SK109196A3 - Adjuvant compositions, a concentrate, diluted formulation and a method for the treatment of vegetation and metals - Google Patents

Abstract

Emulsifier compositions include surfactant vic-dicarboxylic acid polyalkyleneoxy half ester derivative of the formula (I) Y.A<1>.OC.(HR)C.C(HR<1>).CO.A.(CmH2mO)n.R<2> or (II) Y.A.<1>.OC.(HR)C.C(HR<1>).CO.A.(CmH2mO)n.CpH2p.A.CO.(HR<1>)C.C(HR)CO.A<1>.Y, where the substituents have defined meanings, and at least one other surfactant are effective in emulsifying materials such as agrochemicals to give stable emulsions. The emulsifier can also be formed as a concentrate that can contain a specifically effective chemical and typically an organic liquid or solvent so that the concentrate forms an emulsion directly on dilution with water.

Description

Auxiliary composition, concentrate, diluted formulation and method of treating vegetation and metals

Technical field

The invention relates to auxiliary compositions, in particular compositions comprising at least two surfactants and / or at least one oil, dispersible concentrates which are readily dispersible and / or water-soluble, in particular concentrates having a high dispersed phase content, and which contain such auxiliary agents. a composition, dilute formulations comprising said concentrate, and methods of preparing said excipients, concentrates, and dilute formulations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Compositions with at least one surfactant are generally known in the agrochemical industry as components of concentrates containing an agrochemically active agent or as components of corresponding dilute formulations containing said concentrates, which components promote easy dispersion and / or dissolution of the agrochemically active agent in the concentrate or diluted formulation. Such known compositions and such known concentrates containing the active chemical agent may also contain at least one oil component.

For example, there is still a demand in the agrochemical industry for adjuvant compositions which would improve the efficacy of any chemical agent (for example, an agrochemical) or other substances that are present in the concentrate or the corresponding diluted formulation. In some intended applications of such concentrates, for example in methods of applying the corresponding formulations of certain agrochemicals, such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides or acaricides, it is not only advantageous that the corresponding diluted formulation containing said composition has a significantly enhanced effect containing said composition efficacy, but also that the process for preparing said formulation comprises simply mixing the individual components.

however

(a) the efficacy of known adjuvant compositions used as an additive; and

(b) the extent to which the resulting concentrates are readily dispersible and / or water soluble are usually limited by the specific combination of dispersed chemical agent and readily dispersible and / or soluble surfactant components.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a group of substances of this auxiliary nature which provide concentrates readily dispersible and / or readily soluble in water, and corresponding dilute formulations with significantly improved efficacy, which can generally be used in the agrochemical industry.

The Applicant has developed a class of polyalkylene oxypoloesters of vic-dicarboxylic acid, described in PCT Publication No. WO 94/00508 A (PCT / GB 93/01335). The present invention relates to the use of compounds of this general type of formulas I or II below

YA ¹ .OC. (HR) CC (HR ^X) .co.il. (C 1 H 2 O 3) R ³ (I) wherein one of R 1 and R ¹ represents an alkenyl or alkyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms and the other of these general symbols represents a hydrogen atom,

A is -O- or -NR * -, wherein

R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, in particular a methyl or ethyl group, n denotes 2 to 100 (and since this is an average value, n does not need to be an integer), m denotes 2 or 3 ( change along the polyoxyalkylene chain)

R ^a represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, in particular an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms,

A ¹ is -O-, -O "or -NR ⁴ -, wherein

R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, in particular a methyl or ethyl group, such that if A ¹ represents -O "then Y represents a cation, in particular H *, an alkali metal cation, especially sodium or potassium cation or an ammonium ion (especially NH4 *, an amine ammonium ion or an alkanolamine ammonium ion), and when A ¹ is -O- or -NR ⁴ , then Y is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms (R ³ ) or a group of the formula (CHO) R ^a , wherein m, on R ^a independently of each other have the same meanings as above, or

YA ¹ .OC. (HR) CC (HR ¹⁾ .co.il. (C ^H HO) .CH.A.CO. (HR ¹ ) CC (HR) CO ^{3 A} -Y (II) wherein n, m and each of R, R ^x , A, A ^x and Y are independently as defined above, and p is 2 or 3.

As described in WO 94 / 00508A, the free acid forms of the compounds of formulas I and II are defined such that Y represents a cation H *, including the ionized and non-ionized forms of said free acids. The compounds of formulas I and II are typically mixtures of isomers corresponding to two interpretations of the anhydride ring opening reaction typically used in their synthesis. The alk (en) yl chain appears to have a minor steric effect on the ratio of isomers (typically about 60:40), the major isomer being due to nucleophilic action on the anhydride carbonyl group distant from the alk (en) yl group. Thus, compounds of formulas I and II include, in particular, compounds of formulas Ia and IIa:

R ¹ -CH (CO-AY) _and CH CO.AZ (Ia) wherein

Z represents a group of formula (CH, O) R ³ , wherein xn 2 and nn, m and R ³ have the meanings defined above in relation to formula I, preferably n being 3 to 50,

R ³ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms,

A and A ¹ each independently represent -O-, -O "or -NH-, wherein if

A or A ^x is -O ", then the corresponding Y is a cation, for example H * or an alkali metal ion, and if A or A ^x is -O- or -NH-, then the corresponding Y is R ³ or (CHO) R ³ , wherein R ³ is as defined above and may be the same as or different from Z,

R ¹ represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 13 to 20 carbon atoms.

or

R ^X -CH (COA ¹ Y) -CH ₂ -CO. ADA.OC-CH ₂ -CH (COA ^X Y) -R ¹ (IIIa) wherein

D represents a group of formula (C H O) C H, wherein * sn 2 ft n 2p p is 2 or 3, and

R ³ ·, A, A ¹ , m and n have the meanings given above in relation to the general formula Ia.

WO 94/00508 discloses various uses of compounds of this general type, including use as emulsifiers for acrylamide invert polymerization systems and as laundry detergents for woolen materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has now surprisingly been found that these compounds can be used in adjuvant compositions together with at least one component from the group consisting of:

i) at least one additional surfactant, ii) at least one oil component, and iii) at least one organic solvent.

