Agricultural composition containing a surfactant and method of using the same

Abstract

The present invention provides an agricultural composition comprising a surfactant comprising the reaction product of (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group. Preferably, the surfactant comprises the reaction product of (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides an agricultural composition comprising a surfactant comprising the reaction product of (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group. Preferably, the surfactant comprises the reaction product of (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group. [Background technology]

[0002] Surfactants, or surface acting agents, are used in agricultural formulations to improve the effectiveness of agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides, bactericides, herbicides (weed killers), insecticides, acaricides, and plant growth regulators, by promoting or improving their dispersion, emulsification, absorption, application, wetting, adhesion, and penetration properties. Surfactants are selected appropriately considering factors such as the application efficiency and safety of the pesticide during use. Compositions containing various anionic surfactants, basic compounds, and / or nonionic surfactants are known.

[0003] In the application of agricultural formulations, the ability to reduce water surface tension is important because reduced surface tension generally corresponds to improved substrate wetting. Coatings, inks, adhesives, dampening solutions, cleaning compositions, and agricultural formulations are all examples of aqueous compositions. Surfactants are commonly used to reduce surface tension in aqueous systems, resulting in improved surface coverage, fewer defects, and more uniform dispersions. Equilibrium surface tension performance is important when the system is stationary. The ability of a surfactant to reduce surface tension and provide wetting during high-speed application conditions, i.e., high surface formation rates, is measured by dynamic surface tension.

[0004] Due to the widespread use of pesticides, nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl (or aryl) ethers, or polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, and anionic surfactants such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, dialkyl sulfosuccinates, lignin sulfonates, polynaphthyl sulfonates, linear or nonylphenol alcohols, as well as high molecular weight compounds such as fatty acids and polyacrylates, have traditionally been useful in a wide variety of agricultural compositions, and their applications are well known.

[0005] Nonionic surfactants for agricultural use are widely used as spreading agents in pesticide formulations, or are commonly added to agricultural liquids. As a result, such surfactants must possess basic properties such as the ability to disperse oil-soluble pesticide components, low foaming and defoaming properties to improve handling and spraying before mixing in tanks, the ability to prevent foaming in rivers, etc., the ability to improve the penetration of plant surfaces, and dispersion stabilization, precipitation prevention, and substance separation prevention during use, low-temperature storage, and temperature changes from low to room temperature.

[0006] Agricultural surfactant compositions are widely used in agriculture to improve the wettability and spreadability (wettability and elongation) of pesticides. Agricultural surfactant compositions are used to obtain wet adhesion by lowering surface tension and contain a surfactant and auxiliary control agents such as emulsifiers, dispersants, penetrating agents, fixatives, suspending agents, and defoaming agents.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 7,550,542,B2 discloses synthetic polymers having a water-soluble or water-swellable polymer backbone and hydrophobic block groups of alkyl or aryl compounds containing polymerizable cyclic monomers or polymerizable double bond (or alkene) groups or derivatives thereof. The hydrophobic block consists of two or more units of the same or different hydrophobic properties. These synthetic polymers are used as rheology modifiers, particularly in latex coatings.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 8388806B2 describes hydrophobically modified polyethylene glycol for use in pitch and tackiness control in pulp and papermaking processes.

[0009] International Publication No. 202006554A1 provides a composition comprising an oil, a surfactant, and an optionally charged polymeric complex, as well as a method for producing the composition. The composition may also include an aqueous phase to provide a microemulsion. The technology further provides methods for using such compositions in home care and personal care.

[0010] Japanese Patent Publication No. 05659340B2 describes a surfactant obtained by reacting 1 mole of a polyoxyalkylene compound with 1 to 8 moles of an alkylglycidyl ether having 6 to 21 carbon atoms.

[0011] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003253197 describes an antifouling agent containing a crosslinked polymer formed by ring-opening addition polymerization of an epoxy compound selected from the group consisting of monool glycidyl ethers and polyol glycidyl ethers and a hydroxylated compound selected from the group consisting of monools, polyols, and polyoxyalkylene compounds obtained by substituting polyols with polyoxyalkylene groups.

[0012] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011088113 describes an emulsifier containing a compound obtained by forming an adduct by the reaction of (a) glycidyl ether with (b) a water-soluble polyalkylene glycol having hydroxyl groups at both ends of its molecular chain, and then by the reaction of the adduct with (c) an organic diisocyanate.

[0013] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20080188673A1 describes a low surface tension surfactant based on ether alcohol, which is provided for use as a surfactant in aqueous coating formulations, and which is prepared by reacting at least one hydroxy compound.

[0014] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 112939898A describes a series of epoxy compounds in which one end is an epoxy group that can react with polyester, alkyd resin, or acrylic resin, and the other end is an ether chain portion. The disclosed epoxy compounds are useful in the manufacture of castable and glass fiber reinforced plastic windings, as well as in mold making, coatings, and medical biomaterials.

[0015] Surfactant compositions exhibiting high surface activity, good pigment dispersibility, good wetting properties, low equilibrium and dynamic surface tension, and low foaming are required, all of which are widely accepted in the agricultural formulation industry. The complexity of the application media into which surfactant compositions are blended is also rapidly increasing, creating important new requirements for suitability in the application process. This emerging performance area is critical to customer satisfaction and commercial success of products, as poor compatibility in the final-use mixture can cause clogging of sprayer screens and nozzles, hindering proper product application. While the demand for performance in pesticide compositions is increasing, the number of auxiliary chemicals approved by the U.S. EPA for use in pesticide compositions is decreasing due to stricter standards regarding the toxicological and ecological properties of these materials.

[0016] The present invention aims to provide a surfactant composition for agricultural chemicals that has excellent surface activity (e.g., solubilizing, dispersibility, permeability, low foaming, and defoaming properties), excellent stability at low temperatures, desirable biodegradability, and excellent safety in the environment (e.g., no plant toxicity or fish toxicity).

[0017] The present invention also aims to provide a surfactant composition for agrochemicals that exhibits excellent chemical and physical stability, tank mix compatibility highly desirable for commercial products in the agrochemical industry, and excellent stability. Spraying agrochemicals using the surfactant composition can improve the adhesion (wetting and spreadability) and penetration of the agrochemical. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0018] The present invention provides a surfactant comprising a reaction product of (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group. Preferably, the surfactant comprises a reaction product of (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group. The present invention also provides an agricultural composition for using the surfactant.

[0019] The preferred surfactant comprises a reaction product described in the following scheme.

Chemical formula

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention provides an agricultural composition comprising: (A) about 5.0 wt% to about 99.5 wt% of a surfactant comprising a reaction product of (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group, wherein the ratio of the molar equivalent of the hydroxyl group in the reactant A to the molar equivalent of the epoxy group in the reactant B is from about 4:1 to about 1:2; (B) about 1.0 to about 90.0 wt% of one or more agricultural active ingredients; and (C) about 1 to about 99.0 wt% of one or more additional ingredients.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides an agricultural composition comprising (A) about 5.0% to about 99.5% by weight of a surfactant, (B) about 1.0% to about 90.0% by weight of one or more agricultural active ingredients, and (C) about 1% to about 99.0% by weight of one or more additional ingredients, wherein the surfactant comprises (i) a reaction product of reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having epoxy groups, wherein the ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is about 4:1 to about 1:2; and (ii) a reaction product of reactant C: an aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having epoxy groups.

[0022] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides agricultural compositions selected from the group consisting of adjuvant compositions; fertilizer compositions; nutritional compositions; plant strengthening compositions, seed coating compositions; soil conditioner compositions; livestock compositions; granular compositions; release control compositions; film coating compositions; pesticide compositions selected from the group consisting of ovicidal compositions, rodenticide compositions, insecticide compositions, miticide compositions, algicidal compositions, mollusk-killing compositions, acaricide compositions, bird-killing compositions, fungicidal compositions and herbicides; germicide compositions; antibiotic compositions; antimicrobial compositions; antiviral compositions; antifungal compositions; antiparasitic compositions; wood preservative compositions; antimicrobial compositions; or yield-increasing compositions for plant soils.

[0023] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a surfactant composition that can be used as a wetting agent and is non-toxic or minimally toxic to plants, effectively promoting rapid uptake, rainfastness, and stomatal penetration for the successful application of aqueous pesticides. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The disclosed and claimed inventive concepts are not limited in their application to the details of the configuration and combination of components and steps or methods described below. Other embodiments of the disclosed and claimed inventive concepts are possible, or they can be implemented or performed in various ways. The expressions and terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined herein, technical terms used in connection with the disclosed and claimed inventive concepts shall have meanings generally understood by those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include plural forms, and plural terms shall include singular forms.

[0026] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural unless otherwise specified or the context clearly implies otherwise. The terms "comprising" and "composed of" include the more restrictive meanings of "consisting essentially of" and "consisting only of."

[0027] For the purposes of the following detailed description, any figures representing the quantities of components used herein and in the claims, except in any examples or where otherwise shown, should be understood to be modified in all cases by the term “approximately.” The numerical parameters described herein and in the appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties obtained when carrying out the invention.

[0028] All percentages, parts, proportions, and ratios used herein are by the total weight of the composition unless otherwise specified. All weights relating to the listed components are based on their activity levels and therefore do not include solvents or by-products that may be present in commercially available substances unless otherwise specified.

[0029] All publications, articles, papers, patents, patent gazettes, and other references cited herein are incorporated herein in their entirety for all purposes, to the extent consistent with the disclosure herein.

[0030] As used herein, the following terms have the meanings set forth below.

[0031] The term "at least one" means any quantity greater than one, including but not limited to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, etc. The term "at least one" can be extended to 100, 1000, or more, depending on the term it is attached to. Furthermore, the quantity 100 / 1000 should not be considered as a limiting lower or upper limit.

[0032] The terms “comprising” (and all forms such as comprise, comprises, etc.), “having” (and all forms such as have, has, etc.), “including” (and all forms such as include, includes, etc.), and “containing” (and all forms such as contains, contain, etc.) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unlisted elements or method steps.

[0033] The term "hydrophilic" refers to a substance that tends to mix with water, dissolve in water, or be wetted by water. Hydrophilic substances have a strong affinity for water.

[0034] The term "hydrophobic" refers to a substance that does not mix with water, does not dissolve in water, or tends not to be wetted by water. Hydrophobic substances do not have a strong affinity for water and tend to repel water or not mix with water.

[0035] The term "surfactant" refers to any amphiphilic molecule that, when added to water, reduces its surface tension.

[0036] The term "moiety" or "moieties" refers to a part or functional group of a molecule.

[0037] The term "substituted" means that a particular group or part has one or more substituents.

[0038] The term "functionalized" refers to the presence of one or more functional groups in any given part. Various functional groups can be introduced into a part by one or more functionalization reactions known to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that when an alcohol or polyol is "functionalized" with an epoxy compound or glycidyl ether, at least one hydroxyl group of the alcohol or polyol forms an ether bond with one of the carbon atoms of the epoxide group of the epoxy compound or glycidyl ether, and as a result, at least one epoxide group of the epoxy compound or glycidyl ether reacts to open its ring upon attack by the alcohol or polyol to generate a new hydroxyl group.

[0039] The term "aliphatic hydrophilic polyol" refers in one embodiment to a substance (reactant A) that is a hydrophilic compound having two or more hydroxyl groups. Examples of aliphatic hydrophilic polyols include oligomers, polymers and copolymers of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and butylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, poly(trimethylene oxide) glycol, polytetramethylene ether glycol, polyurethane polyol, polycarbonate polyol, polyester polyol, and acrylic polyol.

[0040] The term "aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol" refers in another embodiment to a substance (reactant A) that is a polyether having two or more hydroxyl groups. Examples of aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyols include oligomers, polymers and copolymers of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and butylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, poly(trimethylene oxide) glycol, and polytetramethylene ether glycol. In one preferred embodiment, the aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol is polyethylene glycol.

[0041] The term "hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group" refers to a substance (reactant B) that is a hydrophobic material having an epoxide group. An epoxy group is a functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded by a single bond to two adjacent carbon atoms, and thus forms a three-membered epoxide ring. Hydrophobic compounds having an epoxy group may also be alkylglycidyl ethers in which the alkyl group is a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbyl group having 3 to 24 carbon atoms, and is saturated or unsaturated. Preferably, the hydrophobic compounds having an epoxy group are primary linear alkyl glycidyl ethers such as n-butyl glycidyl ether, n-octyl glycidyl ether, n-decyl glycidyl ether, n-dodecyl glycidyl ether, n-tetradecyl glycidyl ether, n-hexadecyl glycidyl ether, n-octadecyl glycidyl ether, n-octadecenyl glycidyl ether (oleyl glycidyl ether), docosyl glycidyl ether; 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, 2-hexyldecyl glycidyl ether, 2-octyldodecyl glycidyl ether, 2- These are primary branched alkyl glycidyl ethers such as heptylundecylglycidyl ether, 2-(1,3,3-trimethylbutyl)octylglycidyl ether, 2-decyltetradecylglycidyl ether, 2-dodecylhexadecylglycidyl ether, and 2-tetradecyloctadecylglycidyl ether; secondary alkyl glycidyl ethers such as sec-decylglycidyl ether, sec-octylglycidyl ether, and sec-dodecylglycidyl ether; or tertiary alkyl glycidyl ethers such as t-octylglycidyl ether and t-dodecylglycidyl ether.

