Fomesafen Non-Salt Formulation Cold Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fomesafen's poor water solubility limits its concentration in water-based formulations, making it impractical for commercial use, and its alkaline pH range can negatively impact weed control and compatibility with other herbicides and fertilizers.
Innovation Solution
Converting fomesafen into a non-salt form solubilized with surfactants, allowing for the creation of cold-stable concentrates up to 40% by weight, which can be used in formulations with pH ranges of 6.0-7.5, enhancing compatibility and weed control with other herbicides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fomesafen is converted into a water soluble salt by reacting with sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, then water based formulations can be prepared up to 22.8% concentration, but the formulations become unstable in colder temperatures and require pH maintenance at levels of 7.5 or higher which can negatively impact weed control performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form of fomesafen from salt form to non-salt form, which fundamentally alters the solubility and stability parameters. This allows formulation at lower concentrations (avoiding instability) while maintaining effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between achieving high concentration and maintaining stability in cold temperatures
2Ease of manufacture
If fomesafen is converted into a water soluble salt, then water based formulations can be prepared, but pH of these compositions must be maintained at levels of 7.5 or higher which can have a negative impact on the weed control performance of both the fomesafen and other herbicides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form from salt to non-salt, which fundamentally alters the pH requirements. This allows the formulation to be used at neutral to slightly acidic pH levels (6.0-7.5), expanding compatibility with a broader range of other herbicides and fertilizers while maintaining water-based formulation capability
3Ease of manufacture
If current commercial salt formulations of fomesafen are used, then water based formulations can be prepared, but they have physical compatibility problems with other herbicides and fertilizers that are mixed with it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form from salt to non-salt, which fundamentally alters the chemical properties and interaction characteristics. This enables physical compatibility with a broader range of other herbicides and fertilizers while maintaining water-based formulation capability, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and adaptability
4Quantity of substance
If fomesafen is used in non-salt form solubilized with surfactants, then concentrated formulations up to 40% by weight can be produced that are cold temperature stable, but the formulations require specific pH ranges of 6.0-7.5 to minimize eye irritation and maximize compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form to non-salt form, which fundamentally alters the concentration-stability relationship. This enables higher concentrations (up to 40%) to be formulated at neutral pH levels, eliminating the need for high pH maintenance while still achieving cold temperature stability and minimizing eye irritation
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 non-salt form of fomesafen provides more active ingredient, reduces application rates and costs, improves compatibility with other herbicides, and minimizes eye irritation, while maintaining effective weed control across a broader pH range.
Implementation Method 1
solubilized with surfactants
Implementation Method 2
Cold temperature stable concentrates of fomesafen up to 40% by weight can be produced by this invention
Implementation Method 3
The mild pH ranges possible for this composition (pH 6.0-7.5) also reduce the potential for eye irritation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to compositions containing the non-salt form of the herbicide fomesafen solubilized with at least one surfactant. Advantages provided by these compositions include higher active ingredient levels, improved cold temperature stability, and enhanced weed control performance.