These can be used to formulate concentrates containing a chemical agent with specific activity for the intended use of the concentrates and formulations containing these concentrates such that the agricultural chemical present is readily dispersible and / or water soluble. Such concentrates (as opposed to the above compositions, which may be used as a component of concentrates) need not contain at least one additional surfactant, at least one oily component or at least one organic solvent, although they may of course contain. These formulations can be used for application in the agrochemical industry, for example in the case of agricultural chemicals such as herbicides, fungicides or acaricides.

The present invention provides an auxiliary composition which comprises:

(a) at least one polyalkylene oxypoloester poly-dicarboxylic acid polyalkylene oxypoloester derivative of the general formula I or II as defined above and at least one component selected from the group consisting of:

(b) at least one additional surfactant;

(c) at least one oil component; and

d) at least one organic solvent.

Suitable adjuvant compositions of the invention are those comprising

a) at least one polyalkyleneoxy-semi-ester of vic-di-carboxylic acid in an amount of 1 to 90% by weight, preferably 5 to 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, and at least one component of the group comprising

b) at least one additional surfactant in an amount of 0 to 90% by weight, preferably 0 to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition,

c) at least one oil component in an amount of 0 to 99% by weight, preferably 0 to 97% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, and / or

d) at least one organic solvent in an amount of 0 to 90% by weight, and in particular 0 to 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

Said composition often uses a semi-ester derivative containing anionic groups and / or in particular anion-ionizable groups. Such preferred ester derivatives are generally those disclosed in the related patent application, but preferred surface active derivatives of polyalkyleneoxy-semi-ester of a vic-dicarboxylic acid of this type include mono- and di-ester derivatives of the general formula I or II in which R / R ¹ contain 8 up to 20 carbon atoms. This applies in particular to the agrochemical industry when used for formulating a dispersible and / or soluble concentrate or corresponding diluted formulation containing a chemical agent having an activity specific to the intended use of said concentrate or corresponding diluted formulation. Specific ester derivatives of this type include those wherein R / R ¹ contains 10 to 17, preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms, and especially when it is an alkenyl group. Such preferred polyalkyleneoxy-semi-vicidicarboxylic acid derivatives also include derivatives of formula (I) in which the (CHO) R ^{a group} has the above m 2 m n meaning or of formula (Ia) in which Z represents alkylene oxide (block) (co) a polymer of formula ( ^c m ^H 2a, °) n / as defined above, wherein n is preferably 7 to 13 and m is 2 or / and 3.

The other surfactants, if present, may be any surfactants which, when used with the formulation aid of a concentrate or dilute formulation, contain a chemical agent with specific activity for the intended use of the concentrate or corresponding dilute formulation.

(a) provide a concentrate or diluted composition that is stable and homogeneous for at least 24 hours after its preparation; and

(b) in the case of concentrate, remain homogeneous upon dilution with water in the preparation of the diluted formulation.

Within the scope of that reservation, other surfactants which are suitable for use in the concentrate or corresponding diluted mixture include anionic, cationic, amphoteric or non-ionic surfactants or mixtures thereof.

Suitable anionic surfactants include members of the alkarenesulfonate salt group such as a straight chain or branched alkylbenzenesulfonate salt of 6 to 16 carbon atoms, the alkyl group being, for example, a lauryl (dodecyl) group, or mixtures thereof, further members of the poly ( arylarylalkoxylate) phosphate or sulfate salts, members of the alkaryl phosphate or sulfate group, members of the straight- and branched-chain alkyl- and alkoxylated-alkyl- or alkoxylated alkyl-phosphate or sulfate group, members of the fatty acid salt group containing 8 to 24, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms , such as laurate, heptadecanoate, heptadecenoát, stearate and oleate, and / or members of the group of carboxylated alkoxylated alkaryl alcohols or fatty alcohols, the last-mentioned compounds include e.g., poly (ethylene oxide) C _ _{χa χe} -alkoholme tylkarboxy1áty.

Examples of suitable salts include salts with an alkali metal cation such as sodium or potassium, an alkaline earth metal such as calcium, and / or ammonium, an aliphatic ammonium alkanolammonium cation, wherein the aliphatic or alkanol residues are, for example, straight or branched chain alkyl groups containing 1-4 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof.

If the composition is intended for use in the agrochemical industry to formulate a dispersible and / or soluble concentrate or corresponding diluted formulation comprising an agrochemical agent having activity specific for the intended use of the concentrate or corresponding diluted formulation, then the preferred component b) of the anionic surfactant comprises alkylbenzenesulfonate salts containing The alkyl group is, for example, a lauryl group having from 6 to 16 carbon atoms in a straight or branched chain alkyl group. Preferred salts include calcium salts.

Cationic surfactants which are suitable for providing said stability include alkoxylated fatty amine salts containing from 8 to 24, preferably more than 12 and in particular 12 to 18 carbon atoms, the latter including, for example, poly (ethylene oxide) _-Cia. _ _is -amine salt thereof, e.g., chloride salts.

Nonionic surfactants can be used in particular in concentrates which are readily emulsifiable, especially in agrochemical concentrates. These nonionic surfactants include nonionic surfactants used in the agrochemical industry to formulate emulsifiable concentrates, especially nonionic surfactants of the formulas

R ^ai. O (X) R ^aa and / or

R ^as OR ^ae or / a

R ²³ -N- (XH) _and wherein

R ²¹ represents an alkyl or alkenyl group suitably containing up to 24, preferably 6 to 21, and in particular 9 to 18 carbon atoms, an alkylphenol group containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms in its alkyl group, a sorbitan group or a group of formula R ³³ CO , where

R ³³ represents an alkyl group having 11 to 22 carbon atoms,

R ³³ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, a carboxyl group, for example a carboxyalkyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, or a fatty acid residue having 10 to 22 carbon atoms,

X represents a polyalkylene oxide group containing on average 2 to 40, preferably 2 to 13, and in particular 2 to 10 alkylene oxide groups or mixed alkylene oxide groups,

R ³³ represents an alkyl or alkenyl group containing up to 22 carbon atoms,

R ³⁴ represents a sorbitan group,

R ^{3 S} represents a fatty acid residue of 10 to 22 carbon atoms and

R ³⁶ represents an alkyl or alkenyl group containing up to 22 carbon atoms,

Examples of suitable R ^3X groups include lauryl, heptadecyl, heptadecenyl, heptadecadienyl, stearyl or oleyl.