[0042] The term "aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol" refers to a substance (reactant C) having the structure shown below. [ka] In the formula, R is a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to about 20 carbon atoms; n ≥ 1; and for each repeating unit, independently, R1 = R2 = H, R1 = H and R2 = CH3, or R1 = CH3 and R2 = H.

[0043] Unless otherwise specified, the term "polyethylene glycol" refers to both linear and branched polyethylene glycols that can be formed by ethoxylation of polyols having three or more hydroxyl groups. Examples of polyols having three or more hydroxyl groups include, but are not limited to, glycerol, trimethylolmethane, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, benzenetriol, triethanolamine, treitol, erythritol, pentaerythritol, diglycerol, bis(trimethylolpropane), ribitol, xylitol, arabinitol, triglycerol, sorbitol, mannitol, dipentaerythritol, tetraglycerol, pentagrycerol, and hexaglycerol.

[0044] The molar equivalent of hydroxyl groups in reactant A, an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol, can be determined by multiplying the number of moles of reactant A by the number of hydroxyl groups per molecule of reactant A. The molar equivalent of epoxy groups in reactant B, a hydrophobic compound containing epoxy groups, can be determined by multiplying the number of moles of reactant B by the number of epoxy groups per molecule of reactant B.

[0045] The present invention provides an agricultural composition comprising a surfactant containing the reaction product of (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having epoxy groups. Preferably, the agricultural composition comprises a surfactant containing the reaction product of (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having epoxy groups. Preferably, the ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is about 4:1 to about 1:2.

[0046] Preferably, the surfactant comprising the reaction product of reactant A and reactant B further comprises the reaction product of (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group and (iii) reactant C: an aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol. Preferably, reactant C has a weight-average molecular weight of about 100 to about 10,000.

[0047] Preferably, the aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol (reactant A in some embodiments) is polyalkylene glycol. More preferably, the polyalkylene glycol is diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 100, polyethylene glycol 200, polyethylene glycol 300, polyethylene glycol 400, polyethylene glycol 500, polyethylene glycol 600, polyethylene glycol 700, polyethylene glycol 800, polyethylene glycol 900, polyethylene glycol 1000, polyethylene glycol 1100, polyethylene glycol 1200, polyethylene glycol 1300, polyethylene glycol 1400, polyethylene glycol 1500, polyethylene glycol 1600, polyethylene glycol 1700, polyethylene glycol 1800, polyethylene glycol 1900, polyethylene glycol 2000, polyethylene glycol 2100, polyethylene glycol 2200, polyethylene glycol 2300. Selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol 2400, polyethylene glycol 2500, polyethylene glycol 2600, polyethylene glycol 2700, polyethylene glycol 2800, polyethylene glycol 2900, polyethylene glycol 3000, polyethylene glycol 3100, polyethylene glycol 3200, polyethylene glycol 3300, polyethylene glycol 3400, polyethylene glycol 3500, polyethylene glycol 3600, polyethylene glycol 3700, polyethylene glycol 3800, polyethylene glycol 3900, polyethylene glycol 4000, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol 425, and EO / PO block copolymers (e.g., Stepan's Makon® L and Makon® R series polymers, BASF's Pluronic® polymers).More favorably, polyalkylene glycols include diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 100, polyethylene glycol 200, polyethylene glycol 300, polyethylene glycol 400, polyethylene glycol 500, polyethylene glycol 600, polyethylene glycol 700, polyethylene glycol 800, polyethylene glycol 900, polyethylene glycol 1000, polyethylene glycol 1100, polyethylene glycol 1200, polyethylene glycol 1300, polyethylene glycol 1400, polyethylene glycol 1500, polyethylene glycol 1600, polyethylene glycol 1700, polyethylene glycol 1800, polyethylene glycol 1900, polyethylene glycol 2000, and poly Selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol 2100, polyethylene glycol 2200, polyethylene glycol 2300, polyethylene glycol 2400, polyethylene glycol 2500, polyethylene glycol 2600, polyethylene glycol 2700, polyethylene glycol 2800, polyethylene glycol 2900, polyethylene glycol 3000, polyethylene glycol 3100, polyethylene glycol 3200, polyethylene glycol 3300, polyethylene glycol 3400, polyethylene glycol 3500, polyethylene glycol 3600, polyethylene glycol 3700, polyethylene glycol 3800, polyethylene glycol 3900, polyethylene glycol 4000, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol 425.

[0048] Preferably, the hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group (reactant B) is an alkylglycidyl ether or an allylglycidyl ether. Preferably, the alkylglycidyl ether is selected from the group consisting of 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, n-butylglycidyl ether, octylglycidyl ether, 2-hexyldecylglycidyl ether, 2-octyldodecylglycidyl ether, 2-heptylundecylglycidyl ether, 2-(1,3,3-trimethylbutyl)octylglycidyl ether, 2-decyltetradecylglycidyl ether, 2-dodecylhexadecylglycidyl ether, and 2-tetradecyloctadecylglycidyl ether. Preferably, the hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group is 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether.

[0049] Preferably, the reaction product of reactant A and reactant B comprises a mixture of a monofunctionalized aliphatic hydrophilic polyol and a polyfunctionalized aliphatic hydrophilic polyol. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction product of reactant A and reactant B comprises a mixture of an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol monofunctionalized with an alkyl glycidyl ether and an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol polyfunctionalized with an alkyl glycidyl ether. Preferably, the reaction product of reactant A and reactant B comprises (i) about 0.05% to about 40.0% of an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol monofunctionalized with an alkyl glycidyl ether and (ii) about 60.0% to about 99.95% of an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol polyfunctionalized with an alkyl glycidyl ether. Preferably, the aliphatic hydrophilic polyol is polyethylene glycol, the hydrophobic compound having epoxy groups is 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, and the ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is about 4:1 to about 1:2. Preferably, the aliphatic hydrophilic polyol is polyethylene glycol, the hydrophobic compound having epoxy groups is 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, and the ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is approximately 1:1.

[0050] Preferably, the reaction is carried out at a temperature of about 80°C to about 120°C. Preferably, the base is selected from the group consisting of triethylamine, 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine; oxides, hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates of sodium, potassium and calcium; and combinations thereof. Preferably, the base is sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.

[0051] The present invention further provides an agricultural composition comprising a surfactant comprising (i) reactant A: polyethylene glycol and (ii) reactant B: 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, wherein the ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in polyethylene glycol to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether is about 1:1, and the reaction product comprises a mixture of polyethylene glycol monofunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, polyethylene glycol difunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, polyethylene glycol trifunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, polyethylene glycol tetrafunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, and polyethylene glycol pentafunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, and the reaction product has the following general structure. [ka] In the formula, each C 11 H 22 O2 units are independent [ka] or [ka] And, Each C 11 H 22 The O2 unit is a single carbon-oxygen bond in a polyethylene glycol core or another C 11H 22 It is bound to O2 units. The sum of all n is an integer in the range of 1 to approximately 90, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 7, a and b are integers whose sum is in the range of 1 to approximately 5, and Q is an (m+1) valent alkylene group containing 2 to 20 carbon atoms, which is optionally branched, optionally substituted, and optionally contains an ether moiety, an oxa moiety, or an aza moiety.

[0052] Preferably, Q is a divalent alkylene group, CH2CH2, CH2CH2CH2, CH2CH2CH2CH2, CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2, CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2; trivalent alkylene group, CH2CHCH2, CH2CHCH2CH2, HC(CH2)3, CH3C(CH2)3, CH3CH2C(CH2)3, N(CH2)3, N(CH2CH2)3, N(CH2CH2CH2)3, C6H3 (i.e., benzenetriyl), C6H3(CH2)3, C6H3(CH2CH2)3, CH3C6H2 (i.e., tolutityl), CH3C6H2(CH2)3, CH3C6H2(CH2CH2)3, (CH3)2C6H (i.e., dimethylbenzenetriyl), (CH3)2C6H(CH2)3, (CH3)2C6H(CH2CH2)3, C6H9 (i.e., cyclohexanetriyl), C6H9(CH2)3, C6H9(CH2CH2)3, C3N3O3(CH2)3 (i.e., trimethylene isocyanurate), and C3N3O3(CH2CH2)3; tetravalent alkylene groups, CH2CHCHCH2, C(CH2)4, CH2CHCH2OCH2CHCH2, (CH2)2C(CH2CH3)CH2OCH2C(CH2CH3)(CH2)2, and C6H2 (i.e., benzenetetrayl); pentavalent alkylene groups, CH2CHCHCHCH2, CH2CHCH2(OCH2CHCH2)2, and C6H (i.e., benzenepentile); hexavalent alkylene groups, CH2CHCHCHCHCH2, CH2CHCH2(OCH2CHCH2)3, The group is selected from the following: (CH2)3CCH2OCH2C(CH2)3, and C6 (i.e., benzene hexile); hepatovalent alkylene group, CH2CHCH2(OCH2CHCH2)4; and octavalent alkylene group, CH2CHCH2(OCH2CHCH2)5, and (CH2)3CCH2(OCH2C(CH2)2)2CH2.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, Q is a divalent alkylene group, CH2CH2, and the surfactant of the present invention comprises a reaction product of (i) reactant A: linear polyethylene glycol and (ii) reactant B: 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, and the ratio of the molar equivalent of the hydroxyl group in the linear polyethylene glycol to the molar equivalent of the epoxy group in the 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether is about 1:1. The reaction product comprises a mixture of linear polyethylene glycol monofunctionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, linear polyethylene glycol difunctionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, linear polyethylene glycol trifunctionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, linear polyethylene glycol tetrafunctionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, and linear polyethylene glycol pentafunctionalized by 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, and the reaction product has the following general structure. [Chemical formula] , wherein each C 11 H 22 O2 unit is independently [Chemical formula] or [Chemical formula] and each C 11 H 22 O2 unit is bonded to the polyethylene oxide core or another C 11 H 22 O2 unit by a carbon-oxygen single bond, n is an integer in the range of 1 to about 90, and a and b are integers whose sum is in the range of 1 to about 5.

[0054] Preferably, the surfactant includes polyethylene glycol monofunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, where a + b = 1; polyethylene glycol difunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, where a + b = 2; polyethylene glycol trifunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, where a + b = 3; polyethylene glycol tetrafunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, where a + b = 4; and polyethylene glycol pentafunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, where a + b = 5.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention further provides an agricultural composition comprising a surfactant containing a reaction product represented by the following structure. [ka] In the formula, n is an integer in the range of 1 to approximately 90.

[0056] Preferably, the reactant C: aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol has the following structure: [ka] In the formula, R is a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to about 20 carbon atoms; n is an integer in the range of 1 to about 25; and for each repeating unit, independently, R1=R2=H, R1=H and R2=CH3, or R1=CH3 and R2=H. Preferably, the aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol has 3 to about 225 ethoxylate units. 6-20 It is selected from the group consisting of alcohol ethoxylates.

[0057] In one embodiment, "aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol" is C 6-20It contains an alcohol ethoxylate selected from the group consisting of 3 to 225 EOs. Such alcohol ethoxylates are available from BASF (LUTENSOL®) and Sasol Performance Chemicals (NOVEL®).

[0058] In another non-limiting embodiment, the application discloses that the ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in polyethylene glycol to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether is about 4:1 to about 1:2.

[0059] In yet another embodiment, the application discloses a reaction between (i) polyethylene glycol and (ii) 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, wherein the ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in polyethylene glycol to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether is about 4:1 to about 1:2.

[0060] The present invention further discloses an agricultural composition comprising (A) about 5.0% to about 99.5% by weight of a surfactant, (B) about 1.0% to about 90.0% by weight of one or more agricultural active ingredients, and (C) about 1% to about 99.0% by weight of one or more additional ingredients, wherein the surfactant comprises a reaction product of (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol and (ii) reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having epoxy groups, wherein the ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is about 4:1 to about 1:2.

[0061] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present invention provides an agricultural composition comprising (A) about 5.0% to about 99.5% by weight of a surfactant, (B) about 1.0% to about 90.0% by weight of one or more agricultural active ingredients, and (C) about 1% to about 99.0% by weight of one or more additional ingredients, wherein the surfactant comprises (i) a reaction product of reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having epoxy groups, wherein the ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is about 4:1 to about 1:2, and (ii) a reaction product of reactant C: an aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having epoxy groups, wherein the ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant C to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is about 1:1 to about 1:2.

