WO2016195978A1 - Surfactant blend for increased compatibility in agrochemical formulations - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a compatibility agent system that includes a blend of at least three anionic surfactants. The compatibility agent system may be incorporated into agrochemical formulations containing pesticide(s) and/or fertilizer(s) to render the agrochemical formulation compatible.

Description

SURFACTANT BLEND FOR INCREASED

COMPATIBILITY IN AGROCHEMICAL FORMULATIONS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/169,028 filed June 1, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to a combination of at least three anionic surfactants and its use in a compatibility agent system for improving the compatibility and stability of agrochemical formulations containing a pesticide and/or fertilizer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The field of agrochemical formulations continues to grow more complex with the advent of every new pesticide and fertilizer product that's developed. Many choices of pesticides and fertilizers are available for use to increase crop yields, and in many instances, more than one pesticide and/or fertilizer will need to be applied to create optimal growing conditions. To conserve water and time, many of these pesticides and fertilizers are often added to a spray tank simultaneously along with different classes of emulsifiers, dispersants, adjuvants and salts. Many of these combinations of components have not been tested for compatibility prior to addition/mixing and may not interact favorably together in the spray tank. For example, suspended particles can flocculate creating a solid or a gelatinous product that can clog spray nozzles, emulsified liquids can become de-emulsified and settle at the top or bottom of the spray tank, and salts can crystallize out of solution and fall to the bottom of the spray tank and clog spray nozzles. Each of these outcomes are undesirable since the contents in the spray tank will not be sprayed adequately or accurately.

[0005] In addition to the above difficulties, multivalent ions present in the formulation can cause agrochemical inert ingredients to fail. These multivalent ions can come from hard water (calcium, magnesium, etc.), from micronutrient fertilizers (manganese, zinc, copper, iron) or from certain pesticides, such as glyphosate or paraquat, and will possibly reduce the efficacy of the pesticides or create incompatibility in certain formulations that are not tolerant to these ions. Such reduced efficacy and incompatibility results in less effective application of the agrochemical formulation.

[0006] To prevent these types of failures, a class of agrochemical adjuvants called compatibility agents have been developed. Through their unique chemistries, compatibility agents allow formulations not normally compatible to be combined into a stable mixture. Sometimes compatibility agents work by a buffering effect to create a more favorable pH in the formulated system, while other times they act as water conditioners to eliminate the effects of hard water. Often times, however, the true mechanism by which compatibility agents prevent agrochemical formulations from failing is unknown. Thus, there is no universal compatibility agent that can improve the performance of all agrochemical formulations, and the compatibility agent(s) selected and the relative amounts used must be tailored to the specific conditions of each application. [0007] State of the art compatibility agents include phosphate ester surfactants, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,224, 049 and 5,885,931; block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,384; polyethyleneimines or polyvinylamines as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,486,862; alkali metal acetates as described in U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2014/0088198; and ammonium sulfates or ammonium isothionates as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,883,685.

[0008] In spite of these state of the art compatibility agents, there is a need to develop new, versatile compatibility agents that are useful in stabilizing a variety of pesticide and/or fertilizer formulations, especially water-soluble herbicide and/or water-soluble fertilizer formulations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present disclosure provides a compatibility agent system comprising (i) at least three anionic surfactants selected from an alkyl alkoxy sulfate; an alkylaryl sulfonate; a dialkyl sulfosuccinate; a diaryl sulfosuccinate; a polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate; a poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate; and, an alkyl alkoxy phosphate; and (ii) a non-aromatic solvent.

[0010] In another aspect there is provided a method of stabilizing an incompatible agrochemical formulation by contacting the agrochemical formulation with the compatibility agent system of the present disclosure.

[0011] In still another aspect, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical formulation for application onto a target substrate. The agrochemical formulation comprises (i) a pesticidally effective amount of a pesticide and/or a fertilizer and (ii) the compatibility agent system of the present disclosure. [0012] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for killing, inhibiting or repelling a pest which includes: providing the pesticide in a pesticidally effective amount and optionally a fertilizer; providing the compatibility agent system of the present disclosure; combining the pesticide and optional fertilizer with the compatibility agent system to form an agrochemical formulation; and, contacting the agrochemical formulation and the pest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present disclosure provides a compatibility agent system comprising (i) at least three (3) anionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of: an alkyl alkoxy sulfate; an alkylaryl sulfonate; a dialkyl sulfosuccinate; a diaryl sulfosuccinate; a polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate; a poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate; and, an alkyl alkoxy phosphate; and (ii) a non-aromatic solvent.