Examples of suitable R ³³ groups include carboxymethyl, ethyl or propyl, or a salt and lauroyl, heptadecanoyl, heptadecenoyl, heptadecadienoyl, stearoyl or oleoyl groups. Suitable options for X include the meanings in which each of the alkylene groups has 2 to 8, preferably 2 to 3, carbon atoms. Examples of suitable groups R a and ^e include, for example, lauroyl, heptadecanoyl, hepta11 decenoyl, heptadecadienoyl, stearoyl or oleoyl.

Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants thus include poly (alkoxylated) fatty acids and alcohols containing 8 to 24, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms in the fatty acid or alcohol group, poly (alkoxylated) alkaryl alcohols containing 8 to 24, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and their phosphate and sulfate esters, poly (alkoxylated) sorbitan and sorbitol esters, poly (alkoxylated) mono-, di- and triglycerides, including, for example, poly (alkoxylated) vegetable oils such as poly (ethoxylated) mustard oil, oil from ramtilla seeds, oiticica oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, peanut oil (peanut oil), sunflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil and especially castor oil, poly (alkoxylated) allyl alcohols and their phosphate and sulfate esters, poly ( alkoxylated) poly (arylarylalcohol) γ, sorbitan mono-esters in which the acyl group contains 11 to 22 carbon atoms, and poly (a alkylene oxide, including (block) (co) polymers.

In one group of adjuvant compositions of the invention, especially when the adjuvant composition is used for application within the agrochemical industry, it is component b) (= additional surfactant)

(i) at least one nonionic surfactant; and / or (ii) at least one anionic surfactant.

Preferred nonionic surfactants of component b) then comprise surfactants of the formulas

R ^ai. O (X) R ^aa and / or

R ^a4 OR or / a

R ^e -N (H) _and as defined above, and which have been indicated as being preferred nonionic surfactants.

Preferred anionic surfactants of component b) include alkylbenzene sulfonate salts of 6 to 16 carbon atoms in their straight or branched chain alkyl group, the alkyl group being, for example, a lauryl group. Preferred salts include calcium salts.

The oil component typically has a boiling point above 200 ° C at atmospheric pressure and a melting point not exceeding 60 ° C. The oil component may, for example, comprise a mineral oil or a hydrogenated vegetable oil such as cottonseed oil, rope oil, mustard oil, ramtilla oil, oiticica oil, olive oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, peanut oil perilla, poppyseed oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, esters (in particular C _x _ _e-ester) of fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, in particular fatty acids having 12 to 18 carbon atoms, or a mixture thereof.

Of course, a soluble surfactant partitioned between the oil phase and the aqueous phase may be optionally present in said composition.

Preferred auxiliary compositions according to the invention are auxiliary compositions comprising

(a) at least one polyalkyleneoxy polesterester derivative of a dicarboxylic acid box in an amount of from 5 to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, preferably from 10 to 75% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and

b) i) at least one non-ionic surfactant in an amount of 0 to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, preferably from 10 to 50% by weight, for example 10 to 40% by weight and in particular 0 to 35% by weight, based on the total and / or ii) at least one anionic surfactant in an amount of 0 to 60% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, preferably 0 to 40% by weight, for example 15 to 40% by weight, and especially 25 to 40% by weight, based on to the total weight of the composition; and / or

c) at least one oil component in an amount of 0 to 97% by weight, for example 0 to 85% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

One group of such auxiliary compositions is a group of compositions comprising at least one anionic surfactant in an amount of 15 to 40% by weight, in particular 25 to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Another group of compositions is a group of compositions containing no anionic surfactant.

The organic solvent, especially when the composition is used in formulations intended for application in the agrochemical industry, may be one or more water-miscible and / or water-soluble liquids, and / or water-insoluble organic solvents. It is desired that the viscosity of the composition is not unduly high. Examples of suitable water-miscible and / or water-soluble liquids include glycols, for example with a straight or branched alkyl group containing up to 18 carbon atoms. For applications in the agrochemical industry, examples of such liquids include n-butanol, isoheptyl alcohol, n- and iso-octanol, and propylene and ethylene glycols and mixtures thereof. Such a liquid may often contain water.

Examples of suitable water-insoluble organic solvents include hydrocarbons, preferably hydrocarbons containing 5 to 18 carbon atoms, including aromatic hydrocarbons, and / or straight or branched chain fatty alcohols, and isoparaffins and mixtures thereof.

Said composition may be used without a specific chemical agent, for example, as a precursor for dilution with water for the purpose of obtaining metal-working fluids.

The adjuvant composition of the invention may be prepared by conventional mixing of the ingredients in any order typically used in formulating such compositions for use in concentrates or corresponding diluted formulations for use in the agrochemical industry.

Accordingly, a further object of the invention is a process for the preparation of said composition, which consists in mixing the components together.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dispersible and / or soluble concentrate which comprises

(a) at least one polyalkylene oxypoloester poly-alkylene oxypoloester surfactant derivative of the type described above; and

(b) at least one chemical agent having activity specific for the intended use of the concentrate or corresponding diluted formulation.

Such a chemical agent with an activity specific to the intended use of the concentrate or the corresponding diluted formulation may be, for example, an agricultural chemical or a metal corrosion inhibitor.

When an agricultural chemical is present, it is typically one or more phytoactive substances such as plant growth regulators or herbicides and / or pesticides, such as insecticides, fungicides or acaricides.

Such concentrates may contain a second chemical agent to provide a concentrate in which the efficacy of the first chemical agent is more specific and selective within the intended use of the concentrate or the corresponding diluted formulation.

Such concentrates typically include, for example, concentrates in which

(a) the first chemical agent is an agricultural chemical which is one or more phytoactive substances, for example plant growth regulators or herbicides and / or pesticides, for example insecticides, fungicides or acaricides, and

(b) the second chemical agent is a phytotoxicity inhibitor for controlling any phytoactivity, for example regulating the growth or herbicidal activity of the concentrate or the corresponding diluted formulation, or, for example, a safener inhibitor to enhance its selectivity, for example between grass and broadleaf weeds.

Such a second chemical agent may, for example, be present in an amount of up to 15% by weight based on the total weight of the concentrate.

Preferred concentrates are concentrates having a high dispersed phase content suitable for the intended use of the concentrate or corresponding dilute formulation.

These even disperse specific chemical agents which are known to be difficult to disperse in the agrochemical industry.