[0062] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present invention provides an agricultural composition that is prepared as either a "tank mix" formulation or an "in-can" formulation by combining one or more agricultural active ingredients and additional ingredients with the surfactant of the present invention using methods known in the art.

[0063] The term "tank mix" refers to a composition in which at least one pesticide is added to a spraying medium such as water or oil at the time of use and mixed in a tank installed in a tractor or aircraft built for that purpose.

[0064] The term "in can" refers to a formulation or concentrated formulation containing at least one pesticide component, which is typically diluted to the desired concentration at the time of use by a tank mix, or used without dilution.

[0065] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present invention provides a seed coating composition comprising (A) about 5.0% to about 99.5% by weight of a surfactant; (B) about 1.0% to about 90.0% by weight of one or more agricultural active ingredients; and (C) about 1% to about 99.0% by weight of one or more additional ingredients, wherein the surfactant comprises a reaction product of (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having epoxy groups, wherein the ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is about 4:1 to about 1:2.

[0066] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present invention provides a livestock composition comprising (A) about 5.0% to about 99.5% by weight of a surfactant; (B) about 1.0% to about 90.0% by weight of one or more agricultural active ingredients; and (C) about 1% to about 99.0% by weight of one or more additional ingredients, wherein the surfactant comprises a reaction product of (i) reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having epoxy groups, wherein the ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is about 4:1 to about 1:2.

[0067] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present invention provides a seed coating composition comprising (A) about 5.0% to about 99.5% by weight of a surfactant; (B) about 1.0% to about 90.0% by weight of one or more agricultural active ingredients; and (C) about 1% to about 99.0% by weight of one or more additional ingredients, wherein the surfactant comprises (i) a reaction product of reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having epoxy groups, wherein the ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is about 4:1 to about 1:2; and (ii) a reaction product of reactant C: an aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having epoxy groups.

[0068] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present invention provides a livestock composition comprising (A) about 5.0% to about 99.5% by weight of a surfactant; (B) about 1.0% to about 90.0% by weight of one or more agricultural active ingredients; and (C) about 1% to about 99.0% by weight of one or more additional ingredients, wherein the surfactant comprises (i) a reaction product of reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having epoxy groups, wherein the ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is about 4:1 to about 1:2; and (ii) a reaction product of reactant C: an aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having epoxy groups.

[0069] According to another embodiment of this application, it is intended to use at least one agricultural active ingredient selected from the group consisting of fertilizers; herbicides; ovicidal agents; fungicides; and pesticides selected from the group consisting of rodenticides, miticides, algicidal agents, mollusk repellents, acaricides, birdicides, insecticides, germicides, antibiotics, antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, antifungal agents, antiprotozoal agents, antiparasitic agents, and antimicrobial compounds.

[0070] According to another embodiment of this application, the pesticides intended for use in the present invention include fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, miticides, nematicides, acaricides, and mollusk repellents.

[0071] The fertilizers intended for use in this application may include inorganic fertilizers, nitrogen fertilizers, potassium fertilizers, phosphate fertilizers, organic fertilizers, fertilizers, compost, phosphate rock, bone meal, alfalfa, wood chips, langbainite, cover crops, potassium sulfate, rock powder, ash, blood meal, fish meal, fish milk, algae, chitosan, and molasses.

[0072] Examples of herbicides intended for use in this application include phenoxycarboxylic acids (e.g., 2,4-D-acids, MCPA), benzoic acid (e.g., dicambaic acid), urea (e.g., diurone), sulfonylurea (e.g., methylsulfuron-methyl, limsulfurone), triazines (e.g., atrazine, simazine, ametrine), triazolinones (e.g., amicarbazone), and pyridinecarboxylic acids (e.g., triclopyr).

[0073] Examples of fungicides intended for use in this application include triazoles (e.g., tebuconazole, tetraconazole, cyproconazole, epoxyconazole, diphenconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole, mycrobutanil), strobilurin class (e.g., trifloxystrobin, azoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, pyraclostrobin), alkylenbis(dithiocarbamate) compounds (e.g., mancozeb), and benzimidazoles (e.g., carbendazim).

[0074] Examples of insecticides intended for use in the present invention include neonicotinoids (e.g., thiamethoxam, clothianidin, thiacloprid, dinotefuran, acetamiprid, nitenpyram, imidacloprid), amidines (e.g., amitraz), organophosphate esters (e.g., chlorpyrifos), and pyrethroids (e.g., permethrin, bifenthrin, deltamethrin).

[0075] Suitable antimicrobial agents for the pesticide composition according to the present invention include germicides, antibiotics, antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, antimicrobial agents, antiparasitic agents, and anti-parasitic agents. The main disinfectants used are: active chlorine (i.e., hypochlorite, dichloroisocyanurate and trichloroisocyanurate, wet chlorine dioxide, etc.), active oxygen (peroxides such as peracetic acid, potassium persulfate, sodium percarbonate and perhydrate, iodine (povidone-iodine, beta-zine), Lugol's solution, iodine tincture, iodized nonionic surfactants), concentrated alcohol (mainly ethanol, also called n-propanol and 2-propanol, and mixtures thereof), phenolic substances (also called "carboxylic acids"), cresol (also called "lysole"), halogenated (chlorinated, brominated) phenols, e.g., hexachlorophene, trichlorophenol (triclosan), tribromophenol, pentachlorophenol, dibromol and their salts), and some quaternary ammonium cations (e.g., benzalkonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide or chloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, cetylpyridinium). Examples include benzethonium chloride, chlorides, benzethonium chloride, non-quaternary compounds (e.g., chlorhexidine, glucoprotamine, octenidine dihydrochloride, etc.), strong oxidizing agents (e.g., ozone and permanganate solutions); heavy metals and their salts (e.g., colloidal silver, silver nitrate, mercury chloride, phenylmercury salts, copper sulfate, copper oxide chloride, etc.). Heavy metals and their salts are the most toxic and environmentally harmful bactericidal agents, and therefore their use is strongly restricted or prohibited. In addition, there are also appropriately concentrated strong acids (phosphoric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, amidosulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid) and alcohols (sodium, potassium, calcium hydroxides).

[0076] Suitable examples of plant growth regulators intended for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, phosphonic acids (e.g., etephon), gibberellin cytokinin (e.g., 6-benzylaminopurine), auxins (e.g., 1-naphthylacetic acid), triazoles, strobilurins, alkylenebis(dithiocarbamate) compounds, benzimidazoles, phenoxycarboxylic acids, benzoic acid, urea, sulfonylurea, triazines, pyridinecarboxylic acids, neonicotinides, amidines, organophosphate esters, and pyrethroids.

[0077] According to another embodiment of this application, it is intended to use at least one component selected from the group consisting of acidifying agents, buffering agents, anti-foam agents, defoaming agents, anti-transpirants, dyes and glossing agents, compatibilizers, crop oil concentrates, oily surfactants, deposition agents, drift reducers, foam markers, feeding stimulants, herbicide toxicity mitigators, spreaders, extenders, bulking agents, adhesives, suspending agents, gelling agents, synergists, wetting agents, emulsifiers, dispersants, penetrating agents, tank and equipment cleaning agents, neutralizing agents, water absorbents, water softeners, and mixtures thereof.

[0078] According to another embodiment of this application, it is intended to use at least one component further selected from the group consisting of solvents, liquid carriers, solid carriers or fillers, surfactants, solubilizers, penetration enhancers, protective colloids, thickeners, humectants, repellents, attractants, compatibilizers, bactericides, antifreeze agents, crystallization inhibitors, colorants, tackifiers, binders, preservatives, pH adjusters, clarifiers, stabilizers, UV stabilizers, and mixtures thereof.

[0079] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the agricultural composition may include an acidifying agent that improves the effectiveness of the agricultural composition. The acidifying agent may be a suitable organic or inorganic acid selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, phosphoric acid, polyphosphate, perchloric acid, and combinations thereof.

[0080] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the agricultural composition may include a buffering agent for lowering the pH. Examples of buffering agents include mineral acids such as sulfuric acid, sulfonic acid, sulfite, nitric acid, or nitrite; organic acids such as glutaric acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, acrylic acid, or combinations thereof.

[0081] According to another embodiment of the present invention, agricultural compositions may include effective transpiration-inhibiting compounds that reduce water loss. Examples of transpiration-inhibiting compounds include sorbitol, mannitol, sucrose, silicone, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, paraffin, and terpene diene (terpene resin).

[0082] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition comprising a suitable “compatibilizer” allows for easier mixing of two or more components in a solution, enabling the use of two or more chemicals in a tank that would otherwise be incompatible. Preferred compatibilizers are alkali metal acetates, alkaline earth metal acetates, and mixtures thereof.

[0083] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition comprising a suitable crop oil concentrate (COC) can be used to enhance weed control efficacy, reduced volatility, lower water solubility, lower surface tension, improved surface coverage, and penetration efficacy of the agricultural composition. The crop oil concentrate (COC) may be an aromatic or paraffinic solvent, a fatty acid, one or more lower alkyl fatty acid esters, a polyoxyalkylene sulfate, a phosphate, or a carboxylated product.

[0084] According to another embodiment of the present invention, agricultural compositions may utilize a drift reducer that can reduce drift or spray drift by means including, but not limited to, increasing the droplet diameter of the spray solution, as a soil or foliar penetrating agent. The drift reducer is selected from the group consisting of at least one phospholipid, plant colloid, non-derivativeized guar gum, non-cationic derivatized guar gum, cationic guar gum, polyethylene oxide, poly(vinylpyrrolidone), polyacrylamide, nonionic emulsifier, cationic emulsifier, and anionic emulsifier.

[0085] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a “deposition agent” that enhances the deposition of an agricultural composition helps prevent the agricultural composition from scattering from a target area when applied, or from being blown away from plants or animals when deposited. Examples of deposition agents include modified cellulose (e.g., carboxymethylcellulose), plant-derived materials (e.g., grain flour, ground plant material), natural soils (talc, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth), natural clays (e.g., attapulgite, bentonite, kaolinite, montmorillonite), or synthetic materials (e.g., laponite) or proteins (soy protein, potato protein, soy flour, potato flour, fish meal, bone meal, yeast extract, blood meal).

[0086] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the herbicide toxicity mitigator reduces or eliminates the phytotoxic effects of the active ingredient on non-target plant species (e.g., crops) while maintaining an acceptable level of effectiveness against target species (e.g., weeds). Examples of herbicide toxicity mitigators include, but are not limited to, benoxacol, (RS)-4-dichloroacetyl-3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazine, croquintoset, (5-chloroquinoline-8-yloxy)acetic acid, croquintosetmexyl, (RS)-1-methylhexyl(5-chloroquinoline-8-yloxy)acetic acid, siomethrinyl, (Z)-cyanomethoxyimino(phenyl)acetonitrile, cyprosulfamide, N-[4-(cyclopropylcarbamoyl)phenylsulfonyl]-o-anisamide or N-[4-(cyclopropylcarbamoyl)phenylsulfonyl]-2-methoxybenzamide, dichlormid, and N,N-diallyl-2,2-dichloroacetamide.Dicyclonone, (RS)-1-dichloroacetyl-3,3,8a-trimethylperhydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidine-6-one; diesolate, O,O-diethyl O-phenylphosphorothioate; fenchlorazole, 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-trichloromethyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylic acid; fenchlorazole ethyl, ethyl 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-trichloromethyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate; fenchlorim, 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-trichloromethyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylic acid; flurazole, benzyl 2-chloro-4-trifluoromethyl-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxylate or benzyl 2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylthiazole-5-carboxylate; Fluxophenim, 4′-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroacetophenone (EZ)-O-1,3-dioxolane-2-ylmethyloxime; Frirasol, (RS)-3-dichloroacetyl-5-(2-furanyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-oxazolidine; Isoxadifen, 4,5-dihydro-5,5-diphenyl-1,2-oxazole-3-carboxylic acid; Isoxadifen ethyl, ethyl 4,5-dihydro-5,5-diphenyl-1,2-oxazole-3-carboxylate; Diekhaowane, 2-(dichloromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane; Diekhaoxy, N-allyl-N-(allylcarbamoylmethyl)-2,2-dichloroacetamide; Mephenate, 4-chlorophenylmethylcarbamate; This includes naphthalic anhydride, naphthalene-1,8-dicarboxylic acid anhydride; oxavethrinyl, (Z)-1,3-dioxolane-2-ylmethoxyimino(phenyl)acetonitrile; mefenypyr, (RS)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-2-pyrazoline-3,5-dicarboxylic acid; mefenypyrdiethyl, diethyl (RS)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-2-pyrazoline-3,5-dicarboxylate, MG-191, 2-(dichloromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, and combinations thereof.

