Liquid Sulfonylurea Herbicide Compositions With Lithium Salt Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sulfonylurea herbicides are unstable in liquid formulations due to hydrolysis and chemical incompatibilities, limiting their use in liquid herbicidal compositions and requiring improved chemical stability solutions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of inorganic or organic lithium salts, particularly C1-C12 carboxylic acid salts of lithium, into non-aqueous solvent systems to stabilize sulfonylurea herbicides, enhancing their chemical stability in liquid compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If sulfonylurea herbicides are formulated in liquid compositions, then ease of operation and biological efficacy are improved, but chemical stability deteriorates due to hydrolysis and degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of handling and applicationVSAvoidchemical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Lithium salts are introduced as intermediary substances that mediate between the sulfonylurea herbicide and the liquid formulation environment. The lithium salts form stable complexes with the sulfonylurea compounds, preventing direct interaction with hydrolytic agents in the liquid medium while maintaining the herbicidal activity. This intermediary mechanism allows the active ingredient to remain stable in liquid form without requiring formulation changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical environment parameters of the liquid formulation by adjusting pH levels and ionic composition through the addition of lithium salts. These parameter changes create a chemical environment that suppresses hydrolysis reactions while maintaining solubility and biological efficacy. The specific pH range and ionic strength are optimized to prevent degradation pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If sulfonylurea herbicides are used in liquid formulations with additional herbicidal ingredients, then versatility and productivity are improved, but chemical stability worsens due to incompatibilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with additional ingredientsVSAvoidchemical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium salt-based stabilization system provides universal compatibility with multiple types of herbicidal ingredients and liquid formulation components. The lithium salts act as a general stabilizing agent that can accommodate various active ingredients including sulfonylureas, carboxylic acid derivatives, and other herbicides without causing incompatibility reactions. This multi-functional approach enables co-formulation of mixtures that would otherwise be chemically incompatible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional liquid formulation methods are used for sulfonylureas, then ease of manufacture is improved, but storage stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformulation simplicityVSAvoidstorage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium salts are incorporated into the formulation during the manufacturing process to preemptively prevent degradation reactions before storage begins. This preliminary stabilization action ensures that the sulfonylurea herbicide is protected from hydrolysis and other degradation pathways throughout its shelf life. The stabilization mechanism is activated during formulation and continues to protect the active ingredient during storage and handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 use of lithium salts significantly improves the chemical stability of sulfonylurea herbicides, allowing for the development of stable liquid formulations suitable for a broader range of sulfonylureas and co-formulated mixtures with non-sulfonylurea herbicides.

Implementation Method 1

sulfonylureas are known to be unstable as they have a tendency to hydrolyse via cleavage at the sulfonylurea bridge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis prevention: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS12364261B2Liquid sulfonylurea- and Li-salt containing herbicidal compositions

Publication Date: 2025.07.22 MITSUI AGRISCI INT S A NV

AI summary

This invention relates to a liquid herbicidal composition comprising a non-aqueous solvent system, at least one sulfonylurea herbicide and at least one inorganic or C1-C12 organic lithium salt. The invention also relates to the use of an inorganic or C1-C12 organic lithium salt to improve chemical stabilisation of a sulfonylurea herbicide in a liquid composition comprising a non-aqueous solvent system.