2 and 4 together comprise 60% to 90% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition, and surfactant categories 5, 7, and 11 together comprise 10% to 40% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition; and The total amount of surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition is selected from surfactant classes 2, 4 and 5, 7 and 11, ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.

17. The liquid herbicide composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sulfonylurea herbicide present in amounts of less than 10% by weight is pyrimisulfuron; At least one of surfactant categories 1, 2 and 4 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition, and at least one of surfactant categories 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 14 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition. Surfactant categories 1, 2, and 4 constitute 60% to 90% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition, and surfactant categories 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14 constitute 10% to 40% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition; and The total amount of surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition is selected from surfactant classes 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 14, ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.

18. The liquid herbicide composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sulfonylurea herbicide present in amounts of less than 10% by weight is flusulfanilamide; At least one of surfactant categories 2 and 4 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition, and at least one of surfactant categories 5 and 11 accounts for more than 10% by weight of the total amount of surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition. Surfactant categories 2 and 4 together comprise 60% to 90% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition, and surfactant categories 5 and 11 together comprise 10% to 40% by weight of the total surfactants in the liquid herbicide composition; and The total amount of surfactant in the liquid herbicide composition is selected from surfactant classes 2, 4, 5 and 11, ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.

Images