[0087] According to another embodiment of this application, a suitable suspension is selected from the group consisting of attapulgate clay, fumed silica, and combinations thereof.

[0088] According to another embodiment of this application, adhesives used in agricultural compositions may be waxes such as carnauba wax, beeswax, Chinese wax, shellac wax, spermaceti wax, candelilla wax, castor wax, erycium wax, and rice bran wax; polysaccharides (e.g., starch, dextrin, maltodextrin, alginates, and chitosan); fats, oils, proteins (e.g., gelatin and zein); arabul gum; and shellac. The adhesive may also be compounds that do not exist in nature, such as polymers, copolymers, and waxes. For example, non-limiting examples of polymers that can be used as adhesives include polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, cellulose (e.g., ethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose), polyvinylpyrrolidone, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride copolymer, calcium lignosulfonate, acrylic copolymer, polyvinyl acrylate, polyethylene oxide, acylamide polymers and copolymers, polyhydroxyethyl acrylate, methylacrylamide monomer, and polychloroprene.

[0089] According to another embodiment of this application, the gelling agent can be selected from gelling clay or polysaccharide gum, bentonite clay, xanthan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, algal oligosaccharides, and combinations thereof.

[0090] According to another embodiment of this application, suitable examples of water-absorbing agents include crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymers; hydrolyzed starch acrylonitrile graft polymers; neutralized starch acrylic acid graft polymers; saponified vinyl acetate acrylic acid copolymers; crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose; hydrolyzed or crosslinked acrylonitrile copolymers or acrylamide copolymers; crosslinked cationic monomers; crosslinked isobutylene maleate copolymers; and crosslinked polymers of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid and acrylic acid.

[0091] According to another embodiment of this application, the water softener can be selected from sodium tripolyphosphate and tetrapotassium pyrophosphate.

[0092] According to another embodiment of this application, it is intended to use at least one solvent used in agricultural compositions that exhibits desirable solubility compared to agricultural compositions. Furthermore, the solvent may include alkylbenzenes, alkylnaphthalenes, e.g., isophorone, cyclohexanone, and methylcyclohexanone, methyl esters of fatty acids, aliphatic hydrocarbons, alicyclic hydrocarbons, fuel oils, isophorone, methyl ethyl ketone, N-methylpyrrolidone, butyl lactate, dimethyl sulfoxide, acetophenone, or petroleum-derived toluene, xylene, chlorotoluene, benzene, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, naphthalene, ketones, e.g., chlorobenzene and trichloroethane, alcohols, e.g., benzyl alcohol, furfuryl alcohol, butanol, and glycol ethers, and combinations thereof.

[0093] According to another embodiment of the present invention, solid and liquid carriers can be used to coat seeds with a modified maleic acid soybean composition or to spray an oil composition onto a field. Solid carriers such as diatomaceous earth, finely ground limestone, or magnesium carbonate or calcium carbonate can be used. Sugars such as sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, or dextrose can also be used as solid carriers. The carrier may further contain a gas or steam, such as steam, air, or an inert gas such as diatomic nitrogen, which can be used to fluidize the solid composition. Other examples of suitable carriers include talc, bentonite, clay, kaolin, white carbon, vermiculite, slaked lime, silica sand, ammonium sulfate, urea, and liquid carriers such as methylnaphthalene, isopropyl alcohol, xylene, cyclohexanone, water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, dimethylformaldehyde, and ethylene glycol.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the "filler" can be selected from the group including bentonite, subbentonite, attapulgite, kaolinite, montmorillonite, bauxite, aluminum hydroxide, calcined alumina, diatomaceous earth, chalk, Fuller's earth, dolomite, quiesulgoul, lawres, propylite, talc, vermiculite, limestone, natural and synthetic silicates, silica, and kaolin (china clay).

[0095] In one embodiment, "surfactant" as used herein means a compound that reduces the surface tension of a liquid, thereby enabling easier diffusion. Suitable auxiliary surfactants include, but are not limited to, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and polymeric surfactants.

[0096] Examples of nonionic surfactants include alkoxylates, mainly ethoxylates, and nonionic surfactants such as lauryl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether acetate, alkyl polyoxyethylene ethers and alkyl polyoxypropylene ethers, such as linear fatty alcohols, alkylaryl alcohol polyoxyethylene ethers, such as octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether, alkoxylated animal and / or vegetable oils, such as corn oil ethoxylate and tallow ethoxylate, glycerol esters, such as glycerol monostearate, fatty alcohol alkoxylates and oxo alcohol polyoxyethylene ethers, alkylphenol alkoxylates, such as ethoxylated isooctylphenol, octylphenol or nonylphenol, tributylphenyl polyoxyethylene ether, fatty amine alkoxylates, fatty acid amide alkoxylates and fatty acid diethanolamide alkoxylates. Examples of surfactants include sorbitol esters, such as sorbitan fatty acid esters (sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan tristearate), polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, alkyl polyglycosides, N-alkyl gluconamides, -alkyl methyl sulfoxides, and alkyl dimethylphosphine oxides, such as tetradecyldimethylphosphine oxide.

[0097] Examples of amphoteric surfactants include sulfobetaine, carboxybetaine, and alkyldimethylamine oxides, such as tetradecyldimethylamine oxide.

[0098] Examples of polymeric surfactants include di-, tri-, and multi-block polymers of type (AB), ABA, and BAB, such as optionally end-capped ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, such as ethylenediamine-EO / PO block copolymers, polystyrene block polyethylene oxide, and AB comb-like polymers, such as polymethacrylate comb-like polyethylene oxide.

[0099] Further surfactants include perfluorosurfactants, silicone surfactants such as polyether-modified siloxanes, phospholipids such as lecithin or chemically modified lecithin, amino acid surfactants such as N-lauroyl glutamate, and surfactant homopolymers and copolymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid in the form of their salts, polyvinyl alcohol, polypropylene oxide, polyethylene oxide, maleic anhydride / isobutene copolymer and vinylpyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymer. Unless otherwise noted, the alkyl chains of the above surfactants are typically linear or branched radicals having 8 to 25 carbon atoms.

[0100] As used herein, the term “dispersant” refers to a substance added to a suspension to improve the separation of particles and prevent sedimentation or aggregation. According to one embodiment, dispersants that can be used in agricultural compositions include polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, lignosulfonate, phenylnaphthalene sulfonate, ethoxylated alkylphenol, ethoxylated fatty acid, alkoxylated linear alcohol, polycyclic aromatic sulfonate, sodium alkylarylsulfonate, glyceryl ester, maleic anhydride copolymer, phosphate ester, condensation product of arylsulfonic acid and formaldehyde, condensation product of alkylarylsulfonic acid and formaldehyde, addition product of ethylene oxide and fatty acid ester, and salts of addition products. The group includes ethylene oxide and fatty acid esters, sulfonates of condensed naphthalenes, addition products of ethylene oxide and fatty acid esters, salts of addition products of ethylene oxide and fatty acid esters, lignin derivatives, naphthaleneformaldehyde condensates, sodium salts of isodecyl sulfosuccinate half-esters, polycarboxylate salts, sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate, sodium salts of sulfonated naphthalenes, ammonium salts of sulfonated naphthalenes, salts of polyacrylic acid, salts of phenolsulfonic acid, and salts of naphthalenesulfonic acid.

[0101] As used herein, the term “emulsifier” refers to a substance that stabilizes an emulsion (i.e., a mixture of two or more liquids). An emulsifier may be any single emulsifier or a combination of two or more emulsifiers that can be used to produce agricultural compositions. An emulsifier may be anionic, cationic, or nonionic, or may include a combination of anionic, cationic, and nonionic emulsifiers.

[0102] Examples of nonionic emulsifiers include alkoxylated castor oil, alkoxylated polyarylphenols, alkoxylated alkylphenols, alkoxylated alkylarylphenols, and alkoxylated fatty alcohols, as well as mixtures thereof. More specific examples include alkoxylated acetylenediol, polyoxyalkylene mono and di(alkyl)phenyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene and tristyrylphenyl ethers, block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide and their C2-C6 alkyl adducts, sorbitan C8-C20 mono-, di and tri(C8-C20 fatty acid) esters, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan mono-, di and tri(C8-C20 fatty acid) esters, sucrose esters, and C8-C20 alkyl polyglycosides.

[0103] Examples of commercially available nonionic emulsifiers include those available under trade names such as POLYSORBATE 80 (also known as Tween 80; polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate) (HLB=15); Tween 20 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate); Tween 85 (also known as emulsifier T-85) (HLB=11.0); and TRITON X-100 (also known as octylphenol ethoxylate) (HLB=13.4).

[0104] Examples of useful anionic emulsifiers include calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonates, dioctyl sulfosuccinates, sulfated or phosphorylated alkoxylated fatty alcohols, sulfated or phosphorylated alkoxylated alkylarylphenols, and combinations thereof. Some more specific examples include fatty acids, alcohol sulfates, alcohol phosphate mono and diesters, (alkyl)phenol polyoxyethylene ether carboxylates, sulfates and sulfonates, (alkyl)phenol polyoxyethylene phosphate mono and diesters, alkylbenzene sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates and their formaldehyde condensates, lignosulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates and sulfosuccinamates, alkyl polyoxyethylene sulfosuccinates and sulfosuccinamates, and alkyl carboxylates including C8-20 acyl glutamates, sarcosinates, isethionates and taurates. The cationic counterions associated with anionic emulsifiers are preferably monovalent, such as hydrogen, sodium, potassium, ammonium, and monovalent organic ammonium cations (isopropylamine).

[0105] Examples of emulsifiers that exhibit cationic properties under acidic conditions include fatty amines, amine oxides, and amine ethoxylates. Amphoteric emulsifiers such as betaine may also exhibit such properties. Preferably, the cationic emulsifier is selected from dimethyl cocamine, dimethyl laurylamine oxide, alkyltrimethylammonium chloride, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, alkylpyridium chloride, alkylimidazolium chloride, or mixtures thereof.

[0106] Preferably, the nonionic emulsifier is an alkyl polysaccharide, a sorbate emulsifier, or an alkyl or fatty alkanolamide containing an ethoxylate. Alkyl polysaccharides are sometimes called alkyl polyglucosides, alkyl glucosides, or alkyl sugars. The sorbate emulsifier is a sorbitan mono(or sesqui) ester of a fatty acid, and includes sorbitan monooleate and sorbitan monolaurate.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the wetting agents that can be used in agricultural compositions can be selected from the group comprising carbinol (hydroxyl group)-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (CAS 67674-67-3), Silwet 408 type wetting agents, phenylnaphthalene sulfonate, alkylnaphthalene sulfonate, sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate, sodium salt of sulfonated alkyl carboxylate, polyoxyalkylated ethylphenol, polyoxyethoxylated fatty alcohol, polyoxyethoxylated fatty amine, lignin derivatives, alkane sulfonate, alkylbenzene sulfone, salt of polycarboxylic acid, salt of sulfosuccinic acid ester, alkylnaphthalene sulfonate, alkylbenzene sulfone, alkyl polyglycol ether sulfonate, alkyl ether phosphate, alkyl ether sulfate, and alkyl sulfosuccinic acid monoester. Examples of wetting agents include polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers, sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate, sodium alkyl sulfate, sodium alkyl sulfosuccinate, and aqueous solutions of polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ethers or Break-thru DA 675, or organically modified polymers having pigment-binding groups, which can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0108] Agricultural compositions may contain solubilizers to ensure good solubilization and / or dissolution of active ingredients such as fungicides and / or lipopeptides. Solubilizers may also be added to increase the solubility of fungicides and / or lipopeptides and / or other components, such as surfactants, or to maintain the composition as a stable or homogeneous solution or dispersion.

[0109] Suitable solubilizers for agricultural compositions include, but are not limited to, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, ethylene glycol, propylenediol and its isomers, glycerol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, transktol, dimethylisosorbide, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and other cellulose derivatives, cyclodextrin and cyclodextrin derivatives; polyethylene glycol ethers with an average molecular weight of about 200 to about 6000, such as tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol PEG ether (glycoflor) or methoxyPEG; amides and other nitrogen-containing compounds such as 2-pyrrolidone, 2-piperidone, ε-caprolactam, N-alkylpyrrolidone, N-alkylpiperidone, N-alkylcaprolactam, dimethylacetamide and polyvinylpyrrolidone; and esters such as ethyl propionate, tributyl citrate and acetyl citrate. Examples of solubilizers known in the art include tributyl citrate, triethyl citrate, ethyl oleate, ethyl caprylate, ethyl butyrate, triacetin, propylene glycol diacetate monoacetate, ε-caprolactone and its isomers, δ-valerolactone and its isomers, β-butyrolactone and its isomers; and other solubilizers known in the art such as dimethylacetamide, dimethyl isosorbide, N-methylpyrrolidone, monooctanoin, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and water.

