Stable Clethodim Herbicide Composition for Mixed-Formulation Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cyclohexanedione oxime herbicides like clethodim are prone to rapid degradation due to factors such as pH, photodegradation, and the presence of other herbicides, leading to instability and reduced efficacy in formulations.

Innovation Solution

A stable herbicidal composition is developed by combining clethodim with carfentrazone-ethyl, using a recovery promoting agent (alkyl ester of dicarboxylic acid) and a C1-C4 alkyl ester of C5-C20 saturated or unsaturated fatty acid solvent in a specific weight ratio of 1:10 to 10:1, forming an emulsifiable concentrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If clethodim is formulated in combination with another herbicide, then the herbicidal spectrum is broadened, but the stability of clethodim deteriorates and degradation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveherbicidal spectrumVSAvoidclethodim stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces carfentrazone-ethyl as a mediator substance that interacts with clethodim to prevent its degradation. This second herbicide acts as a protective intermediary in the formulation, reducing the harmful effects of pH, light, and other degradation factors on clethodim, thereby maintaining stability while preserving broad herbicidal activity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite herbicidal formulation combining clethodim and carfentrazone-ethyl in specific ratios. This composite material leverages the complementary properties of both herbicides: clethodim provides grass control while carfentrazone-ethyl provides broadleaf control, and simultaneously the combination enhances overall formulation stability compared to clethodim alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If clethodim is stored in aqueous solution, then it is readily available for application, but photodegradation and thermal degradation occur rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability for applicationVSAvoidresistance to photodegradation and thermal degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Carfentrazone-ethyl serves as a protective intermediary that reduces the susceptibility of clethodim to photodegradation and thermal degradation. The presence of carfentrazone-ethyl in the formulation interferes with the degradation pathways of clethodim, acting as a stabilizing agent that allows the herbicide to remain in aqueous solution longer without significant loss of activity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical environment parameters of the aqueous solution by introducing carfentrazone-ethyl, which changes the overall formulation properties. This parameter change includes altering the chemical interactions within the solution to reduce degradation rates, while maintaining the solubility and applicability of clethodim

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3970491B1A stable herbicidal composition

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 UPL CORPORATION LTD(MU)

AI summary

Described herein is a stable herbicidal composition including a cyclohexenedione oxime herbicide, a derivative thereof, an isomer thereof, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof and an additional herbicide. The composition is stabilised using a recovery promoting agent and a solvent. Also described is a process of preparing the stable herbicidal compositions and a method of controlling weeds by applying the stable herbicidal composition onto a weed, a locus, a crop, or a habitat area.