Fluroxypyr Meptyl Ester Formulation Using N-Alkanoyl Morpholine
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-strength formulations of fluroxypyr meptyl ester herbicides face stability issues at low temperatures and high concentrations, particularly with aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, which are also environmentally less favorable.
Innovation Solution
A high-strength emulsifiable concentrate of fluroxypyr meptyl ester is formulated using N-alkanoyl morpholine as a solvent, maintaining stability and preventing crystallization at temperatures as low as 0°C, with a composition of 340-600 g/L fluroxypyr meptyl ester, 100-200 g/L surfactant, and 300-560 g/L N-alkanoyl morpholine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If aromatic hydrocarbon solvents are used in fluroxypyr meptyl ester formulations, then high concentration can be achieved, but low-temperature stability deteriorates and environmental profile worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the solvent from aromatic hydrocarbon to N-alkanoyl morpholine, which fundamentally alters the formulation's low-temperature behavior. This parameter change enables high concentration (340-600 g/L fluroxypyr meptyl ester) while maintaining liquid stability at low temperatures, resolving the contradiction between concentration and low-temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solvent system using N-alkanoyl morpholine (with specific R groups of C5-C11 alkyl) combined with surfactants. This composite material approach provides synergistic effects where the morpholine solvent maintains low-temperature fluidity while the surfactant system stabilizes the high-concentration emulsifiable concentrate, preventing crystallization and maintaining homogeneity.
2Quantity of substance
If aromatic hydrocarbon solvents are used in fluroxypyr meptyl ester formulations, then high concentration can be achieved, but environmental profile deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter from aromatic hydrocarbons (which have poor environmental profiles due to toxicity and persistence) to N-alkanoyl morpholines (which have better environmental characteristics). This substitution maintains the ability to achieve high active ingredient concentration (340-600 g/L) while significantly improving the environmental safety profile of the formulation.
3Quantity of substance
If higher concentration formulations are prepared using chlorinated solvents or 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, then concentration can be increased, but environmental profile deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent parameter from environmentally problematic options (chlorinated solvents or 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone) to N-alkanoyl morpholines with specific structural characteristics (R = C5-C11 alkyl). This parameter change enables achieving high concentration formulations (340-600 g/L fluroxypyr meptyl ester) while providing a superior environmental profile, as morpholines are generally more environmentally benign than chlorinated solvents or pyrrolidinone.
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 remains a clear, stable liquid at low temperatures, reducing packaging and environmental concerns, and is biologically equivalent to petroleum hydrocarbon solvent-based formulations, allowing for standard container use and extended storage stability.
Implementation Method 1
a low-temperature stable, high-strength emulsifiable concentrate of fluroxypyr meptyl ester can be prepared by using an N-alkanoyl morpholine solvent... the formulation remains a clear solution at temperatures below 10 °C, more preferably at temperatures 0°C
Implementation Method 2
The present invention provides a high-strength herbicidal formulation comprising a mixture of a fluroxypyr meptyl ester, a surfactant or mixture of surfactants and an N-alkanoyl morpholine as a solvent... from 100 g/L to 200 g/L of surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a high-strength herbicidal formulation containing high concentrations of fluroxypyr meptyl ester in an N-alkanoyl morpholine solvent which exhibits significantly greater low temperature stability at high concentrations.