[0110] The solubilizer for use in the present invention may be any substance that increases the solubility of agricultural compositions in water. Preferred solubilizers include benzyl acetate; N-methylpyrrolidone; propylene carbonate; alcohols, such as benzyl alcohol, ethanol, methanol; and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, solubilizers include sorbitol, triacetin, ethyl alcohol, PEG-400, glycoflore, and propylene glycol.

[0111] As used herein, the term “penetration enhancer” is used to refer to compounds that promote the uptake of active ingredients into plants via the plant cuticle, i.e., compounds that increase the uptake rate and / or the amount of active ingredient absorbed by the plant. The class of substances known as penetration enhancers includes alkyl phosphates such as tributyl phosphate and tripropyl phosphate, as well as naphthalene sulfonates.

[0112] Suitable adhesives / bonding agents include not only block copolymer EO / PO surfactants, but also polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polybutene, polyisobutylene, polystyrene, polyethyleneamine, polyethyleneamide, polyethyleneimine (Lupasol®, Polymin®), polyethers, and copolymers derived from these polymers.

[0113] Thickeners play a crucial role in the hierarchical control of rheological properties, improving the viscosity of a system and maintaining it in a uniformly stable suspension or emulsion state. They can also form gels, providing products with excellent physical and chemical stability. There are many types of thickeners, which can be classified according to their application into aqueous, oily, acidic, and alkaline thickeners. When selecting these thickeners, the product's fluidity, transparency, density, gelation, and suspension particle formation ability must also be considered. Examples of thickeners / stabilizers include carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), guar gum, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, natural gums, hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), natural polymers such as HPMC, or synthetic polymers based on combinations of acrylates, polyacrylamide (PAM), PVP, or carbomers.

[0114] Examples of thickeners include organic thickeners such as xanthan gum, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, methylcellulose, and alginic acid, and inorganic thickeners such as bentonite. If desired, thickeners such as Aqualon (a trademark of Hercules Inc., Wilmington, Delaware, USA) may also be added. Aqualon is a cellulose ether adhesive thickener. Other thickeners include hydroxyethylcellulose and carboxymethylpropylcellulose.

[0115] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a humectant acts to absorb moisture during the wetting period, and the moisture retained by the humectant is then extracted by the strong penetrating action of root fibers during the dry, hot period (e.g., a dry, hot day). Surprisingly, humectants that have been found to have substantial advantages in improving the moisture content of plant roots include sorbitol, glycerin, molasses, potassium lactate, sodium lactate, and potassium acetate.

[0116] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a repellent is known to repel insects or to reject a food source (otherwise to be acceptable to insects). The repellent may be in the form of a gas (olfactory), a liquid, or a solid (gustatory). As insect repellents, benzyl; benzyl benzoate; 2,3,4,5-bis(butyl-2-ene)tetrahydrofurfural (MGK Repellent 11); butoxypolypropylene glycol; n-butyl-6,6-dihydro-1,4-pyrone-2-carboxylate (Indalon); dibutyl adipate; din-butyl succinate (Tabatrex); N,N-diethylmetotoluamide (also known as Delphone, Detamide, Autan, or more simply Deet); propyl group dimethyl (cis-bicyclo-[2.2.1]-5-heptene-2,3-dicarboxylate); dimethyl phthalate; 2-ethyl-2-butyl-1,3-propanediol; 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol (Rutgers 612); disinecomelonate (MGK Repellent 326); Examples include 2-phenylcyclohexanol and n-propyl N,N-diethyl succinate. Standard insect repellents for mosquitoes, ticks, etc., are citronella oil, dimethyl phthalate, n-butyl mesityl oxide oxalate, and 2-ethylhexanediol-1,3. A specific group of insect repellents includes terpenoid compounds, terpenoid alcohols, or terpeneols, which are terpenoids having at least one hydroxyl group. Examples of terpeneols include periryl alcohol, carveol, myrtenol, and cisverbenol; myrtenol, isopinocampheol, dihydrocarbeol, isopulegol, terpineol, terpinen-4-ol, nerol, geraniol, linalool, menthol, beta-citronellol, and dihydromyrcenol.

[0117] The agricultural composition further comprises a feeding stimulant or attractant, which may include floral scents, light, pheromones, plant extracts, sugars, honey, molasses, proteins, or combinations of various amounts of amino acids; or other attractants adaptable to multiple insect species to attract insects to consume or be exposed to the active ingredient. The food substance may include plant extracts, sugars, honey, molasses, proteins, or combinations of various amounts of amino acids; or other fluids or materials adaptable to be consumed by multiple insect species.

[0118] Agricultural compositions may contain feeding stimulants (also known as taste stimulants) for the target insects, 1-arylpyrazole and / or nicotinyl insecticides. Suitable feeding stimulants include animal and plant proteins, e.g., meat meal, fish meal, seafood extracts, marine product extracts, or blood meal, insect parts, cricket meal, egg yolk, protein hydrolysates, yeast autolysates, and glucose, arabinose, mannose, sucrose, maltose, maltotetrose, maltopentaose or mixtures thereof, e.g., molasses, corn syrup, maple syrup, invert sugar, and honey; polysaccharides, e.g., starch, e.g., cereal powder (e.g., wheat flour, corn flour, malt flour, rice bran), pectin, and glycerin; hydrogenated monosaccharides and oligosaccharides (sugar alcohols), e.g., xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, isomaltose, trehalose, and maltitol, as well as maltitol-containing syrups; fats and oils, e.g., vegetable oils. Examples include animal-derived fats and oils such as corn oil, olive oil, calaway oil, linseed oil, canola oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, and fish oils, as well as fatty acids derived from these fats and oils.

[0119] A suitable compatibilizer may be either a non-reactive or reactive compatibilizer. Specific examples of reactive compatibilizers, but are not limited to, include long-chain fatty acids, e.g., stearic acid (octadecanoic acid); long-chain fatty acid chlorides, e.g., stearoyl chloride (octadecanoyl chloride); long-chain fatty acid anhydrides, e.g., stearic acid anhydride (octadecanoic acid anhydride); epoxidized oils and fatty esters; styrene-maleic anhydride-maleic anhydride copolymer-grafted polypropylene; copolymers of maleic anhydride with olefins and / or acrylic acid esters, e.g., terpolymers of ethylene, acrylic acid ester, and maleic anhydride; and copolymers of glycidyl methacrylate with olefins and / or acrylic acid esters, e.g., terpolymers of ethylene, acrylic acid ester, and glycidyl methacrylate.

[0120] Examples of non-reactive compatibilizers include, but are not limited to, ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated fatty acids, propylene oxide and ethylene oxide block polymers, polyglycerol esters, polysaccharide esters, and sorbitan esters. Examples of ethoxylated alcohols include C11-C15 secondary alcohol ethoxylates ethoxylated with ethylene oxide, polyoxyethylene cetyl ethers, polyoxyethylene stearyl ethers, and C12-C14 natural linear alcohols. C11-C15 secondary ethoxylates can be obtained from Dow Chemical as Dow Tergitol® 15S. Polyoxyethylene acetyl ethers and polyoxyethylene stearyl ethers can be obtained from ICI Surfactants as products in the Brij® series. Natural linear alcohols ethoxylated with C12-C14 ethylene oxide can be obtained from Hoechst Celanese as products in the Genapol® series. Examples of ethoxylated alkylphenols include octylphenoxypoly(ethyleneoxy)ethanol and nonylphenoxypoly(ethyleneoxy)ethanol. Octylphenoxypoly(ethyleneoxy)ethanol can be obtained from Rhodia as a product of the Igepal® CA series. Nonylphenoxypoly(ethyleneoxy)ethanol can be obtained from Rhodia as a product of the Igepal CO series, or from Dow Chemical as Tergitol® NP. Examples of ethyloxylated fatty acids include polyethylene glycol monostearate or polyethylene glycol monostearate, which can be obtained from Henkel as a product of the Nopalcol® series. Block polymers of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide can be obtained from BASF as a product of the Pluronic® series. Polyglycerol esters can be obtained from Stepan as a product of the Drewpol® series.Polysaccharide esters can be obtained from Henkel as part of the Glucopon® series of alkyl polyglucosides. Sorbitan esters can be obtained from ICI under the Tween® series of products.

[0121] Examples of fungicidal or bactericidal agents include organosulfur fungicidal or bactericidal agents, such as zineb, maneb, thyram, mancozeb, polycarbamate, and propineb; benzimidazole fungicidal or bactericidal agents, such as benomyl and thiophanate-methyl; dicarboxylic acid fungicidal or bactericidal agents, such as iprodione and procymidone; and other synthetic fungicidal or bactericidal agents, such as triazine and iminoctadine triacetate. Tate preparations, isoprothiolanes, TPN preparations, probenazole preparations, captan preparations, fluoromid preparations, DPC preparations, iminoctadine albesylate preparations; sterol biosynthesis inhibitors, e.g., triflumisole, vitertanol, pyrifenox, phenalimol, triforine, triadimefon, mycrobutanil, difenoconazole, imibenconazole preparations; acid amide fungicides or bactericides, e.g., metalaxyl, mepron Copper-based fungicides or bactericides, e.g., inorganic copper agents, organic copper agents; antibiotic fungicides or bactericides, e.g., streptomycin agents, polyoxin agents, blastocydin S agents, kasugamycin agents, validamycin agents, oxytetracycline agents; soil fungicides or bactericides, e.g., etridiazole agents, himexazole agents; melamine biosynthesis inhibitors, e.g., fusalide agents, carpropamide agents; organophosphate fungicides or bactericides, e.g. Examples include IBP agents, EDDP agents, fosetyl agents; inorganic insecticides, such as inorganic sulfur agents and bicarbonate agents; fungicides, such as methoxyacrylate fungicides or bactericides, such as azoxystrobin and kresoxime methyl agents; anilinopyrimidine fungicides or bactericides, such as mepanipyrim agents; synthetic antibiotics such as oxolinic acid agents; naturally derived fungicides or bactericides such as soy lecithin; and biologically derived bactericides such as antagonistic bactericides.

[0122] In at least one embodiment, the agricultural compositions described herein may include one or more antifreeze agents. Non-limiting examples of antifreeze agents include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, urea, glycerin, and combinations thereof.

[0123] Appropriate examples of crystallization inhibitors include, but are not limited to, NMP, DMA, DMSO, or PEG. Examples of crystallization inhibitors include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, cyclodextrin, and alkylene oxide adducts of glycerin.

[0124] Antifoaming agents and antifoaming agents are used to reduce foaming during spraying. These include various antifoaming agents based on silicone antifoaming agents, organo-modified siloxanes, kerosene antifoaming agents, wax antifoaming agents, oily antifoaming agents such as turkey red oil, and fatty acid-based antifoaming agents.

[0125] Suitable examples of antifoaming agents include, but are not limited to, silicone-based antifoaming agents (e.g., aqueous emulsions of dimethylpolysiloxane, FG-10 from Dow-Corning®, Trans 10A from Trans-Chemo), and non-silicone antifoaming agents such as octanol, nonanol, and silica. Examples of antifoaming agents include silicone emulsions, silicone oils, acetylenediol, and PO / EO block polymers.

[0126] Suitable examples of colorants or dyes and glossants include one or more azoic dyes, azo dyes, acridine, aniline dyes, aniline black, indanthrene, eosin, Congo red, dihydroindole, methylene blue, phenazine derivative dyes, neutral red, phenolphthalein, fuchsin, fluorescein, para red, wisteria, carotene; carotenoids such as xanthophyll, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, fucoxanthin, lycopene, lutein; flavonoids such as flavones, flavanones, anthocyanins, anthocyanins, catechins; quinones such as melanin; porphyrin pigments, such as chlorophyll, chlorophyllide, bacteriochlorophyll, cytochrome, pheophorbide, Feo Examples include porphyrins, hemeerythrins, hemoglobin, hemovanadin, hemocyanin, porphyrins, porfins, myoglobin; phycobilin-based pigments, such as phycocyanin, phycobilin, phycoerythrin, phytochrome, biliverdin, bilirubin; alizarin, anthocyanins, anthraquinones, indigo, urobilin, erythrocruorin, carthamine, hexane, cretintin, curcumin, crocetin, chlorin, chlorocruorin, genistein, cochineal, gossypol, commelinin, shikonin, stercopyrin, tannin, tulacin, bixin, hypericin, pinnaglobin, brazilin, purpurin, betacyanin, berberine, forbilin, mangosteen, morindin, laminaran, leghemoglobin, litmus, rhodopsin, rhodoxanthine, rhodomatin, carbon black, and red iron oxide.