One group of such concentrates is a group of concentrates comprising at least one of the following components

(b) at least one additional surfactant;

(c) at least one oil component;

d) at least one organic solvent,

(e) at least one chemical agent having activity specific to the intended use of the concentrate or corresponding dilute formulation.

Component d) (optionally at least one organic solvent), if present as a component of the above concentrate, will often and as such, or

(b) it will contain a water-miscible and / or water-soluble liquid or liquids and / or a water-insoluble organic solvent or solvents which are present in the corresponding excipient composition, in which case it constitutes a component of the concentrate or corresponding dilute formulations. In this case too, when using component d) as a component of such concentrates, it can be required that the viscosity of the concentrate is not disproportionately high, especially when used in concentrates for formulations for applications in the agrochemical industry.

Each of the concentrates of the invention when present in the corresponding diluted formulation of the invention with an amount of water representing 10 to 10,000 times the total weight of components a) and d)

(a) remain stable and homogeneous without the need for any additional substance to disperse the relevant phase and prevent the dispersed phase from settling from the diluted concentrate;

(b) produce formulations with significantly improved potency of the chemical agent specific for the intended use of the formulation without the need for any additional auxiliary agent to improve the potency of the chemical agent; and

c) exhibits good wetting properties in relation to the dispersed chemical agent in the concentrate described above and in particular in relation to the substrates to be treated.

Suitable and preferred components of the poly-alkyleneoxy-semi-ester of the vic-dicarboxylic acid are those described above in relation to the same substances which form the components of the auxiliary compositions of the invention.

Suitable and preferred optional components of such concentrates, i. the other surfactant components, the oil components and the organic solvents, if these components are present in the concentrate in general, the components described above in relation to the same substances which form the components of the auxiliary compositions according to the invention.

Furthermore, an antifoaming agent may be present. It is desirable to add a sufficient amount of antifoam to achieve the antifoam effect for the intended use of the concentrate or corresponding dilute composition without causing the individual components to fall out. It is customary to add 0.05 to 10%, preferably 0.2 to 6%, of an antifoaming agent, based on the total weight of the composition. Any antifoam agent which is commonly used as antifoam in aqueous surfactants formulated with a high dispersed phase content can be used as antifoams. The antifoam or antifoaming agents are, or are, one or more polysiloxanes, in particular of the type comprising hydrophilic groups. The antifoam preferably has the general formula

R * ₃ SiO / SiO RR - R / Si Si R * ₃ in which R * groups are individual alkyl groups, preferably containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms and preferably methyl groups, and one or more R ** groups can be polyalkylene glycol radicals and the other groups have the meanings defined for R *.

The R * groups preferably have a molecular weight in the range of 1,000 to 20,000, and in particular in the range of 5,000 to 15,000. Examples of suitable polysiloxane antifoams are described in British Patents 1 533 610 and 1 554 736.

Other possible additives in the dispersible and / or soluble concentrate of the invention include non-surfactants which are commonly used in surfactant formulations such as viscosity modifiers, stabilizers, and antimicrobial agents.

One group of known viscosity modifiers of this type includes one or more commercially available water-soluble or water-miscible materials such as xanthan gums and / or cellulosic materials, for example, carboxymethyl, ethyl or propyl cellulose. These substances are often present when used in agrochemical formulations in an amount of 0.01 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

The concentrate of the invention may have a pH in the range of, for example, from 3 (acidic) to 10 (alkaline), in particular from 6 to

8th

The dispersible and / or soluble concentrates of the invention may be prepared by conventional mixing of the individual components in any order commonly used to prepare concentrates of the type described.

Accordingly, a further object of the present invention is to provide a process for preparing a concentrate which comprises mixing the individual components of the concentrate with each other. This can be done, for example, by adding components a) and e) and any optional other ingredients and mixing until a homogeneous product is obtained.

In the case of some dispersible and / or soluble concentrates of the invention, mixing of the individual components in a specific order may be necessary, or such mixing may be required so that the viscosity of the composition is not unduly high. Such dispersible and / or soluble concentrates must be prepared by separately conventional mixing of the organic solvent components d), for example with water-miscible and / or water-soluble liquids and / or water-insoluble organic solvents, optionally with at least one oil component to form the first liquid phase. and dispersing the specific agent or specific chemical agents e) for the intended use of the concentrate or corresponding formulations together with the remaining ingredients, such as another surfactant b) to obtain a second separate liquid phase. This is done by stirring until homogeneity of each phase is achieved. The concentrate is then prepared by carefully dispersing the second phase in the first phase.

For example, it may be desirable to add phases at moderately elevated temperature and using high shear mixing in case of excessively high viscosity of the concentrate. The concentrated product dispersion is then allowed to cool to room temperature.

Some dispersible and / or soluble concentrates may be prepared by separately spraying one or more solid components of the concentrate, for example, a specific chemical agent or specific chemical agents (e) onto the solid phase support and then dispersing the carrier together with the remaining components. This latter step can be carried out, for example, by stirring until the product is homogeneous. This variant may be necessary if the solid component (s) are components which are described in the prior art as components which are difficult to disperse in concentrates for application in the agrochemical industry.

In some applications, the concentrates of the invention will be delivered to the customer as such and will then be transformed into dilute forms immediately prior to use.

In other applications the customer is supplied with the relevant chemical agent, optionally with at least one organic solvent or oil, but separately from the other components of the concentrate, in a second separate phase, transforming into a diluted formulation, for example in an agrochemical industry. with stirring and subsequent mixing of the corresponding diluted materials to obtain a dispersion of the chemical agent in the form of an applicable formulation.

Good storage stability is required for concentrated materials in the form in which they are supplied to the consumer and therefore prior to transformation into a more dilute form for application.

A further object of the invention is a formulation which is a mixture of components a) and e) and optionally b), c) and d) of the concentrate according to the invention with water, which is present in an amount equal to 10 to 10 000 times the total weight of components a) and e), for example 30 to 1000 times the total weight of said components.

The formulation according to the invention may of course also contain other ingredients and additives. Such suitable and preferred ingredients and additives are described above in connection with the compositions of the invention and include, for example, miscible materials such as solvents, antifoams, stabilizers and antimicrobial agents, which may be referred to as ingredients f).

