Herbicidal Complex Stabilization via Amine Buffer Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fenoxaprop ester herbicides degrade rapidly when mixed with certain other herbicides, such as pyrasulfotole and bromoxynil, leading to a reduction in the shelf life of herbicidal compositions, which is undesirable for agricultural applications.
Innovation Solution
A novel chemical complex is developed, comprising an acid-sensitive herbicide like fenoxaprop p-ethyl, a weak acid herbicide like pyrasulfotole, an ester herbicide like bromoxynil, an optional safener like mefenpyr diethyl, and a cation donating agent, stabilized by a buffer system capable of forming complexes and hydrogen bonding, such as triethanolamine, to prevent degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fenoxaprop ester herbicide is mixed with weak acid herbicides (pyrasulfotole, bromoxynil), then the herbicidal composition can control a wider variety of weeds, but the fenoxaprop ester degrades more rapidly reducing shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer system comprising an amine-containing compound capable of forming a complex acts as an intermediary between the fenoxaprop ester herbicide and weak acid herbicides. The buffer prevents direct harmful interactions while allowing both herbicides to function, thereby maintaining shelf life despite mixing with multiple herbicide types for broader weed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer system changes the pH parameter of the herbicidal composition by accepting protons from weak acid herbicides. This pH modulation prevents acid-catalyzed degradation of fenoxaprop ester while maintaining conditions suitable for herbicidal activity, thus preserving shelf life during extended storage.
2Duration of action of moving object
If fenoxaprop ester herbicide is mixed with weak acid herbicides, then pre- and post-emergent control can be achieved, but acid-catalyzed hydrolysis and transesterification increase degradation rate
Solution Approach 1:
The amine-containing buffer serves as a mediator that intercepts protons from weak acid herbicides before they can catalyze hydrolysis or transesterification of fenoxaprop ester. This allows the herbicidal mixture to maintain chemical stability while providing extended operative control from pre- to post-emergent stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer system performs preliminary anti-action by neutralizing weak acids before they can initiate degradation reactions. By preemptively accepting protons, the buffer prevents acid-catalyzed hydrolysis and transesterification, thereby maintaining chemical stability throughout the extended operative period.
3Reliability
If buffer system is added to stabilize fenoxaprop ester, then shelf life is extended, but composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The amine-containing buffer compound performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a pH buffer to neutralize weak acids, forms complexes to stabilize fenoxaprop ester, and may serve as a solubility enhancer. This multi-functionality extends shelf life while minimizing the need for additional separate stabilizing agents, thus limiting composition complexity.
4Reliability
If amine-containing buffer capable of hydrogen bonding is used, then stabilization is enhanced, but manufacturing cost and synthesis complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameter of the buffer by selecting compounds with specific pKa values and hydrogen-bonding capabilities. This parameter optimization enhances stabilization effectiveness through stronger complex formation and hydrogen bonding, while the selected compounds remain commercially available and manufacturable through standard chemical processes.
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 complex stabilizes the herbicidal composition, preventing acid-catalyzed hydrolysis and transesterification, thereby extending the shelf life and maintaining the effectiveness of the herbicides, even in the presence of acidic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer system capable of forming complexes and hydrogen bonding, such as triethanolamine
Implementation Method 2
an amine-containing compound capable of forming a complex
Implementation Method 3
preventing acid-catalyzed hydrolysis
Implementation Method 4
preventing acid-catalyzed hydrolysis and transesterification
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to the discovery, isolation, identification and methods of synthesis of a novel chemical complex that can be used to stabilize mixtures of different chemical compounds, and in particular mixtures of different herbicidal compounds.