Alkoxylate Adjuvants for Crop Protection Formulations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agrochemical formulations face challenges in identifying new adjuvants with improved properties for effective control of phytopathogenic fungi, undesired plant growth, and insect or mite attacks, while also ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a pesticide and an alkoxylate of the formula R1-[AO1]n-O-C(O)-O-[AO2]m-R2, where R1 and R2 are branched C10-alkyl groups, such as 2-propylheptyl, and AO1 and AO2 are ethyleneoxy groups, is used, enhancing the stability and efficacy of the formulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If new adjuvants are identified to improve pesticide stability and efficacy, then the biological activity and stability of the formulation is improved, but the complexity of formulation development and regulatory compliance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the alkyl chain lengths (C8-C20), ethoxylate chain lengths (n and m from 2-50), and molecular weight ranges of alkoxylate adjuvants to optimize formulation performance. This allows identification of specific parameter ranges that improve stability and efficacy while providing a structured approach to development that reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes that alkoxylates with specific structural features (linear or branched C8-C20 alkyl groups with controlled ethoxylate chains) can serve multiple functions as adjuvants across different pesticide types and application scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces formulation development complexity by providing a universal adjuvant class that works across various pesticide formulations.
2Productivity
If adjuvants are added to enhance pesticide solubility and biological activity, then the efficacy and solubility of the pesticide is improved, but the risk of phytotoxic effects and environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by defining specific ranges for alkyl chain lengths (C8-C20), ethoxylate chain lengths (n and m from 2-50), and molecular weights to optimize the balance between solubility enhancement and phytotoxicity reduction. This structured parameter optimization allows achieving high productivity while minimizing harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of adjuvant addition (phytotoxicity risk) into a benefit by carefully selecting alkoxylate structures with specific parameters that enhance solubility and biological activity while inherently reducing phytotoxic effects. The controlled molecular structure transforms a potential harmful intervention into a beneficial one.
3Productivity
If spray formulations are designed for effective pesticide delivery, then the coverage and efficacy on crop surfaces is improved, but the wind-caused drift of pesticide particles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the molecular weight and chain length parameters of alkoxylate adjuvants to modify spray droplet characteristics. This allows improving surface coverage and efficacy while controlling droplet size and distribution to minimize wind drift, thus reducing substance loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition demonstrates improved stability, increased solubility, and enhanced biological activity of pesticides, with reduced wind-caused drift and phytotoxic effects, while maintaining high biodegradability and low toxicity.
Implementation Method 1
increased solubility of the pesticides in the formulation
Implementation Method 2
the ability of the alkoxylate to lower the surface tension of aqueous compositions, or the increased spreading on plant surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an agrochemical composition comprising a pesticide and an alkoxylate of the formula (I) as defined below. The invention further relates to said alkoxylate. The invention further relates to a method of preparing said composition by bringing the alkoxylate and the pesticide into contact. Finally, the invention relates to a method of controlling phytopathogenic fungi and/or undesired plant growth and/or undesired insect or mite attack and/or for regulating the growth of plants, wherein said composition is allowed to act on the respective pests, their environment or the crop plants to be protected from the respective pest, on the soil and/or on undesired plants and/or on the crop plants and/or on their environment; and to seed containing said composition.