As mentioned above, the formulations of the invention may be prepared in various ways, for example

(i) mixing components (a) to (f) as necessary to form a concentrate, and then diluting the concentrate with water to obtain a formulation; or (ii) mixing component (a) with optional selection of materials of components (b), (c), (d) and (f) obtaining a concentrate and diluting the concentrate with water for the purpose of obtaining a corresponding first dilute mixture, mixing the components e) and diluting the mixture of these components or diluting only one component e) with water to form a second dilution mixture; forming the desired formulation of the invention.

This method of preparing the formulation of the invention is a further object of the invention.

Another object of the invention is a diluted formulation comprising a composition of the invention with water in an amount of 10 to 10,000 times the total weight of the components of the composition, for example 30 to 1000 times the total weight of the components of the composition. This formulation according to the invention can be used, for example, as a metal working fluid.

A further object of the invention is a process for the preparation of the diluted formulation of the invention. For example, the process may consist of combining components (a) and at least one of the optional additional ingredients (b) and (d) and subsequently diluting with water and stirring until a homogeneous product is obtained.

A further object of the invention is a method of applying a formulation of the invention to a substrate. Embodiments of the method include a method of treating vegetation by applying to plants and / or to soil a formulation of the invention comprising a specific chemical agent which is an agricultural chemical or / ab a metal treatment method of applying a formulation of the invention to metal, optionally containing a specific chemical agent which is a metal corrosion inhibitor.

In an embodiment, the agricultural chemical may be one or more phytoactive substances, such as plant growth regulators and / or herbicides and / or pesticides, such as insecticides, fungicides or acaricides. This embodiment of the method of applying the formulation of the invention thus again comprises

(i) a method for controlling or inhibiting vegetation by applying a formulation comprising a specific chemical agent which is one or more phytoactive substances, such as plant growth regulators and / or herbicides; and (ii) a method for controlling or inhibiting plant pests by applying a formulation comprising specific a chemical agent which is one or more pesticides, for example insecticides, fungicides or acaricides.

In embodiment b), the metal treatment method may be used, for example, in metal working involving cutting or grinding metals.

Examples of agricultural chemicals that are phytoactive are plant growth regulators and / or herbicides or pesticides, for example insecticides, fungicides or acaricides. Examples of such agricultural chemicals suitable for the intended use include an agricultural chemical which is one or more phytoactive substances, for example herbicides such as Acetochlor, Alachlor, Nicosulfuron, Primisulfuron, Prosulfocarb, Sulfosate and Trifluralin, as well as insecticides such as Fenitrides, such as Iprodione and Propiconazole, as well as agricultural chemicals of the formula

R ³ ° C (O) -CH = N (Z ¹¹ ) .CHa.P (O) - (R ³⁰ ) _and (PMCM compound) in which

R <^3> is halogen, -NHOH, - (R ³¹ ) ₃ , -OR ³² , -SR ³² , and -OM, wherein

R ³¹ independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, preferably containing less than about 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group preferably containing less than about 5 carbon atoms, or a phenyl group,

R ³² independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or chloroalkyl group, preferably containing less than about 5 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group, preferably containing less than about 5 carbon atoms, an alkenylamino group preferably containing less than about 12 carbon atoms, phenyl or benzyl,

M represents a hydrogen atom and an agriculturally acceptable salt forming residue such as an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, tetravalent tin, ammonium, organic ammonium, alkylsulfonium, alkylsulfoxonium, alkylphosphonium, and combinations thereof, and

^Z11 represents a hydrogen atom, an organic radical or an inorganic radical.

Patents describing at least some of such compounds include US Patents 3,799,758, 4,397,676, 4,140,513, 4,315,765,

868 407, 4 405 531, 4 481 026, 4 414 158, 4 120 689,

Patents describing PMCM compounds in which Z has a meaning other than hydrogen include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,888,915, 3,933,946, 4,062,699, 4,119,430, 4,322,239 and U.S. Pat. 084,954th PMCM in preferred compounds Z ¹¹ is H or an organic radical and / or R ³ is independently H, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or chloroalkyl radical, preferably containing less than about 5 carbon atoms, alkoxy, preferably containing less than about 5 carbon atoms, an alkenylamino group preferably containing less than about 12 carbon atoms, a phenyl group or a benzyl group, M represents a hydrogen atom and agriculturally acceptable salts forming alkali metal, phosphonium residue or combinations thereof. Patents describing at least some of such compounds include US Patents 3,799,758, 4,397,676, 4,140,513, 4,315,765,

481,026, 4,414,158, 4,120,689, and 3948975th patents disclosing PMCM compound in which Z ¹¹ is other than hydrogen include U.S. Patents 3,888,915, 3,933,946, 4,062,699, 4,119,430 , 4322239 and 4084954th In preferred PMCM compounds, Z ¹¹ is hydrogen or an organic substituent. Representative organic substituents include a methylene carboxyl substituent, a methylene phosphonium substituent, and a methylene cyano substituent. Representative organic substituents also include a carboxyl substituent such as a formyl substituent, an acetyl substituent, a benzoyl substituent, a perfluoroacetyl substituent and a thiocarbonyl substituent, an ethylene substituent such as a cyano-, carbamoyl or carboxy-substituted ethyl substituent, and a benzesulfonyl substituent. Patents describing compounds,

868 407,

472 189,

405,531, 4,341,549 in which nitrogen contains three organic substituents include U.S. Patents 3,455,675, 3,556,762, 3,853,530, 3,970,695,

988 142, 3,991,095, 3,996,040, 4,047,927, 4,180,394,

203,756, 4,261,727 and 4,312,662. A preferred PMCM-substituted tertiary nitrogen compound is N, N-bis (phosphonomethyl ·) -glycine. Such PMCM compounds in which Z ¹ is hydrogen are most preferred when the desired phytoactivity is herbicidal activity.

Examples of the agriculturally acceptable salt residues represented by M in the OM group are alkali metals with an atomic mass of 22 to 133 inclusive, such as sodium, potassium or rubidium, alkaline earth metals with an atomic mass of 24 to 88 inclusive, such as magnesium or calcium, ammonium and aliphatic ammonium, wherein the aliphatic moiety is primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary, and preferably the total number of carbon atoms does not exceed about 12, phenylammonium, trialkylsulfonium, wherein the total number of carbon atoms in the three alkali substituents does not exceed about six such as likewise, trialkylsulfoxonium wherein the total number of carbon atoms in the three alkyl substituents does not exceed about six such as trimethylsulfoxonium, ethyldimethylsulfoxonium, propyldimethylsulfoxonium, and the like, tetraalkylphosphonium, such as tetramethylphosphonium, ethyltrimethoxy sponium, propyltrimethylphosphonium and the like.