[0127] Suitable examples of various tackifiers include, but are not limited to, aliphatic resins, polyterphene resins, hydrogenated resins, mixed aliphatic aromatic resins, styrene / α-methylenestyrene resins, pure monomer hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated pure monomer hydrocarbon resins, modified styrene copolymers, pure aromatic monomer copolymers, and hydrogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon resins.

[0128] Examples of suitable binders include gum arabic, adhesives, gelatin, casein, starch, cellulose esters, aliphatic polyesters, polyalkanoates, aliphatic aromatic polyesters, sulfonated aliphatic aromatic polyesters, polyesteramides, rosin / polycaprolactone triblock copolymers, rosin / polyadipate diester triblock copolymers, rosin / polybutane diester triblock copolymers, polyvinyl acetate, EVA esters, polyethylene coacrylate ethyl ester, polyethylene coacrylate methyl ester, polyethylene copropylene, polyethylene co-1-butylene, polyethylene co-1-amylene, polystyrene, acrylic compounds, polyurethanes, urethane-styrene polymer dispersions, nonionic polyester urethane dispersions, and acrylic acid dispersions. Examples include liquids, silane-(silane-) anionic acrylic ester-styrene polymer dispersions, anionic acrylic ester-styrene-acrylonitrile dispersions, acrylic acid ester-acrylonitrile dispersions, vinylpyrrolidone / styrene copolymer latex (e.g., 430, manufactured by ISP Chemicals), carboxylated and noncarboxylated vinyl acetate-ethylene dispersions, vinyl acetate homopolymer dispersions, polyvinyl chloride emulsions, polyvinylidene fluoride dispersions, ethylene acrylic dispersions, polyamide dispersions, anionic carboxylated or noncarboxylated acrylonitrile nitrile-butadiene-styrene emulsions and acrylonitrile emulsions, styrene-derived resin dispersions, aliphatic and / or aromatic hydrocarbon-derived resin dispersions, styrene maleic anhydride, and mixtures thereof.

[0129] According to one embodiment, binders that can be used in agricultural compositions can be selected from the group comprising polyvinyl alcohol, phenylnaphthalene sulfonate, lignin derivatives, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylpyrrolidone, carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan gum, polyethoxylated fatty acids, polyethoxylated fatty alcohols, ethylene oxide copolymer, propylene oxide copolymer, polyethylene glycol, and polyethylene oxide.

[0130] According to one embodiment, preservatives include, but are not limited to, 1,2-benzoisothiazolin-3-one, propionic acid and its salts, salicylic acid and its salts, 2,4-hexadienoic acid (sorbic acid) and its salts, formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde, 2-xenol ether and its salts, and 2-zinc sulfenylpyridine. Preservatives include, but are not limited to, 1,2-benzoisothiazolin-3-one aqueous dipropylene glycol solution, propionic acid and its salts, salicylic acid and its salts, 2,4-hexadienoic acid (sorbic acid) and its salts, formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde, 2-xenol ether and its salts, 2-zinc sulfenylpyridine N-oxide, benzoic acid, its esters and salts, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoate), its esters and salts.

[0131] The pH adjusters used in this application are effective in imparting an alkaline pH of about 7 to about 10 to the final spray solution applied to plants. The pH adjusters may be organic and / or inorganic. Examples of pH adjusters include triethanolamine, primary amino alcohols, ammonium hydroxide, and mixtures thereof.

[0132] Suitable stabilizers include, but are not limited to, agar, alginic acid, alginates, calcium lactobionate, carrageenan, gellan gum, and guar gum. The compositions of the present invention may also contain two or more different stabilizers.

[0133] Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is possible to use other agricultural components known in the art without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0134] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present invention provides agricultural compositions in the form of aqueous or non-aqueous compositions, comprising capsule suspensions (CS), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), seed treatment emulsions, concentrated aqueous emulsions, microemulsions, suspend emulsions, oil-in-water emulsions, flowable concentrates (FC) for seed treatment, oil dispersions (OD), suspension concentrates (SC), water-dispersible granules (WG), or wettable powders (WP).

[0135] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating a vegetation, comprising applying the above agricultural composition to a plant, plant leaves, flowers, leaves, stems, fruits, areas adjacent to a plant, soil, seeds, germinated seeds, roots, liquid and solid growth media, buds, or hydroponic solutions.

[0136] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating an animal, comprising topically applying the agricultural composition to an area of ​​the animal's skin.

[0137] In another embodiment, the application discloses an agricultural composition comprising a surfactant containing an alkylglycidyl ether monofunctionalized polyol in an amount of about 5% to about 10% by weight, about 10% to about 15% by weight, or about 15% to about 20% by weight, or about 20% to about 25% by weight, or about 25% to about 30% by weight, or about 30% to about 35% by weight, or about 35% to about 40% by weight, and an alkylglycidyl ether polyfunctionalized polyol in an amount of about 60% to about 65% by weight, or about 65% to about 70% by weight, or about 70% to about 75% by weight, or about 75% to about 80% by weight, about 80% to about 85% by weight, about 85% to about 90% by weight, or about 90% to about 95% by weight, or about 95% to about 99.5% by weight.

[0138] In another embodiment, the surfactant containing the reaction product of reactant A and reactant B is (ii) an aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol R-(OCHR1CHR2) n The reaction product of -OH and (iii)2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether (EHGE) further comprises a reaction product having the following general structure, in which an aliphatic alkoxylylated alcohol containing 1 molar equivalent of a hydroxyl group reacts with EHGE containing 1 molar equivalent of an epoxy group to form a mixture of aliphatic alkoxylylated alcohol monofunctionalized by EHGE, aliphatic alkoxylylated alcohol difunctionalized by EHGE, aliphatic alkoxylylated alcohol trifunctionalized by EHGE, aliphatic alkoxylylated alcohol tetrafunctionalized by EHGE, and aliphatic alkoxylylated alcohol pentafunctionalized by EHGE: [ka] In the formula, each C 11 H 22 O2 units are independent, [ka] or [ka] And, Each C 11 H 22 The O2 unit is an aliphatic alkoxylate core or another C 11 H 22 The O2 unit is bonded by a carbon-oxygen single bond; R is a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to about 20 carbon atoms; n is an integer in the range of 1 to about 25; for each repeating unit, independently, R1 and R2 are R1=R2=H, R1=H and R2=CH3, or R1=CH3 and R2=H. In the formula, a = 1 to 5, Aliphatic alkoxylated alcohols with a = 1, monofunctionalized by EHGE; Difunctionalized by EHGE; an aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol with a = 2; Trifunctionalized aliphatic alkoxylated alcohols with a = 3 by EHGE; Aliphatic alkoxylated alcohols with a = 4, tetrafunctionalized by EHGE; and It contains aliphatic alkoxylated alcohols with a = 5, pentafunctionalized by EHGE.

[0139] In another embodiment, the application discloses that the molecular weight of the aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol is in the range of about 100 to about 10,000 daltons. In some embodiments, the molecular weight of the aliphatic alkoxylated alcohol is about 100 to about 200 daltons, or about 200 to about 300 daltons, or about 300 to about 400 daltons, or about 400 to about 500 daltons, or about 500 to about 600 daltons, or about 600 to about 700 daltons, or about 700 to about 800 daltons, or about 800 to about 900 daltons, or about 900 to about 1,000 daltons, or about 1,000 to about 1,500 daltons; or Approximately 1500 to 2000 Daltons; or approximately 2000 to 2500 Daltons; or approximately 2500 to 3000 Daltons; or approximately 3000 to 3500 Daltons; or approximately 3500 to 4000 Daltons; or approximately 4000 to 4500 Daltons; or approximately 4500 to 5000 Daltons; or approximately 5000 to 5500 Daltons; or approximately 5500 to 6000 Daltons; or approximately 6000 to 6500 Daltons; or approximately 6500 to 7000 Daltons. Or approximately 7000 to 7500 Daltons; or approximately 7500 to 8000 Daltons; or approximately 8000 to 9500 Daltons; or approximately 9500 to 10000 Daltons.

[0140] In another embodiment, the present application relates to an agricultural composition comprising a surfactant, wherein the surfactant is, based on the total weight of the composition, in an amount of about 5% to about 10% by weight; or about 10% to about 15% by weight; or about 15% to about 20% by weight; or about 20% to about 25% by weight; or about 25% to about 30% by weight; or about 30% to about 35% by weight; or about 35% to about 40% by weight; or about 40% to about 45% by weight; or about 45% by weight It is disclosed that it exists in an amount of approximately 50% by weight; or approximately 50% to approximately 55% by weight; or approximately 55% to approximately 60% by weight; or approximately 60% to approximately 65% ​​by weight; or approximately 65% ​​to approximately 70% by weight; or approximately 70% to approximately 75% by weight; or approximately 75% to approximately 80% by weight; or approximately 80% to approximately 85% by weight; or approximately 85% to approximately 90% by weight; or approximately 90% to approximately 95% by weight; or approximately 95% to approximately 99.5% by weight.

[0141] In some embodiments, a suitable range of agricultural active ingredient (B) for this application is, based on the total weight of the composition, about 1% to about 2.5% by weight, or about 2.5% to about 5% by weight, or about 5% to about 10% by weight, or 10% to about 15% by weight, or about 15% to about 20% by weight, or about 20% to about 25% by weight, or about 25% to about 30% by weight, or about 30% to about 35% by weight, or about 35% by weight. It may vary within the range of % to approximately 40% by weight, or approximately 40% to approximately 45% by weight, or approximately 45% to approximately 50% by weight, or approximately 50% to approximately 55% by weight, or approximately 55% to approximately 60% by weight, or approximately 60% to approximately 65% ​​by weight; or approximately 65% ​​to approximately 70% by weight; or approximately 70% to approximately 75% by weight; or approximately 75% to approximately 80% by weight; or approximately 80% to approximately 85% by weight; or approximately 85% to approximately 90% by weight.

[0142] In some embodiments, the range of additional components (C) suitable for this application is, based on the total weight of the agricultural composition, about 1% to about 2.5% by weight; or about 2.5% to about 5% by weight; or about 5% to about 10% by weight; or about 10% to about 15% by weight; or about 15% to about 20% by weight; or about 20% to about 25% by weight; or about 25% to about 30% by weight; or about 30% to about 35% by weight; or about 35% to about 40% by weight; or about 40% by weight It may vary within the range of approximately 45% by weight; or approximately 45% to approximately 50% by weight; or approximately 50% to approximately 55% by weight; or approximately 55% to approximately 60% by weight; or approximately 60% to approximately 65% ​​by weight; or approximately 65% ​​to approximately 70% by weight; or approximately 70% to approximately 75% by weight; or approximately 75% to approximately 80% by weight; or approximately 80% to approximately 85% by weight; or approximately 85% to approximately 90% by weight; or approximately 90% to approximately 95% by weight; or approximately 95% to approximately 99.9% by weight.

[0143] The reactions and compositions relating to this application can be analyzed by known techniques. Techniques such as 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography (GC), infrared (IR), liquid chromatography (LC), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) are particularly preferred for identification, elucidation of residual monomer concentration, molecular weight, and molecular weight distribution.

[0144] Furthermore, specific aspects of this application will be described in detail by the following embodiments. The embodiments are described herein for illustrative purposes of this application and are not intended to limit this application. [Examples]

[0145] Synthetic reaction scheme of PEG and EHGE [ka] Each C 11 H 22 O2 units are independent, [ka] or [ka] And, Each C 11 H 22 O2 units are connected by carbon-oxygen single bonds to polyethylene glycol cores or other C 11 H 22 Combined into O2 units, a + b = 1 to 5, and n = 2 to 90. For monosubstituted surfactant adducts, a + b = 1. For disubstituted surfactant adducts, a + b = 2, For a trisubstituted surfactant adduct, a + b = 3, For tetrasubstituted surfactant adducts, a + b = 4, For pentasubstituted surfactant adducts, a + b = 5.

[0146] Experimental Procedure 1 (Batch Procedure): The reaction between PEG and EHGE was carried out using the following one-pot procedure. Polyethylene glycol, 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, and potassium hydroxide were combined in a container, sealed, and maintained under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred and heated at 100°C for 7 to 19 hours, then cooled to room temperature. The following examples were carried out using this procedure.

[0147] Example 1: The reaction of PEG400 (28.50 g), 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether (6.64 g), and potassium hydroxide (200 mg) was carried out at 100°C for 19 hours according to experimental procedure 1.

[0148] Example 2: The reaction of PEG400 (11.00 g), 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether (20.49 g), and potassium hydroxide (77 mg) was carried out at 100°C for 19 hours according to experimental procedure 1.

[0149] Example 4: The reaction of PEG300 (111.51 g), 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether (138.49 g), and potassium hydroxide (1.043 g) was carried out at 100°C for 7 hours according to experimental procedure 1.

