Cymoxanil Suspension Formulation pH Buffering Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cymoxanil, a cyanoacetamide fungicide, is unstable in aqueous environments and prone to degradation, making it challenging to create stable liquid formulations for agricultural use, as it is highly soluble and volatile, with stability dependent on pH levels.

Innovation Solution

A stable suspension concentrate composition comprising cymoxanil and a buffering system with an effective pH range of 2-5, which is milled at a temperature of at most 25°C, along with an agriculturally acceptable carrier and optional additional pesticides, to create a physically and chemically stable formulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cymoxanil is formulated as a liquid suspension concentrate, then ease of use and application properties are improved, but chemical stability and shelf life deteriorate due to hydrolysis and degradation in aqueous environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidchemical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the pH of the aqueous environment to maintain it between 4.0-6.0, which is the optimal pH range where cymoxanil exhibits maximum stability. This is achieved through the use of buffering systems and pH-adjusting agents in the formulation, preventing hydrolysis and degradation that occur at higher pH levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses buffering systems and pH-adjusting agents as intermediaries to mediate between the aqueous carrier and cymoxanil. These additives act as protective intermediaries that maintain the pH within the stable range, thereby protecting cymoxanil from degradation while allowing it to remain in liquid suspension concentrate form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If cymoxanil concentration in the formulation is increased, then productivity and efficacy are improved, but physical stability deteriorates due to crystalline growth and sedimentation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive ingredient concentrationVSAvoidphysical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the pH to 4.0-6.0, which suppresses crystalline growth of cymoxanil in the aqueous suspension. This pH control allows higher concentrations of active ingredient to be maintained in suspension without premature crystallization or sedimentation, thereby improving both productivity and physical stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite formulation system that combines cymoxanil with buffering systems, pH-adjusting agents, and suspension-stabilizing additives. This composite material approach allows the formulation to maintain high active ingredient concentration while the various components work synergistically to prevent crystallization and sedimentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If the formulation is prepared at higher temperatures to improve mixing and homogeneity, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but chemical stability deteriorates due to accelerated hydrolysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidchemical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature during preparation and storage to remain below 25°C. This temperature control parameter prevents accelerated hydrolysis that would occur at higher temperatures, while still allowing adequate mixing and homogenization to be achieved through extended mixing time or improved mixing equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adjusting the pH of the aqueous carrier to the optimal range (4.0-6.0) before adding cymoxanil, and pre-cooling the mixture if necessary. This preliminary pH adjustment ensures that cymoxanil is immediately protected from hydrolysis upon contact with the aqueous environment, allowing efficient mixing without temperature-induced degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 formulation provides improved stability and efficacy in controlling fungal infestations, maintaining active ingredient concentration and preventing sedimentation, with enhanced application properties such as reduced foam and prolonged protection against pests.

Implementation Method 1

a buffering system, wherein the buffering system has an effective pH range of 2-5

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuffering system:

Implementation Method 2

milling the cymoxanil and the buffering system at a temperature of at most 25° C.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMilling:

Data Source

PatentUS20230247998A1Stable cymoxanil formulations
Publication Date: 2023.08.10 ADAMA MAKHTESHIM LTD
  • US20230247998A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a suspension concentrate (SC) composition comprising a) cymoxanil and b) a buffering system; wherein the buffering system has an effective pH range of 2-5. Optionally, the composition further comprises at least one additional pesticide, at least one agriculturally acceptable carrier and/or additives.