[0014] It has been surprisingly found that the compatibility agent system of the present disclosure has the ability to render agrochemical formulations not normally compatible, either by themselves or when combined with state of the art compatibility agents, compatible. By "compatible" it is to be understood that the compatibility agent system of the present disclosure, when added to the agrochemical formulation and stirred, provides a smooth, uniform, stable mixture as compared to an agrochemical formulation that does not contain the compatibility agent system of the present disclosure and instead will separate out, contain clumps and have a grainy appearance. Thus, the compatibility agent system of the present disclosure is especially useful in agrochemical formulations that will generally fail due to, for example, high salt concentrations, high loadings of active ingredients, or which have components that interact unfavorably. [0015] The following terms shall have the following meanings.

[0016] As used herein, the term "alkyl" is inclusive of both straight chain and branched chain groups and of cyclic groups. Straight chain and branched chain groups may have up to 50 carbon atoms unless otherwise specified. Cyclic groups can be monocyclic or polycyclic, and in some embodiments, can have from 3 to 10 carbon atoms. The term "alkylene" is the divalent form of the alkyl groups defined above.

[0017] The term "aryl" includes carbocyclic aromatic rings or ring systems, for example, having 1 , 2 or 3 rings and optionally containing at least one heteroatom (e.g. O, S or N) in the ring. Examples of aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, fluorenyl, furyl, thienyl, pyridyl, quionlinyl, isoquinlinyl, indoyl, isoindolyl, triazolyl, pyrrolyl, tetrazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, oxazolyl, and thiazolyl.

[0018] As used herein the term "aromatic solvent" refers to a C₆ - C₁₀ aromatic hydrocarbon, such as but not limited to, benzene, xylene, or toluene.

[0019] The term "alkylaryl" refers to an aryl moiety to which an alkyl group is attached.

[0020] The term "alkylphenol" refers to a phenol moiety to which an alkyl group is attached.

[0021] The term "hydrocarbyl" means a monovalent group containing hydrogen and carbon atoms, unless otherwise stated. The hydrocarbyl may have any configuration such as acyclic, including straight or branched chain, or carbocyclic, and may be saturated or unsaturated, including aromatic, and may be unsubstituted or substituted with other moieties containing oxygen, nitrogen, halogen or other atoms.

[0022] The term "alkali metal" refers to lithium, sodium or potassium. [0023] The term "alkaline earth metal" refers to calcium, barium, magnesium or strontium.

[0024] The term "substantially free" means, when used with reference to the substantial absence of a material in a formulation, that such a material is not present, or if at all, as an incidental impurity or by-product. In other words, the material does not affect the properties of the formulation.

[0025] Additionally, a "pesticidally effective amount" refers to that amount of a pesticide which, upon application, either reduces the presence of pests, or enhances a plant's resistance to a pest.

[0026] Also, the term "target substrate" refers to sites underlying plant foliage which are the intended destination for the pesticide and/or fertilizer including, but not limited to, natural ground surfaces such as soil, water (lakes, ponds, marshes, swamps, streams, puddles, etc.) and artificial surfaces such as pavement; a pest; or a combination thereof.

[0027] A "pest" generally includes insects, mites, ticks and other arthropods; disease agents such as fungi, protozoa, bacteria and viruses; helminths, nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms), platyhelminths (flatworms), trematodes (flukes) and other worms; sporozoan parasites; slugs and snails; and vertebrates such as birds, rodents or other vertebrates which can directly or indirectly injure or cause disease or damage in any plant or part thereof or any processed, manufactured or other product of the plant.

[0028] The term "comprising" and derivatives thereof are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional component, step or procedure, whether or not the same is disclosed herein. In order to avoid any doubt, all compositions claimed herein through use of the term "comprising" may include any additional additive or compound, unless stated to the contrary. In contrast, the term, "consisting essentially of if appearing herein, excludes from the scope of any succeeding recitation any other component, step or procedure, excepting those that are not essential to operability and the term "consisting of, if used, excludes any component, step or procedure not specifically delineated or listed. The term "or", unless stated otherwise, refers to the listed members individually as well as in any combination.

[0029] The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "a solvent" means one solvent or more than one solvent.