[0150] Experimental Procedure 2 (Slow Addition Procedure): The reaction between PEG and EHGE was carried out using the following slow addition procedure. Polyethylene glycol and potassium hydroxide were mixed in a container, sealed, and maintained under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred and heated to 100°C. Once the temperature reached 100°C, 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether was slowly added over approximately 1 hour. The reaction mixture was stirred at 100°C for 30 minutes, then stirred at 120°C for 3 to 3.5 hours, and then cooled to room temperature. The following examples were carried out using this procedure.

[0151] Example 3: The reaction of PEG200 (87.00 g), 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether (162.07 g), and potassium hydroxide (1.22 g) was carried out according to experimental procedure 2.

[0152] Example 5: The reaction of PEG400 (520.00 g), 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether (484.35 g), and potassium hydroxide (3.65 g) was carried out according to experimental procedure 2.

[0153] Example 6: The reaction of PEG600 (160.00 g), 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether (99.35 g), and potassium hydroxide (748 mg) was carried out according to experimental procedure 2.

[0154] Example 7: The reaction of PEG1000 (190.00 g), 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether (70.79 g), and potassium hydroxide (533 mg) was carried out according to experimental procedure 2.

[0155] Example 8: The reaction of PEG2000 (210.50 g), 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether (39.21 g), and potassium hydroxide (398 mg) was carried out according to experimental procedure 2.

[0156] Example 9: The reaction of PEG4000 (228.50 g), 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether (21.28 g), and potassium hydroxide (396 mg) was carried out according to experimental procedure 2.

[0157] LC-MS: Using LC-MS, a mixture of substituted PEGs was separated to determine the relative abundances of PEGs with varying degrees of substitution. Peaks corresponding to unsubstituted PEG, monosubstituted PEG, disubstituted PEG, trisubstituted PEG, and tetrasubstituted PEG were well resolved by HPLC and therefore reliably integrated.

[0158] Procedure: Approximately 0.1 g of each sample was combined with 10 mL of methanol and vortexed until the resulting stock solution was homogeneous. For LC / MS analysis, 100 μL of the stock solution was diluted with 900 μL of methanol, and the resulting solution was injected directly into the system. LC / MS analysis was performed on an Agilent 6520 QTOF LC / MS using an Agilent 1260 HPLC and MassHunter software. [Table 1]

[0159] [Table 2]

[0160] Table 1 lists the determined product distributions for the reaction products of Examples 1 to 7. [Table 3]

[0161] Measurement of contact angle, static and dynamic surface tension of surfactants, and foaming.

[0162] Solution preparation: An aqueous solution of the surfactant was prepared by combining 1 g of the adduct with 999 g of deionized water (filtered with Millipore-Q, pH 6.3-6.7) at room temperature. For measurement, the resulting solution was mixed with a magnetic stirrer for 24 hours. The pH value of the selected sample solution was measured to be 7.4.

[0163] Contact angle measurement: A transparent, self-adhesive 0.002-inch thick polypropylene film (McMaster-Carr # 5577149-01) was used as the substrate, and the contact angle of a 0.1 wt% aqueous solution of surfactant was measured.

[0164] The contact angle between the sample droplet and the polypropylene surface was determined using a Kruss DSA 305 droplet shape analysis system. Sample droplets were automatically dispensed using disposable 1 mL syringes. The contact angle of each droplet was automatically determined by the instrument fitting model software (Kruss Advance Drop Shape V 1.5.1) and recorded every second for 30 seconds. Multiple droplets were placed at a sufficient distance from each other on a pre-cleaned polypropylene surface, and the results were reported as average values. At least six droplets were analyzed for each sample. All measurements were performed at ambient temperature and relative humidity.

[0165] Static Surface Tension Measurement: The static surface tension of newly mixed 0.1 wt% surfactant aqueous solutions was measured at room temperature using a force tension measuring device (Attension, Biolin Scientific) according to the Wilhelmy Plate method (compliant with ASTM D1331-20), based on the recommendations of the instrument manufacturer. Three surface tension measurements were recorded for each sample, and the average value was reported. The Wilhelmy plate was rinsed and thermally decomposed with a flame before each measurement. The instrument calibration was checked by measuring the surface tension of deionized water at the start of each measurement.

[0166] Dynamic surface tension measurement: The dynamic surface tension (10 to 100,000 milliseconds) of a freshly mixed 0.1 wt% aqueous solution of surfactant was measured using a bubble pressure tensile meter (Kruss, Model BP2) and a hydrophobically coated glass capillary with a diameter of 0.256 mm. The capillary was washed between samples with a detergent solution, rinsed with deionized water, and then dried with Kimwipes. Before experimental measurement, the calibration of the instrument was checked by measuring the surface tension of the deionized water.

[0167] Determination of the foaming index: The foaming behavior of surfactants was evaluated using a SITA Messtechnik foaming tester R-2000. Approximately 900 mL of freshly mixed 0.1 wt% solution was filled into the instrument reservoir, and test parameters were entered using the instrument software. Each sample was tested three times at room temperature. For foaming, 250 mL of the solution was filled into a cylindrical glass container and mixed with the bottom propeller at 800 rpm for 10 seconds. After the mixing cycle, the height of the foam formed on the liquid was measured using the instrument's conductive probe, and the foam volume was recorded in mL using the instrument software. This process was repeated 30 times, and the cumulative foam volume was recorded for 30 consecutive mixing cycles. After completing three runs for each sample, the average foam volume for each mixing cycle was calculated. The foaming index was defined as the total foam volume at the end of the 30 mixing cycles and was calculated by summing the average foam volumes for each mixing cycle using Excel software (Table II). [Table 4]

[0168] Examples of agricultural uses Example: Reduction in the particle size of spray droplets Particle size analysis was performed using a 1% concentration of surfactant in the solution. 1 L of the prepared solution was loaded into a spray chamber containing the test solution, and then pressurized to 40 PSI in the spray chamber. The pressurized test solution was sprayed vertically downwards at a selected psi through a Teejet 11004 nozzle mounted on a horizontal traverse system. The spray droplet particle size distribution was measured using a Malvern Spraytec Laser Diffraction particle analyzer equipped with an R7 lens (detection range of 2-2500 m). Droplet size measurements were performed at a distance of 12 inches vertically below the nozzle height, allowing measurement through the entire spray fan by traversing the nozzle at 2.4 inches / second. [Table 5]

[0169] [Table 6]

[0170] Example: Preparation using a commercially available suspension concentrate (SC) herbicide. A commercially available suspension-concentrated herbicide formulation was diluted in deionized water at a 1% w / w concentration. Next, 1.0 mL of the suspension-concentrated herbicide product was added to 998.5 g of deionized water, and 0.5 g of the surfactant from Example 5 was added to this mixture. This preparation was thoroughly mixed using an overhead mixer at 40 rpm for 10 minutes. The Drave's Wetting Test and the spreadability on Parafilm were evaluated using this preparation.

[0171] Drave's Wetting: ASTM D2281-68 (2005) A standard test method for evaluating wetting agents by skein test.

[0172] A bundle of wool yarn, attached to a small weight by strands of cotton yarn, is immersed in a 1000 mL graduated cylinder containing a solution of the test wetting agent at a concentration of 0.001–1.00% by weight. The time from when the yarn bundle is first immersed until a visual evaluation indicating the release of tension from the cotton yarn is made, i.e., until the wool is completely wetted, is measured. A shorter time interval indicates better wetting performance.

[0173] Spreading properties: 2 mL of a solution containing the test wetting agent at a concentration of 0.001 to 1.00% by weight is dropped onto a 2.5 square inch Parafilm piece, and the area of ​​the spread pattern is qualitatively measured using graph paper. [Table 7] Example - Tank mix adjuvant

[0174] Example A: Wetting / Spreading Adjuvant

[0175] The primary purpose of wetting / spreading agents is to reduce the surface tension of pesticides in order to increase coverage on plant surfaces (including leaves, stems, and roots). These surfactants are typically formulated with a solvent (alcohol), an antifoaming agent (dimethylpolysiloxane), and water. [Table 8]

[0176] Example B: Silicone-based wetting / spreading agent Silicone-based wetting / spreading agents, commonly known as organosilicones, contain polysiloxane chains blended with nonionic surfactants. These products enhance the spread of pesticides, increase plant absorption / uptake, and shorten the time between application and rainfall or irrigation. [Table 9]

[0177] Example C: Fixation / Spreading Adjuvant Adhesion and wetting / spreading properties can be obtained by reducing the evaporation of pesticide products and / or by increasing their adhesion. [Table 10]

[0178] Example D: Oil-based adjuvant blend Oil-based adjuvants are effective in increasing wetting / spreading by adding nonionic surfactants, while also increasing pesticide absorption through plant tissue. [Table 11]

[0179] Example E: Crop oil adjuvant: Paraffin-based petroleum is commonly blended with small amounts of surfactants to emulsify and increase the penetration of pesticide sprays. [Table 12]

[0180] Example F: Crop oil concentrate Paraffin-based petroleum is blended with a nonionic surfactant to promote the absorption and diffusion of pesticide formulations. [Table 13]

[0181] Example G: Suspension concentrate (SC): Preparation: The surfactant from Example 5, PVP / MVE-MAHE copolymer, polyethylene glycol, and dimethylpolysiloxane are homogeneously mixed and then slowly fed into a bead mill grinder to obtain the appropriate slurry particle size. Xanthan gum is added and mixed through an overhead mixer at >400 rpm until hydrated to adjust the viscosity of the product. [Table 14]

[0182] Example H: Emulsified concentrated preparation: Preparation: Mix the surfactant from Example 5 with methylpyrrolidone while stirring appropriately through a propeller or blade overhead mixer. [Table 15]

[0183] Example I: Oil-dispersed formulation: Preparation: The surfactant, atipulgite, and PVP / MVE-MAHE copolymer from Example 5 were homogeneously mixed in paraffinic oil and then slowly fed into a bead mill grinding device to achieve the appropriate slurry particle size. [Table 16]

[0184] Example J: Wettable powder (WP): Preparation: Combine the ingredients completely in a high-shear blender. Grind the mixture using appropriate grinding equipment to achieve the desired particle size. [Table 17]

[0185] Example K: Wettable granules Preparation: Combine the ingredients thoroughly in a high-shear blender. Grind the mixture in a suitable grinder to the desired particle size. Add a small amount of water to the mixed powder using an overhead mixer until a dough-like consistency is achieved. Extrude the mixture through a granulator of the appropriate sieve size to obtain the desired granule size, and dry overnight at 50°C. [Table 18]

[0186] Example L: Fertilizer-based fluidity concentrate for seed coating Preparation: To ensure complete dispersion of zinc oxide, combine the components of phase A with appropriate overhead mixing and increase the mixing rate. Prepare a slurry by mixing the components of phase B in a separate container. Add phase B to phase A and mix until viscosity increases. [Table 19]

[0187] Example M: ​​Fungicide-based fluid concentrate for seed coating Preparation: Using a bead mill or similar apparatus, add tebuconazole to water and grind to the desired particle size of approximately 5 microns. Transfer the mixture to an overhead mixer and add the remaining components to Phase A with appropriate overhead mixing, increasing the mixing rate to ensure that the zinc oxide is completely dispersed. Prepare a slurry by mixing the components of Phase B in a separate container. Add Phase B to Phase A and mix until viscosity increases. [Table 20]

[0188] Example N: Livestock use Wetting agents can also be used in livestock applications for wetting and spreading insecticides to treat pests on livestock. For example, formulations for livestock insecticides may contain 1-10% by weight of the insecticide active ingredient, 90-99% by weight of water, oil, such as mineral oil or vegetable oil, and 1-5% by weight of a surfactant adjuvant. The specific concentrations depend on the properties of the insecticide and oil, as well as the target application and type of livestock.

[0189] Preparation: The surfactant and cypermethrin from Example 5 were homogeneously mixed in water, and then slowly fed into a bead mill grinding device to obtain an appropriate slurry particle size. [Table 21]

Claims

1. (i) Reactant A: Aliphatic hydrophilic polyol, (ii) Reactant B: A hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group An agricultural composition comprising a surfactant containing the reaction product of [a certain substance].

2. The aforementioned surfactant, (i) Reactant A: Aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol, (ii) Reactant B: A hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group The agricultural composition according to claim 1, comprising the reaction product of the following:

3. The agricultural composition according to claim 2, wherein the ratio of the molar equivalent of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to the molar equivalent of epoxy groups in reactant B is about 4:1 to about 1:

2.

4. The reaction product is (ii) Reactant B: A hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group, (iii) Reactant C: Aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol The agricultural composition according to claim 2, further comprising the reaction product of the

5. The agricultural composition according to claim 4, wherein the reactant C has a weight-average molecular weight of about 100 to about 10,000.

