Prohexadione Ionic Liquid Concentrate Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant growth regulator (PGR) concentrates, particularly those containing prohexadione, face challenges due to its limited water solubility and stability, making it difficult to formulate stable and effective concentrates for agricultural use.
Innovation Solution
A liquid concentrate is developed using prohexadione dissolved in an ionic liquid comprising an organic base and a strong acid, which provides enhanced stability and solubility, allowing for the inclusion of additional active compounds and additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If prohexadione is supplied as a concentrated solution in water, then ease of manufacture and application is improved, but stability and solubility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent parameter from water to an organic solvent (ethanol or propanol), which fundamentally alters the solubility and stability characteristics of prohexadione. This parameter change enables the active substance to maintain both high solubility and long-term stability in the concentrate formulation.
2Ease of operation
If prohexadione is supplied as a dispersion in water, then ease of mixing is improved, but solubility and homogeneity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the active substance from suspended particles in a dispersion to completely dissolved molecules in a true solution. This is achieved by changing the solvent parameter to an organic solvent, resulting in a homogeneous concentrate that mixes easily with water while maintaining complete dissolution of prohexadione.
3Productivity
If high concentration of active substance is used, then productivity is improved, but solubility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent parameter to an organic solvent (ethanol or propanol) which has significantly higher solubility capacity for prohexadione compared to water. This enables the formulation of concentrates with high active substance content (5-25% or higher) while maintaining complete solubility and stability, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing solubility.
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 ionic liquid formulation ensures the stability of prohexadione, enabling high-concentration liquid formulations that are easily dispersible in water, thus offering improved efficacy and extended storage stability.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid concentrate is developed using prohexadione dissolved in an ionic liquid comprising an organic base and a strong acid, which provides enhanced stability and solubility
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a liquid concentrate comprising a plant growth regulator like prohexadione dissolved in an ionic liquid, the ionic liquid comprising an organic base and a strong acid. The ionic liquid may comprise an amine, amide, imine, imide or urea. The strong acid preferably is ethephon.