Herbicidal Dispersible Concentrates Using Amide Solvents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current herbicide formulations, such as water dispersible granules and suspension concentrates, face challenges with bioavailability and foliar uptake due to large particle sizes and pH-dependent solubility issues, requiring high application rates to control weeds effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of dispersible concentrates containing methylsulfonylphenyl ketone herbicides like topramezone combined with water-miscible amide solvents like N-methyl pyrrolidone, which form colloidal suspensions upon dilution, enhancing solubility and bioavailability by controlling particle size and pH, thereby improving weed control efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water dispersible granule or suspension concentrate formulation is used, then the herbicide can be applied in aqueous-based carrier vehicle, but the particle size remains too large resulting in poor bioavailability and requiring substantial application rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the formulation by using a water-miscible amide solvent (NMP) to dissolve the herbicide active ingredient, creating a molecularly dispersed solution rather than a particulate suspension. This parameter change from particulate to molecular dispersion dramatically improves bioavailability and reduces the required application rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a water-miscible amide solvent (NMP) as an intermediary substance that bridges the herbicide active ingredient and water. The NMP dissolves the hydrophobic herbicide and then mixes with water to form a colloidal suspension, enabling effective delivery without requiring large particle sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If suspension concentrate formulation is used, then the herbicide can be formulated as solid suspension, but adjuvants are hard to incorporate and foliar uptake is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the formulation parameter from a solid suspension system to a liquid colloidal suspension system using NMP as the continuous phase. This parameter change allows adjuvants to be easily incorporated into the liquid formulation and enhances foliar uptake by eliminating the solid particle interface that limits absorption in traditional suspension concentrates.
3Device complexity
If methylsulfonylphenyl ketone herbicide is formulated without water-miscible amide solvent, then the formulation is simpler, but solubility in water is poor and delivery efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a water-miscible amide solvent (NMP) as an intermediary that solubilizes the methylsulfonylphenyl ketone herbicide. The NMP acts as a molecular bridge, dissolving the hydrophobic herbicide through amide-carbonyl interactions and then mixing with water to form a stable colloidal suspension, thereby achieving high solubility without excessive formulation complexity.
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 colloidal suspension formulations demonstrate improved efficacy in field trials by reducing the amount of herbicide needed for effective weed control, with smaller particle sizes leading to greater delivery efficiency and enhanced solubility of the active ingredient.
Implementation Method 1
dispersible concentrates comprising about 0.1% to about 40% by weight of the concentrate of a methylsulfonylphenyl ketone herbicide and about 0.6% to about 90% by weight of the concentrate of a water-miscible amide solvent
Implementation Method 2
wherein a ratio of dispersible concentrate to water is in a range from about 1:50 to 1:25,000 by volume, and wherein the formulation is in the form of a colloidal suspension
Data Source
AI summary
Herbicidal dispersible concentrates include an herbicide and substantially water miscible amide-based solvents. Such concentrates may be diluted in water and used in methods to control weeds.