[0030] The phrases "in one embodiment", "according to one embodiment" and the like generally mean the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure. Importantly, such phases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0031 ] If the specification states a component or feature "may", "can", "could", or "might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

Compatibility Agent System

[0032] The compatibility agent system of the present disclosure includes: (i) a blend of at least three anionic surfactants selected from: an alkyl alkoxy sulfate; an alkylaryl sulfonate; a dialkyl sulfosuccinate; a diaryl sulfosuccinate; a polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate; a poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate; and an alkyl alkoxy phosphate; and (ii) a non-aromatic solvent. In some embodiments, the compatibility agent system is substantially free of propylene glycol while in other embodiments, the compatibility agent system is substantially free of aromatic solvents. In even further embodiments as described below, the compatibility agent system comprises an aromatic solvent in place of the non-aromatic solvent, while in still further embodiments, the compatibility agent system comprises propylene glycol in place of the non-aromatic solvent. However, in most embodiments, the compatibility agent system will be substantially free of an aromatic solvent and substantially free of propylene glycol.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the compatibility agent system comprises an alkyl alkoxy sulfate. The alkyl alkoxy sulfate is generally a water soluble salt or acid of the formula RO(AO)_mS0₃M where R is an unsubstituted C4-C24 alkyl group, AO is an ethoxy or propoxy unit, m is an integer greater than zero and less than or equal to about 40, M is hydrogen, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, ammonium or substituted-ammonium.

[0034] Alkyl ethoxylated sulfates, alkyl propoxylated sulfates as well as alkyl ethoxylated propoxylated sulfates are contemplated herein. Specific examples of substituted ammonium include ethanol-, triethanol-, methyl-, dimethyl-, trimethyl- ammonium and quaternary ammonium such as tetramethyl-ammonium and dimethyl piperidinium and those derived from alkylamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine and mixtures thereof.

[0035] According to one embodiment, R is a C₈ - C₂₀ alkyl group. In another embodiment, m is an integer from about 0.5 to about 10. Exemplary alkyl alkoxy sulfates include, but are not limited to, Ci₂-Ci₅ alkyl polyethoxylate (1.0) sulfate (Ci₂~ C₁₅E(1.0)SO₃M), C₁₂-C15 alkyl polyethoxylate (2.25) sulfate (C₁₂-C₁₅E(2.25)S0₃M), C_l2- C 15 alkyl polyethoxylate (3.0) sulfate (Ci₂-Ci₅E(3.0)SO₃M), and C₁₂-C₁₅ alkyl polyethoxylate (4.0) sulfate (Ci₂-Ci₅E(4.0)SO₃M), where M is selected from sodium and potassium.

[0036] The alkyl alkoxy sulfate may be prepared by means well known, such as by first reacting an alcohol having from about 4 to about 24 carbon atoms with about greater than 0 to about 20 moles of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide per mole of alcohol to form an alcohol alkoxylate product. Thereafter, the alcohol alkoxylate product is sulfated with a suitable sulfating agent, and the resulting sulfated product is neutralized with an aqueous alkali metal solution.

[0037] In another embodiment, the compatibility agent system includes an alkylaryl sulfonate. In one particular embodiment, the alkylaryl sulfonate is a compound represented by the formula (I):

where R^a is hydrogen or a d - C₆ alkyl group, R^b is hydrogen or a d - C₆ alkyl group, R^c is a C₈ - C₄₀ alkyl group, and M is an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium. Examples of substituted ammonium include ammonium independently substituted with from 1 to 4 aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbyl groups having from 1 to 15 carbon atoms. Examples of alkylaryl sulfonates include, but are not limited to, tosylate, alkylaryl sulfonates having linear or branched C₈ -C₁₄ alkyls, alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) such as Cn-ds alkylbenzene sulfonates; sulfonates of benzene, cumene, toluene, xylene, t-butylbenzene, di-isopropylbenzene, or isopropylbenzene; naphthalene sulfonates and C₆ -Ci₄ alkylnaphthalene sulfonates.

[0038] The compound of formula (I) may be obtained by the alkylation of an aromatic compound. In one embodiment, the aromatic compound is benzene, toluene, xylene or a mixture thereof. For embodiments where the aromatic compound includes xylene, the xylene compound may be ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, para-xylene, or a mixture thereof.

[0039] The aromatic compound may be alkylated with a mixture of normal alpha olefins containing from C₈ to C₄₀ alkyl groups, and in some embodiments C to C₃₀ alkyl groups, to yield an aromatic alkylate. The aromatic alkylate is then sulfonated to form an alkylaromatic sulfonic acid which is then neutralized with a source of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or amine thereby producing an alkylaryl sulfonate compound. In one embodiment, the source is an alkali metal hydroxide, such as, but not limited to, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.

