Herbicidal Emulsifiable Concentrates With Clethodim Stability Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Cyclohexanedione oxime herbicides, such as clethodim, are chemically unstable and prone to degradation in herbicidal compositions, making long-term stability and formulation challenging due to the presence of adjuvant materials and water.

Innovation Solution

A stable herbicidal composition is achieved by incorporating a stabilizer system comprising dialkyl metal sulfosuccinate and a non-ionic surfactant, specifically sorbitan fatty acid ester, in a ratio of 1:10 to 10:1, forming an emulsifiable concentrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cyclohexanedione oxime herbicides are formulated with adjuvant materials and water, then herbicidal activity is achieved, but chemical stability deteriorates due to degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveherbicidal activityVSAvoidchemical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A stabilizer system comprising a non-ionic surfactant and a metal chelating agent is introduced as an intermediary substance between the herbicide and degrading factors (water, adjuvants, pH extremes). This stabilizer system prevents direct interaction between the herbicide and degrading elements, thereby maintaining chemical stability while preserving herbicidal activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention modifies the formulation parameters by controlling pH within the range of 4-10 and incorporating specific stabilizing agents. These parameter changes create a chemical environment that prevents degradation reactions while maintaining the herbicide's biological activity against weeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If clethodim is included in herbicidal compositions, then effective weed control is achieved, but formulation difficulty increases due to chemical instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweed control effectivenessVSAvoidformulation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizer system acts as a protective intermediary that enables the formulation of clethodim by preventing its interaction with formulation components that would otherwise cause degradation. This allows standard formulation processes to be used without requiring specialized handling procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite herbicidal composition where clethodim is combined with stabilizing agents (non-ionic surfactant and metal chelating agent) in a synergistic formulation. This composite structure provides both the weed control activity of clethodim and the stability needed for easy formulation and storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Duration of action of stationary object

If CHD herbicides are stored long-term, then availability for use is maintained, but degradation increases reducing concentration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage durationVSAvoidherbicide concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizer system is incorporated into the formulation in advance to prevent degradation before it occurs. The non-ionic surfactant and metal chelating agent are pre-positioned to protect the herbicide from pH extremes, microbial attack, and thermal degradation throughout the storage period, thereby maintaining concentration over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The formulation includes stabilizing agents that provide a protective buffer against degradation mechanisms. This cushioning effect absorbs potential damage from environmental factors during storage, preventing herbicide concentration loss and extending shelf life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3970492B1Stable herbicidal compositions
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 UPL CORPORATION LTD(MU)

AI summary

Described herein are stable herbicidal compositions including at least one cyclohexenedione oxime herbicide or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof; and a stabilizer system comprising a dialkyl metal sulfosuccinate and a sorbitan fatty acid ester. A process of preparing the stable herbicidal composition and a method of controlling weeds by applying the stable herbicidal composition onto a weed, a crop, a locus, or a habitat area are also disclosed.