Water-Soluble Concentrate Composition Low-Temperature Crystallization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Water-soluble concentrates of phenoxy acid salts, particularly 2,4-D, tend to crystallize at low temperatures when adjuvants are added, limiting their use in aqueous formulations.

Innovation Solution

A water-soluble concentrate composition comprising phenoxy acid salts, a co-solvent of the formula R1OOC—R2—CONR3R4, and phosphate mono- or diesters as adjuvants, which improves wettability and bioefficacy while preventing crystallization at low temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adjuvants are added to water-soluble concentrates of phenoxy acid salts, then wettability and bioefficacy are improved, but the concentrate crystallizes at low temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewettability and bioefficacyVSAvoidlow temperature stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specific co-solvent (compound of formula I) as an intermediary substance between the phenoxy acid salt and the adjuvant. This co-solvent mediates the interaction to prevent crystallization while allowing the adjuvant to maintain its wettability-enhancing function. The co-solvent acts as a protective intermediary that stabilizes the formulation at low temperatures without compromising the adjuvant's effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the formulation by incorporating a specific co-solvent with defined molecular structure (formula I). This parameter change - the addition of the co-solvent at controlled concentrations - fundamentally alters the physical chemistry of the system to prevent crystallization while preserving adjuvant functionality. The co-solvent modifies the solution properties to maintain stability across a wider temperature range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If concentration of phenoxy acid salt is increased, then bioefficacy is improved, but the concentrate becomes more prone to crystallization at low temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebioefficacyVSAvoidlow temperature stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a co-solvent that specifically interacts with high concentrations of phenoxy acid salt to prevent crystallization. The co-solvent's molecular structure (formula I) is designed to maintain solubility at high active ingredient concentrations, allowing the formulation to achieve high bioefficacy while remaining stable at low temperatures. This parameter change enables high concentration formulations without the usual crystallization risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite formulation system combining phenoxy acid salt, adjuvant, and a specifically designed co-solvent (formula I). This composite material approach allows the components to work synergistically - the co-solvent provides the structural framework that prevents crystallization while the adjuvant provides wettability enhancement, and the high concentration of active ingredient provides bioefficacy. The composite nature of the formulation resolves the contradiction between concentration and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20230397606A1Water-soluble concentrate composition
Publication Date: 2023.12.14 SPECIALTY OPERATIONS FRANCE

AI summary

The present invention relates to a water-soluble concentrate composition comprising a phenoxy acid herbicide or the salts thereof and an in-built adjuvant composition. The water-soluble concentrate composition has favorable low temperature stability and wetting performance as well as favorable bioefficacy.