Propanil Crystalline Modification for Weed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing propanil, a widely used herbicide, do not effectively characterize or utilize its different crystalline forms, leading to inefficient weed control and environmental concerns due to high dosage requirements.

Innovation Solution

A crystalline modification of propanil is developed using a process involving halogenated hydrocarbon solvents, which enhances bioefficacy and allows for reduced dosage, combined with agrochemically acceptable excipients and other pesticides, improving weed control efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional recrystallization methods are used to produce propanil, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the bioefficacy is insufficient and high dosage is required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebioefficacyVSAvoiddosage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the crystallization conditions (solvent type, temperature, pH) to obtain a specific crystalline form of propanil with enhanced bioefficacy. The use of acetone as a recrystallization solvent and controlled cooling rates produces crystals with improved biological activity, allowing reduced dosage while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions during the recrystallization process to obtain a specific crystalline modification of propanil. By controlling the melting and crystallization phases under specific conditions (temperature ranges, solvent selection), the patent produces a crystalline form with superior bioefficacy properties compared to conventional forms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Reliability

If high dosage of propanil is applied for effective weed control, then weed control efficacy is achieved, but environmental impact increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweed control efficacyVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the crystallization parameters to produce a specific crystalline form of propanil, the patent achieves enhanced bioefficacy. This allows effective weed control at lower dosages, thereby reducing environmental impact and harmful effects while maintaining the desired weed control efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If different crystalline forms of propanil are not characterized, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the bioefficacy potential is not optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebioefficacyVSAvoidcharacterization process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical characterization methods with simpler analytical techniques. By using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to characterize the crystalline forms, the patent achieves detailed understanding of bioefficacy-related properties without requiring complex mechanical testing equipment or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 crystalline modification of propanil achieves better bioefficacy in controlling weeds at lower application rates, reducing environmental impact and extending the use of the herbicide effectively.

Implementation Method 1

crystallization of propanil from chloroform/hexane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 2

crystallization of propanil from benzene

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP3247698B1Crystalline modification of propanil
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 UPL LTD
  • EP3247698B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3247698B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3247698B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to crystalline modification of (3,4- dichlorophenyl)propanamide (propanil), to a process for the preparation of the same, to pesticidal mixtures and compositions comprising the crystalline modification of 5 (3,4-dichlorophenyl)propanamide and to a method of combating weeds using said mixtures and compositions.