Fenoxaprop Ester Stabilization via pH Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fenoxaprop ester herbicides, such as fenoxaprop ethyl, degrade rapidly when mixed with certain other herbicides, like pyrasulfotole and bromoxynil, reducing the shelf life of herbicidal compositions.
Innovation Solution
A buffer system comprising an amine-containing material, like triethanolamine, is introduced to maintain the pH of the herbicidal composition between 4 to 8, stabilizing fenoxaprop esters and allowing inclusion of weak acid herbicides and safeners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fenoxaprop ester herbicide is mixed with weak acid herbicides (such as pyrasulfotole and bromoxynil), then the herbicidal composition can combat a wider variety of undesirable vegetation, but the fenoxaprop ester degrades more rapidly, reducing the shelf life of the composition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer system as an intermediary substance to mediate between the fenoxaprop ester and weak acid herbicides. The buffer system absorbs excess protons released during storage, preventing acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of the fenoxaprop ester while allowing the weak acid herbicides to maintain their herbicidal activity. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the co-formulation of multiple herbicides with different mechanisms of action without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the herbicidal composition by introducing a buffer system that maintains the pH within a specific range (pH 4-8, preferably pH 5-7). This parameter change prevents the acid-catalyzed degradation of fenoxaprop ester while preserving the efficacy of weak acid herbicides. The buffer system adjusts and stabilizes the chemical environment to accommodate multiple herbicide types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fenoxaprop ester is formulated with weak acid herbicides to expand herbicidal coverage, then the composition becomes more versatile, but the degradation rate of fenoxaprop ester increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer system acts as an intermediary that intercepts protons before they can catalyze the hydrolysis of fenoxaprop ester. The buffer components (weak base and its conjugate acid) create a chemical buffer zone that protects the fenoxaprop ester from acid-catalyzed degradation while coexisting with weak acid herbicides, thus preventing substance loss while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of weak acid herbicides (which release protons that catalyze fenoxaprop ester degradation) into a beneficial outcome. By introducing a buffer system, the protons released by weak acid herbicides are captured and converted into buffer components, transforming a harmful degradation pathway into a stable chemical equilibrium that preserves fenoxaprop ester integrity.
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 buffer system significantly enhances the long-term storage stability of fenoxaprop ester herbicides, reducing degradation and maintaining effective concentrations across various temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
A buffer system comprising an amine-containing material, like triethanolamine, is introduced to maintain the pH of the herbicidal composition between 4 to 8, stabilizing fenoxaprop esters
Data Source
AI summary
A herbicide composition includes a fenoxaprop ester and a weak acid buffer system. The buffer system maintains the herbicidal composition at a pH in the range of 4 to 8. In one non-limiting embodiment, the fenoxaprop ester is fenoxaprop ethyl. The buffer system can include an amine-containing material, such as a tertiary amine. The herbicide composition can include other herbicides, such as weak acid herbicides, for example pyrasulfotole, bromoxynil, and/or bromoxynil esters and can include one or more safeners.