Amide Solvents Prevent Agrochemical Crystallization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organic solvents fail to completely prevent crystallization of water-insoluble agricultural active ingredients during dilution, especially at low temperatures, leading to clogged spraying nozzles and uneven distribution in agricultural applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of specific amides, such as N-methyl-N-(2-propylheptyl)-formamide and N-methyl-N-(2-propylheptyl)-acetamide, as solvents for water-insoluble organic agrochemical active ingredients, which significantly reduce the crystallization tendency and maintain solubility even at low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional organic solvents are used to dissolve water-insoluble agricultural active ingredients, then the agricultural actives can be dissolved at high concentrations, but crystallization occurs upon dilution especially at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of the amide solvent - specifically using N-methyl-N-substituted amides with particular alkyl groups (such as N-methyl-N-(2-propylheptyl)amide) that have optimized solvating properties. This structural parameter change enables the solvent to maintain high agricultural active concentration while preventing crystallization upon dilution, even at low temperatures, thereby resolving the contradiction between concentration and stability.
2Ease of operation
If emulsifiable concentrates are diluted with water for field application, then the formulation becomes suitable for spraying, but the agricultural actives crystallize and clog spraying nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the N-methyl-N-substituted amide as an intermediary substance that mediates between the water-insoluble agricultural active and the aqueous spray medium. This amide solvent acts as a bridge, maintaining the agricultural active in dissolved state during dilution and preventing crystallization that would otherwise clog nozzles, thus ensuring reliable spray operation while maintaining ease of application.
3Stability of the object's composition
If long-chain dialkyl amides are used as solvents to prevent crystallization, then crystallization is inhibited to some degree, but crystallization still occurs at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifically designing the amide molecule with particular local structural features - the N-methyl-N-substituted structure with specific alkyl groups (such as 2-propylheptyl) that provide enhanced solvating capability at the molecular level. This localized structural optimization enables the solvent to maintain effectiveness at low temperatures where conventional long-chain dialkyl amides fail, preventing crystallization across a broader temperature range.
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
These amides effectively dissolve high concentrations of water-insoluble agrochemicals, preventing crystallization at temperatures below room temperature, allowing for stable emulsions and efficient application even in cold conditions, reducing the need for large storage and handling of concentrated formulations.
Implementation Method 1
certain amides as further defined herein can advantageously be used as solvents for water-insoluble organic agrochemically active ingredients
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates in general to the use of amides of the following general formula (I) wherein R1 is a linear or branched hydrocarbyl group containing 9 to 14 carbon atoms; R2 is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl and benzyl; and R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl and ethyl, as solvents for organic agriculturally active ingredients, compositions comprising organic agriculturally active ingredients and such amides, methods for treating a plant utilizing such compositions, as well as some of the amides as such and methods for their production.