In preferred compounds, M independently represents the agriculturally acceptable salt and hydrogen atom as described above. In more preferred compounds, M is an alkali metal, ammonium, monoalkylammonium or trialkylsulfonium. In the most preferred compounds, only one M is an alkali metal, ammonium, monoalkylammonium or trialkylsulfonium, while the two Ms are hydrogen atoms. Representative of the most preferred compounds include isopropylamine-N-phosphonomethylglycine, trimethylsulfonium-N-phosphonomethylglycine and sodium sesqui-N-phosphonomethylglycine. Combinations of two or more compounds may be used in the concentrate of the invention and the method of the invention

Puch.

The concentrates and formulations of the invention which contain as an ingredient c) an agricultural chemical sometimes contain a potentiator or an inhibitor of the function of the agricultural chemical. If an agricultural chemical is present, which is one or more phytoactive substances, for example plant growth regulators or herbicides, and if an inhibitor agricultural chemical is also present, then it may typically be an inhibitor of phytotoxicity. An example of such materials is Safener.

Certain concentrates and formulations of the invention contain a corrosion inhibitor as component c). These can be used in a method of treating a metal which comprises applying a formulation comprising said chemical agent to the metal. One group of known corrosion inhibitors suitable for virtually all relevant substrate substrates to be treated includes straight or branched chain alkanecarboxylic acids and their water-soluble salts, for example with an alkali metal cation, for example sodium or potassium or with an alkanolammonium cation. Substances of this type include, in particular, the water-soluble alkanolammonium salts of straight or branched chain alkanecarboxylic acids containing from 8 to 11 carbon atoms.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail by means of specific examples thereof, the examples being illustrative only and not limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all parts and percentages given in the following examples are parts by weight and percentages by weight.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Example 1

Preparation of auxiliary compositions

The auxiliary compositions listed in Tables 1 and 2 were prepared by combining the ingredients in the indicated amounts using a conventional mixing process with mixing. The polyalkyleneoxy-semi-ester of the vic-dicarboxylic acid derivative in the compositions shown in Tables 1 and 2 form the compounds of formula Ib

_{YO, and} C (HR) CC (HR ^X) _and .C0. (C _m H _{AM) n} ^{R, and} wherein the Hl one of R and R ^x represents a straight alkenyl group having 18 carbon atoms and the other of the radicals represents a hydrogen atom, m = 2, n = about 4 (equivalent to PEG 180) and R ^a is a methyl group, for H2 one of R and R ^x represents a straight alkenyl group containing 18 carbon atoms and the other of these general substituents represents a hydrogen atom , m = 2, n = about 11 (equivalent to PEG 500) and R ^a is methyl, for H 3 one of R and R ^x is a straight alkenyl group containing 18 carbon atoms and the other of these general substituents is hydrogen, m = 2, n = about 14 (equivalent to PEG 600) and R ³ is hydrogen, for H 4 one of R and R ^x is a straight alkenyl group containing 14 carbon atoms and the other of these general substituents is hydrogen, m = 2, n = about (equivalent string for PEG 600) and R ^a is hydrogen, for H5 one of R and R ¹ is a straight alkenyl group containing 12 carbon atoms and the other of these general substituents is hydrogen, m = 2, n = about 14 (equivalent to PEG 600) and R ^a represents a hydrogen atom.

Table 1

Identification of the composition Al A2 A3 ingredients Content of component (g) Mineral oil (ex Q8) 830 - 965 Refined rapeseed oil - 830 - hl 119 85 17.5 Calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate 36 - - Izoheptylalkohol 15 - - sorbitan - - 3.5 n-Butanol - - 14 Poyl (ethoxylated) (5) castor oil - 85 -

Table 2

Identification of the composition A4 A5 A6 A7 ingredients Content of ingredients (g) H2 70 - - - H3 - 70 - - H4 - - 100 - H5 - - - 100 propylene 30 30 - -

Example 2

Preparation of diluted formulation and formulation testing

The above auxiliary compositions were formulated into the corresponding dilute formulations by adding these compositions to an aqueous dispersion and / or aqueous solution of a chemical agent having activity specific for the intended use of the corresponding diluted formulation, optionally with water and any other additives, and blending for emulsification until whereby a homogeneous formulation is obtained. This was done under the conditions described in the tables corresponding to each particular case. The method of application and testing of formulations varies from case to case and is described in more detail for each particular case in the corresponding sub-examples 2 below.

These formulations for use in the agrochemical industry containing the adjuvant compositions of the invention have significantly improved efficacy compared to the corresponding formulations which do not contain the adjuvant composition of the invention as a component.

Sub-example 2.1

Preparation of a diluted formulation of Iprodion fungicide and testing of this formulation

Formulations F1 to F6 were prepared as described above by mixing ingredients such as:

(a) dispersed chemical reagent, Rovral FLO fungicidal product solution (50% w / v Iprodion, Rhone-Poulenc), 3 parts per 250 parts v / v, and

(b) auxiliary compositions A1 and A2, in water, under the conditions set out in Table 3 below.

Table 3

Identification of the composition F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 component Ingredient content (% by weight) Rovral FLO * (fungicide) 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Al 0.05 0.1 0.2 - - - A2 - - - 0.05 0.1 0.2

Test method

An in vitro test method was used consisting of inoculating bean leaf on agar with fungi Botrytic cinerea and then applying the appropriate formulation. This application is accomplished by impregnating the filter paper with said formulation and applying the impregnated filter paper onto the infected bean leaf. The activity of the formulation is evaluated by measuring the diameter of the substantially circular zone of the fungus-free zone (IAD inhibition zone diameter in millimeters) 10 days after application of the filter paper to the bean leaf. The test results (mean values from four concurrent tests) are shown in Table 4 below. The assay also includes a control determination using distilled water and the corresponding diluted formulation containing 0.1% by weight of the excipient composition where the diameter of the inhibition area equals 0 (not listed in Table 4). A control assay was also performed using the corresponding diluted formulation containing 0.1% by weight of the chemical reagent (included in Table 4).

