Pyriproxyfen Emulsifiable Concentrate with Low VOC Solvents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pesticidal emulsifiable concentrates contain high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to the environment and human health, necessitating the development of formulations with reduced VOC content.

Innovation Solution

A low VOC emulsifiable concentrate comprising pyriproxyfen, surfactants, and methyl esters of C16-C18 fatty acids, along with co-solvents like N,N-dimethyloctanamide, N,N-dimethyldecanamide, or ethyl hexyl lactate, which reduces VOC content to less than 20% by weight, preventing crystal formation and maintaining pesticidal activity and emulsification properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional aromatic hydrocarbon solvents are used in EC formulations, then solvency and pesticidal activity are improved, but VOC content increases causing environmental harm

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepesticidal activityVSAvoidVOC emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing aromatic hydrocarbon solvents with non-VOC alternative solvents (such as esters, ketones, or amides), thereby maintaining solvency and pesticidal activity while eliminating harmful VOC emissions. This parameter substitution resolves the contradiction between effectiveness and environmental harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs readily available, biodegradable solvent alternatives that can be easily replaced and do not persist in the environment like traditional aromatic hydrocarbons. These short-living solvent substitutes provide the necessary solvency during application but decompose harmlessly, reducing long-term environmental impact while maintaining pesticidal efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If VOC content is reduced in pesticidal formulations, then environmental impact is minimized, but solvency and formulation stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVOC contentVSAvoidformulation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite solvent systems combining multiple non-VOC solvents (such as ester-ketone-amide blends) to achieve the solvency and stability properties previously provided by single-component aromatic hydrocarbons. This composite approach allows optimization of both environmental performance and formulation stability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces co-solvents or stabilizing agents as intermediary substances that facilitate the compatibility and stability of non-VOC solvent systems. These intermediary components mediate between the active pesticidal ingredients and the alternative solvents, ensuring formulation stability without requiring harmful VOCs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If alternative non-VOC solvents are used, then environmental safety is improved, but compatibility with pesticide active ingredients may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental safetyVSAvoidingredient compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically adjusts the chemical parameters of alternative solvents (such as polarity, dielectric constant, and molecular size) to match the solubility requirements of specific pesticidal active ingredients. By tailoring these parameters, the patent ensures that non-VOC solvents maintain effective compatibility with diverse pesticide chemistries while preserving environmental safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 formulation effectively controls pests with reduced environmental impact, retaining activity and emulsification properties over extended storage periods and at various temperatures, while minimizing VOC emissions.

Implementation Method 1

lactic acid esters as crystal growth inhibitors in pesticidal compositions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystal growth inhibition: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 2

non-ionic surfactant system and water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Implementation Method 3

a water insoluable biologically active ingredient, non-ionic surfactant system and water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP2285212B1Novel pyriproxyfen compositions
Publication Date: 2016.02.17 SUMITOMO CHEM CO LTD

AI summary

New pesticidal compositions comprising pyriproxyfen and methyl esters of C16 - Ci18 fatty acids and having low volatile organic compound (VOC) content are provided. Methods of use and ready-to-use products are also provided.