6. The agricultural composition according to claim 1, wherein the aliphatic hydrophilic polyol is polyalkylene glycol.

7. The aforementioned polyalkylene glycols include diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 100, polyethylene glycol 200, polyethylene glycol 300, polyethylene glycol 400, polyethylene glycol 500, polyethylene glycol 600, polyethylene glycol 700, polyethylene glycol 800, polyethylene glycol 900, polyethylene glycol 1000, polyethylene glycol 1100, polyethylene glycol 1200, polyethylene glycol 1300, polyethylene glycol 1400, polyethylene glycol 1500, polyethylene glycol 1600, polyethylene glycol 1700, polyethylene glycol 1800, polyethylene glycol 1900, polyethylene glycol 2000, polyethylene glycol 2100, polyethylene glycol 2200, polyethylene glycol 2300, polyethylene glycol The agricultural composition according to claim 6, selected from the group consisting of Coal 2400, polyethylene glycol 2500, polyethylene glycol 2600, polyethylene glycol 2700, polyethylene glycol 2800, polyethylene glycol 2900, polyethylene glycol 3000, polyethylene glycol 3100, polyethylene glycol 3200, polyethylene glycol 3300, polyethylene glycol 3400, polyethylene glycol 3500, polyethylene glycol 3600, polyethylene glycol 3700, polyethylene glycol 3800, polyethylene glycol 3900, polyethylene glycol 4000, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol 425, and EO / PO block copolymers such as Stepan's Makon® L and Makon® R series polymers and BASF's Pluronic® polymer.

8. The agricultural composition according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic compound having the epoxy group is an alkylglycidyl ether or an allylglycidyl ether.

9. The agricultural composition according to claim 8, wherein the alkyl glycidyl ether is selected from the group consisting of 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, n-butyl glycidyl ether, octyl glycidyl ether, 2-hexyldecyl glycidyl ether, 2-octyldodecyl glycidyl ether, 2-heptylundecyl glycidyl ether, 2-(1,3,3-trimethylbutyl)octyl glycidyl ether, 2-decyltetradecyl glycidyl ether, 2-dodecylhexadecyl glycidyl ether, and 2-tetradecyloctadecyl glycidyl ether.

10. The agricultural composition according to claim 8, wherein the hydrophobic compound having the epoxy group is 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether.

11. The agricultural composition according to claim 1, wherein the reaction product comprises a mixture of a monofunctionalized aliphatic hydrophilic polyol and a polyfunctionalized aliphatic hydrophilic polyol.

12. The agricultural composition according to claim 11, wherein the reaction product comprises a mixture of an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol monofunctionalized with an alkyl glycidyl ether and an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol polyfunctionalized with an alkyl glycidyl ether.

13. The reaction product is The agricultural composition according to claim 12, comprising (i) about 0.05% to about 40.0% of an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol monofunctionalized with an alkyl glycidyl ether, and (ii) about 60.0% to about 99.95% of an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol polyfunctionalized with an alkyl glycidyl ether.

14. The aliphatic hydrophilic polyol is polyethylene glycol, and the hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group is 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether. The agricultural composition according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the molar equivalent of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to the molar equivalent of epoxy groups in reactant B is about 4:1 to about 1:

2.

15. The aliphatic hydrophilic polyol is polyethylene glycol, and the hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group is 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether. The agricultural composition according to claim 14, wherein the ratio of the molar equivalent of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to the molar equivalent of epoxy groups in reactant B is approximately 1:

1.

16. (i) Reactant A: polyethylene glycol and (ii) Reactant B: 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether and An agricultural composition comprising a surfactant containing the reaction product of, The ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in the polyethylene glycol to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in the 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether is approximately 1:1, and the reaction product comprises a mixture of polyethylene glycol monofunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, polyethylene glycol difunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, polyethylene glycol trifunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, polyethylene glycol tetrafunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether, and polyethylene glycol pentafunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether. An agricultural composition wherein the reaction product has the following general structure. 【Chemistry 1】 In the formula, each C 11 H 22 O 2 The units are independent. 【Chemistry 2】 or 【Transformation 3】 And, Each C 11 H 22 O 2 The unit is bonded to the polyethylene glycol core or another C by a carbon-oxygen single bond 11 H 22 O 2 unit and The sum of all n is an integer in the range of 1 to about 90, m is an integer in the range of 1 to 7, a and b are integers whose sum is in the range of 1 to about 5, and Q is an (m+1) valent alkylene group containing 2 to 20 carbon atoms, which is optionally branched, optionally substituted, and optionally contains an ether moiety, an oxa moiety, or an aza moiety.

17. Q= -CH 2 CH 2 -, m = 1, and the surfactant is, a + b = 1, and polyethylene glycol monofunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether; a + b = 2, and polyethylene glycol difunctionalized with 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether; a + b = 3, and polyethylene glycol trifunctionalized with 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether; a + b = 4, and polyethylene glycol tetrafunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether; and The agricultural composition according to claim 16, wherein a + b = 5 and comprises polyethylene glycol pentafunctionalized with 2-ethylhexylglycidyl ether.

18. The agricultural composition according to claim 16, comprising a surfactant containing a reaction product represented by the following structure. 【Chemistry 4】 In the formula, n is an integer in the range of 1 to approximately 90, and a and b are integers whose sum is in the range of 1 to approximately 5.

19. The agricultural composition according to claim 16, comprising the surfactant containing a reaction product represented by the following structure. 【Transformation 5】 In the formula, n is an integer in the range of 1 to approximately 90.

20. The agricultural composition according to claim 4, wherein the reactant C: aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol has the structure shown below. 【Transformation 6】 In the formula, R is a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to about 20 carbon atoms; n ≥ 1; and for each repeating unit, independently, R 1 = R 2 = H, R 1 = H and R 2 = CH 3 , or R 1 = CH 3 and R 2 = H

21. The aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol has 3 to 225 ethoxylate units. 6-20 The agricultural composition according to claim 20, selected from the group consisting of alcohol ethoxylates.

22. (A)(i) Reactant A: Aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol (ii) Reactant B: Contains approximately 5.0% to approximately 99.5% by weight of surfactant, including the reaction product with a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group. An agricultural composition in which the ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is approximately 4:1 to approximately 1:

2.

23. (B) One or more agricultural active ingredients in an amount of approximately 1.0 to approximately 90.0% by weight, (C) The agricultural composition according to claim 22, further comprising one or more additional components in an amount of approximately 1 to approximately 99.0% by weight.

24. The agricultural composition according to claim 23, wherein the additional component is an adjuvant or an inert component.

25. The agricultural composition according to claim 24, wherein the adjuvant is selected from the group consisting of acidifying agents, buffering agents, antifoaming agents, defoaming agents, evaporation inhibitors, dyes and glossing agents, compatibilizers, crop oil concentrates, deposition agents, drift reducing agents, foam markers, feeding stimulants, herbicide toxicity mitigators, spreading agents, effect-sustaining agents, bulking agents, adhesives, suspending agents, gelling agents, synergists, wetting agents, emulsifiers, dispersants, penetrating agents, tank and equipment cleaning agents, neutralizing agents, water absorbents, water softeners, and mixtures thereof.

26. The agricultural composition according to claim 24, wherein the additional component is selected from the group consisting of solvents, liquid carriers, solid carriers or fillers, solubilizers, penetration enhancers, protective colloids, thickeners, humectants, repellents, attractants, compatibilizers, antifreeze agents, crystallization inhibitors, colorants, tackifiers, binders, preservatives, pH adjusters, clarifiers, stabilizers, UV stabilizers, and mixtures thereof.

27. The agricultural composition according to claim 22, which is an adjuvant composition; fertilizer composition; nutrient composition; plant strengthening agent composition, seed coating composition; soil conditioner composition; livestock composition; granular composition; release control composition, film coating composition; pesticide composition selected from the group consisting of ovicidal composition, rodenticide composition, insecticide composition, miticide composition, algicidal composition, mollusk-killing agent composition, acaricide composition, bird-killing agent composition, fungicide composition and herbicide composition; germicide composition; antibiotic composition; antimicrobial composition; antiviral composition; antifungal composition; antiparasitic composition; wood preservative composition; antimicrobial composition; or a yield-increasing agent composition for plant soil.

28. The agricultural composition according to claim 22, in the form of an aqueous or non-aqueous composition comprising a capsule suspension (CS), an emulsifiable concentrate (EC), a seed treatment emulsion, a concentrated aqueous emulsion, a microemulsion, a suspend emulsion, an oil-in-water emulsion, a flowable concentrate (FC) for seed treatment, an oil dispersion (OD), a suspension concentrate (SC), a water-dispersible granule (WG), or a wettable powder (WP).

29. The agricultural composition according to claim 22, which is formulated as a liquid, gel, paste, powder, granules, tablet, emulsion, or pellet.

30. A method for treating a plant, comprising applying the agricultural composition described in claim 22 to a plant, plant leaves, flowers, leaves, stems, fruits, areas adjacent to a plant, soil, seeds, germinated seeds, roots, liquid and solid growth media, sprouts, or hydroponic solutions.

31. A method for treating an animal, comprising applying the agricultural composition according to claim 22 topically to an area of ​​the animal's skin.

32. (A) An agricultural composition comprising approximately 5.0% to approximately 99.5% by weight of a surfactant, wherein the surfactant is (i) Reaction product of reactant A: an aliphatic hydrophilic polyol or aliphatic hydrophilic polyether polyol and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having epoxy groups, wherein the ratio of the molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups in reactant A to the molar equivalents of epoxy groups in reactant B is about 4:1 to about 1:2; and (ii) An agricultural composition comprising the reaction product of reactant C: an aliphatic hydrophilic alkoxylated alcohol and reactant B: a hydrophobic compound having an epoxy group.

33. (B) One or more agricultural active ingredients in an amount of approximately 1.0 to approximately 90.0% by weight, (C) The agricultural composition according to claim 32, further comprising one or more additional components in an amount of approximately 1 to approximately 99.0% by weight.

34. The agricultural composition according to claim 33, wherein the additional component is an adjuvant or an inert component.

35. The agricultural composition according to claim 34, wherein the adjuvant is selected from the group consisting of acidifying agents, buffering agents, antifoaming agents, defoaming agents, evaporation inhibitors, dyes and glossing agents, compatibilizers, crop oil concentrates, deposition agents, drift reducing agents, foam markers, feeding stimulants, herbicide toxicity mitigators, spreading agents, effect-sustaining agents, bulking agents, adhesives, suspending agents, gelling agents, synergists, wetting agents, emulsifiers, dispersants, penetrating agents, tank and equipment cleaning agents, neutralizing agents, water absorbents, water softeners, and mixtures thereof.

36. The agricultural composition according to claim 34, wherein the additional component is selected from the group consisting of solvents, liquid carriers, solid carriers or fillers, solubilizers, penetration enhancers, protective colloids, thickeners, humectants, repellents, attractants, compatibilizers, freeze-proofing agents, crystallization inhibitors, colorants, tackifiers, binders, preservatives, pH adjusters, fining agents, stabilizers, UV stabilizers, and mixtures thereof.

37. The agricultural composition according to claim 32, which is an adjuvant composition; fertilizer composition; nutrient composition; plant strengthening agent composition, seed coating composition; soil conditioner composition; livestock composition; granular composition; release control composition, film coating composition; pesticide composition selected from the group consisting of ovicidal composition, rodenticide composition, insecticide composition, miticide composition, algicidal composition, mollusk-killing agent composition, acaricide composition, bird-killing agent composition, fungicide composition and herbicide composition; germicide composition; antibiotic composition; antimicrobial composition; antiviral composition; antifungal composition; antiparasitic composition; wood preservative composition; antimicrobial composition; or a yield-increasing agent composition for plant soil.

38. The agricultural composition according to claim 32, in the form of an aqueous or non-aqueous composition comprising a capsule suspension (CS), an emulsifiable concentrate (EC), a seed treatment emulsion, a concentrated aqueous emulsion, a microemulsion, a saspoemulsion, an oil-in-water emulsion, a flowable concentrate (FC) for seed treatment, an oil dispersion (OD), a suspension concentrate (SC), a water-dispersible granule (WG), or a wettable powder (WP).

39. The agricultural composition according to claim 32, which is formulated as a liquid, gel, paste, powder, granules, tablet, emulsion, or pellet.

40. A method for treating a plant, comprising applying the agricultural composition described in claim 32 to a plant, plant leaves, flowers, leaves, stems, fruits, areas adjacent to a plant, soil, seeds, germinated seeds, roots, liquid and solid growth media, sprouts, or hydroponic solutions.

41. A method for treating an animal, comprising applying the agricultural composition according to claim 32 topically to an area of ​​the animal's skin.

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