Table 4

statement IAD (mm) Rovral FLO itself 13,00 F1 23,00 F2 31.75 F3 41.00 F4 24 F5 33,25 F6 42.5

Sub-example 2.2

Preparation of a diluted formulation of Prosulfocarb herbicide and testing of this formulation

Using the procedure described above, the following formulations F7 and F8 were prepared by mixing the components:

(a) dispersed chemical reagent, solution of the herbicidal product Defi in water (80% w / v Prosulfocarb EC, Zeneca Agrochem), 3 parts per 250 parts v / v, and

(b) A7 and A4 adjuvant compositions, in the amounts indicated in Table 5.

Table 5

statement F7 F8 component Content (w / v%) A7 0.5 - A4 - 0.5

Test method

The formulations shown in Table 5 were applied by spraying in a field test at 250 l / ha on wheat (cultivar Minaret) in the second leaf stage infected with Echinocloa crus-galli. Visual assessment of weed status is performed on the EWRC scale (1 = no damage up to 9 =

100% damage). A control determination of untreated plants was also performed. Further, a control assay was performed using the corresponding formulation containing only the chemical reagent (shown in the table). The results obtained are shown in Table 6 as the average of four concurrent determinations.

Table 6

statement Evaluation of the EWRC scale Prosulfocarb alone 5 F7 6-7 F8 6 Control determination 1

No phytotoxicity to wheat was observed.

Sub-example 2.3

Preparation of a diluted Pirimisulfuron herbicide formulation and testing of the formulation

The following formulations F9 and F10 were prepared as described above by mixing the ingredients:

(a) a dispersed chemical reagent, a solution of Herb 75 WG herbicidal product in water (75% w / v Pirimisulfuron, Ciba), 0,1 g / l; and

(b) adjuvant compositions A5 and A6, in the amounts indicated in Table 7.

Table 7

statement F9 F10 component Content (v / v%) A5 0.1 - A6 - 0.1

Test method

The formulations listed in Table 7 are applied by spraying in the greenhouse test (temperature 16-32 ° C and relative humidity 65-95%) at 400 l / ha on Sorghum Halepense (SORHA) and Amaranthus retroflexux (AMARE). A control assay for untreated test subjects was also performed within this assay. A control assay was also performed using the corresponding formulation containing only the chemical reagent. Visual assessment of weed status was performed 7, 14 and 28 days after treatment. Assessment of weed status was performed as a percentage of killed plants relative to the control of untreated plants. The results obtained are shown in Table 8 as the average of six concurrent determinations.

Table 8

statement Rating Efficiency (%) SOHRA AMARE Pirimisulfuron alone 7 0 0 14 10 29 28 26 79 F9 7 0 0 14 15 45 28 50 95 F10 7 0 0 14 15 49 28 40 85

Sub-example 2.4

Preparation of a diluted formulation of Nicosulfuron herbicide and testing of this formulation

The following formulations F11 and F13 were prepared as described above by mixing the ingredients:

(a) dispersed chemical reagent, a solution of the herbicidal product Nicosulfuron SC in water (10% w / v Nicosulfuron SC, Zeneca Agrochemicals), 0,125 v / v and

(b) adjuvant compositions A5, A6 and A7, in the amounts indicated in Table 9.

Table 9

statement fll F12 F13 component Content (v / v%) A5 0.1 - - A6 - 0.1 - A7 - - 0.1

Test method

The formulations listed in Table 9 were applied by spraying in a greenhouse test (temperature 16-32 ° C and relative humidity 65-95%) at 400 l / ha on Sorghum Halepense (SORHA) and Amaranthus retroflexux (AMARE) weeds. At the same time, a control assay was carried out in which weeds were not treated with the herbicide. Further, a control assay was performed using the corresponding formulation containing only the chemical reagent. Visual assessment of weed status was performed 7, 14 and 28 days after treatment and weed status was evaluated as a percentage of herbicide efficacy based on the percentage of killed plants relative to the result obtained in a control assay with untreated plants. The results obtained are shown in Table 10 below as the average of six concurrent determinations.

Table 10

statement Rating (Days) Efficiency (%) Sohr AMARE Nicosulfuron itself 7 0 0 14 10 20 28 15 70 fll 7 0 0 14 25 28 28 30 77 F12 7 0 0 14 20 30 28 25 75 F13 7 0 0 14 25 30 28 25 80

Sub-example 2.5

Preparation of Trimethylsulfonium Glyphosate Herbicide Formulation and Testing

The following formulations F14 and F17 were prepared by the above procedure by mixing the components:

(a) dispersed chemical reagent, a solution of the herbicidal product sulphosate in water (70% w / w trimethylsulphonium glyphosate), 0,5% v / v and

(b) adjuvant compositions A4, A5, A6 and A7, in the amounts indicated in Table 11

Table 11

statement F14 F15 F16 F17 component Content (v / v%) A4 0.15 - - - A5 - 0.15 - - A6 - - 0.15 - A7 - - - 0.15

Test method

The formulations listed in Table 11 were applied by spraying in the greenhouse test (temperature 16-32 ° C and relative humidity 65-95%) at 400 l / ha on Agropyron repens (AGRRE), Poa annua (POAAN) and Amaranthus retroflexux (AMARE) ). The assay also included a control assay using untreated plants. A control determination of the corresponding formulation containing only the chemical reagent was also performed. Visual assessment of weed status was performed 7, 14 and 28 days after treatment. Treatment efficacy is expressed as a percentage of killed plants relative to the untreated control. The results obtained are shown in Table 12 below as the average of the six concurrent determinations.

