2-Aryl-2-Hydroxyacetic Acid Metal Complexes for Plant Nutrition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metal chelates used to treat metal deficiencies in plants, such as iron chlorosis, are inefficient due to low iron content and poor solubility in aqueous solutions at neutral or basic pH, where many metal ions are insoluble, limiting their effectiveness in alkaline soils.
Innovation Solution
A metal complex comprising a ligand derived from 2-aryl-2-hydroxyacetic acid and a divalent or trivalent metal cation, which increases the solubility of metal ions at neutral or basic pH, allowing for higher metal content in aqueous solutions and improved biodegradability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commercial chelates like [Fe(o,o-EDDHA)Na] are used to treat metal deficiency in plants, then metal solubility at neutral or basic pH is improved, but metal content in the solution remains low (6% by weight iron)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the ligand by using 2-aryl-2-hydroxyacetic acid derivatives with specific substituents (R groups) at defined positions, which modifies the complex's properties to achieve both high solubility at neutral/basic pH and high metal content simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite metal complex combining a specific ligand structure (2-aryl-2-hydroxyacetic acid derivative) with metal cations, where the composite structure provides both solubility enhancement and high metal content characteristics that neither component alone could achieve
2Quantity of substance
If aqueous solutions of metal salts are prepared, then metal entities are available in solution, but the pH becomes acidic due to acid release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a chelating ligand as an intermediary that binds to metal cations, forming stable complexes that prevent acid release and maintain neutral or basic pH while keeping metal entities in solution
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical form of metal entities from simple salts to chelated complexes, which fundamentally alters the pH behavior from acidic to neutral/basic while maintaining metal availability in solution
3Temperature
If divalent or trivalent metal entities are placed in neutral or basic pH solution, then pH is maintained at desired level, but metal entities become insoluble and precipitate
Solution Approach 1:
The ligand acts as a mediator that bridges metal cations and aqueous solution at neutral/basic pH, forming soluble chelated complexes that prevent precipitation while maintaining the desired pH range
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical state of metal entities from free ions (which precipitate at neutral/basic pH) to chelated complexes (which remain soluble), thereby maintaining both desired pH and metal solubility
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 metal complex significantly increases the solubility of metal ions like iron, aluminum, and chromium at neutral or basic pH, providing a more effective treatment for metal deficiencies in plants, particularly in alkaline soils, with higher iron content compared to commercial chelates.
Implementation Method 1
A metal complex comprising a ligand derived from 2-aryl-2-hydroxyacetic acid and a divalent or trivalent metal cation, which increases the solubility of metal ions at neutral or basic pH
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the use of metal complexes comprising a ligand derived from 2-aryl-2-hydroxyacetic acid and a divalent or trivalent metal cation and to the use of the said ligands in dissolving divalent or trivalent metal cations in aqueous phase. The said complexes can be used to treat metal deficiencies in plants.