Table 12

statement Rating (Days) Efficiency (%) AGRRE POAAN AMARE Sulfosateate 7 0 0 75 14 40 45 90 28 55 70 95 F14 7 0 0 85 14 70 75 99 28 100 100 100 F15 7 0 0 90 14 70 70 100 28 100 100 100 F16 7 0 0 95 14 90 95 100 28 100 100 100 F17 7 0 0 80 14 90 88 99 28 100 100 100

Claims (14)

PATENT CLAIMS An excipient composition comprising at least one polyalkylene oxypoloester poly-alkylene oxypoloester derivative of the general formula I or II YA ^X .OC. (HR) CC (HR ^X) .co.il. (C 1 H 4 O). R ^and (I) wherein one of R and R ¹ is an alkenyl or alkyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms and the other of these general symbols is hydrogen, A is -O- or -NR ⁴ -, wherein R * represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, n represents 2 to 100 (and since this is an average value, n may not be an integer), m represents 2 or 3 (and may vary along the polyoxyalkylene chain), R ^a represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing 1 to 16 carbon atoms, A ¹ is -O-, -O "or -NR ⁴ -, wherein R ⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. wherein when ^x is -0 ", Y is a cation, and when A ¹ is -O- or -NR *, Y is alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms (R ³⁾ or a group (CH 0), R ^a, wherein m, on R, ^and independently of each other have the same meanings as above, or YA ^X .OC. (HR) CC (HR ^X) .co.il. (C _ja H _am 0) _ri .C _sj H _2i? .A.C0. (HR ¹ , J, C, H, R, CO, A1 ^. Y (II)) wherein n, m and each of R, R ¹ , A, A ¹ and Y are independently as defined above, and p is 2 or 3. and at least one of a component selected from the group consisting of (b) at least one surfactant; (c) at least one oil component; and d) at least one organic solvent. An auxiliary composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises (a) at least one polyalkyleneoxy-semi-dicarboxylic acid ester derivative as defined in claim 1 present in an amount of 1 to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, and at least one component of the group comprising b) at least one additional surfactant present in an amount of 0 to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, (c) at least one oil component present in an amount of 0 to 99% by weight based on the total weight of the composition; and / or d) at least one organic solvent present in an amount of 0 to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Auxiliary composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the compound of formula I or II is at least one compound of formula Ia R ¹ -CH (CO.AY) -CH _and CO.AZ (1a) wherein Z represents a group of formula (CHO) R ² wherein n, m and R ² ZB 2zn n have the meanings given above for formula I and n preferably represents 3 to 50, R ² is H or alkyl having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, A and A ^{1 are} each independently -O-, -O or -NH-, wherein when A or A ¹ is -O, then the corresponding Y is a cation, for example H ⁴ * or an alkali metal ion, and when A or A ^x is -O- or -NH-, then Y is the corresponding R ^2, or (CHO) ^R2, wherein m and R ² are defined as above and may be the same as Z or different from Z group, R ¹ represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 22 and preferably 13 to 20 carbon atoms, or of the formula IIa R ^X -CH (COA ^X Y) -CH _and -CO.ADA.0C-CH _and -CH (COA ^X Y) -R ^x (Ha) wherein D represents a group of formula (CHO) CH, wherein ^c 'm 2a' ns 2p 'p is 2 or 3, and R ¹ , A, A ¹ , m and n are as defined above. A composite composition according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one further surfactant which is or comprises a surfactant selected from the group consisting of an anionic surfactant selected from surfactants of the alkarenesulfonate salt group, poly (arylarylalkoxylate) phosphate or sulfate salts, groups of alkaryl phosphate or sulfate salts, groups of alkyl and alkoxylated alkyl phosphate or sulfate salts of straight or branched alkyl chain, groups of fatty acids containing from 8 to 24, and / or groups of alkoxylated carboxylated alkarylalkyl groups and fatty alcohols in which the salt cation is an alkali metal cation, an alkaline earth metal cation, and / or an ammonium cation, an aliphatic ammonium or alkanolammonium cation, wherein the aliphatic or alkanol moiety forms an alkyl group content. containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof, a cationic surfactant selected from alkoxylated fatty amine salts containing from 8 to 24 carbon atoms and in particular from 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and / or non-ionic surfactants of the formula and / or R ^and OR ^ae and / or R ^a3 -N- (XH) _a R ^ai. O (X) R ^aa in which R ^ai represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having up to 24 carbon atoms, an alkylphenol group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms in its alkyl group, a sorbitan group or a group of the formula R ^ae CO in which R ^ae represents an alkyl group having 11 to 22 carbon atoms . R ^aa represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, a carboxyalkyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, or a fatty acid residue having 10 to 22 carbon atoms R ^aa represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, a carboxyalkyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, or a fatty acid residue having 10 to 22 carbon atoms X is a polyalkylene oxide group containing on average 2 to 40 alkylene oxide groups or mixed alkylene oxide groups, R ^aa represents a sorbitan group, R ³⁴ represents a fatty acid residue containing from 10 to 10 22 carbon atoms and R ^ae represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 22 carbon atoms, Auxiliary composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises at least one oil component having a boiling point above 200 ° C at atmospheric pressure and a melting point not exceeding 60 ° C and selected from mineral oil or vegetable oil E FOR _hydrogeno44, C _ _much esters of fatty acids having 8 to 22 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof. Auxiliary composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one water-soluble or water-miscible organic solvent selected from alcohols and glycols. An auxiliary composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises (a) at least one polyalkylene oxypolo ester derivative of formula (I) or (II) as defined in claim 1 in an amount of from 5 to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, and (b) (i) at least one non-ionic surfactant in an amount of 0 to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the composition; and / or (ii) at least one anionic surfactant in an amount of 0 to 60% by weight based on the total weight of the composition; / a c) at least one oil component in an amount of 0 to 97% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. 8. A dispersible and / or soluble concentrate comprising (a) at least one polyalkyleneoxy-semi-ester of a vic-dicarboxylic acid polyalkyleneoxy ester of formula I or II; and (e) at least one chemical agent having activity specific for the intended use of the concentrate or corresponding diluted formulation. Concentrate according to claim 8, characterized in that the chemical agent having activity specific for the intended use is one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of plant growth regulators, herbicides and pesticides. Concentrate according to claim 8, characterized in that the chemical agent is or a chemical agent. includes one or more PMCH compounds. r Concentrate according to claim 8, characterized in that the chemical agent with an activity specific for the intended use is a metal corrosion inhibitor. A diluted formulation comprising a composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 or a concentrate as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11 dispersed or dispersed in water in an amount of 10 to 10,000 times the total weight of the components of the composition optionally a concentrate. 13. A method of treating vegetation comprising applying to plants of the concentrate harvested in claim 9 or 10, which is dispersed in an amount of water of 10 to 10,000 times the total weight of the components of the concentrate. 14. A method of treating a metal comprising applying to a metal of the concentrate of claim 11, which is dispersed in an amount of water representing 10 to 10,000 times the total weight of the concentrate components.