[0040] According to another embodiment, the compatibility agent system includes a dialkyl sulfosuccinate. In one embodiment, the dialkyl sulfo succinate is represented by the formula (II):

(II) where R^d and R^e are each independently a Ci - C₃₀ alkyl group and M is an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, ammonium or a substituted ammonium. Examples of substituted ammonium include ammonium independently substituted with from 1 to 4 aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbyl groups having from 1 to 15 carbon atoms. According to one embodiment, R^d and R^e are independently a C₅ alkyl, a C₆ alkyl, a C₈ alkyl or a Cj₃ alkyl. These groups may be derived, for example, from respectively, amyl alcohol, methyl amyl alcohol (1,4-dimethyl butyl alcohol), 2-ethyl hexanol, and mixed isomers of alcohols. In another embodiment, M is an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal. In a further embodiment, M is sodium.

[0041] Particular examples of dialkyl sulfosuccinates include, but are not limited to, sodium dialkyl sulfosuccinates, such as Na diisooctyl sulfosuccinate, available commercially in the form of, for example, Aerosol® brand products, Agrilan® or Lankropol® brand products, Empimin® brand products, Cropol® brand products, Lutensit® brand products, Imbirol® brand products, Madeol® or Polirol® brand products, or sodium di(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinates, available commercially in the form of, for example, Triton® brand products, such as Triton® GR-5M and Triton® GR-7ME products, disodium N-alkylsulfosuccinamate, available commercially in the form of, for example, Aerosol® brand products, Rewopol® or Rewoderm® brand products, Empimin® brand products, Geropon® brand products, Polirol® brand products, and tetrasodium N-(l,2-dicarboxyethyl)-N-octadecyl-sulfosuccinamate, available commercially in the form of, for example, Aerosol 22® product.

[0042] The synthesis of dialkyl sulfosuccinates is well documented in the literature, such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,028,091 and 2,879,214, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. One method for making these materials is by bisulphite addition to the corresponding dialkyl maleates and/or fumarates. The reaction is carried out in a generally aqueous medium, although various solvents may also be present, at temperatures above 85°C. The sulfiting agent is generally a water-soluble sulfite-ion- generating salt, for example, an alkali metal or ammonium sulfite, bisulfite or metabisulfite.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the compatibility agent system includes a diaryl sulfosuccinate. In one embodiment, the diaryl sulfosuccinate is a compound according to formula (II) above, but wherein R^d and R^e are an aryl group. In one embodiment, R^d and R^e are phenyl.

[0044] In still another embodiment, the compatibility agent system includes a polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate. In one particular embodiment, the polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate is a compound having the formula (III)

(III) where w is 2 or 3,

z is an integer from 1 to 60, in some embodiments from 10 to 25, and even other embodiments from 14 to 18,

AO is an ethoxy unit, propoxy unit or a mixture of ethoxy and propoxy umts, and M is hydrogen, ammonium, sodium or potassium.

[0045] In one particular embodiment, the polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate is a compound of the formula (Ilia)

(Ilia) where z is an integer from 1 to 60, in some embodiments from 10 to 25, and even other embodiments from 14 to 18,

EO is an ethoxy unit, and

M is hydrogen, ammonium, sodium or potassium.

[0046] The preparation of compounds of formula (III) and (Ilia) is known in the art and can be performed, for example, in analogy to the methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,591, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Compounds of formula (III) and (Ilia) can be obtained by condensation of styrene on phenol followed by ethoxylation, or by ethoxylation-propoxylation. Anionic tristyrylphenyl alkoxylates can be prepared by sulfation (e.g. with H₂NSO₃H) optionally followed by neutralization with a base such as alkali hydroxide or ammonia.

[0047] In another embodiment, the compatibility agent system includes a poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate. In one particular embodiment, the poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate is a compound comprising at least two structural units having the formula (IV)

(IV) which are attached to a structural unit Y, and in which

g is an integer from 1 to 100,

h is an integer from 0 to 100,

i is an integer from 1 to 100,

and the units g, h, and i may be arranged randomly or blockwise,

R is a Ci - C30 alkyl group,

M is hydrogen, sodium, potassium or ammonium, and

the structural unit Y is a carbon-containing structural unit capable of alkoxylation at not less than two bond sites, and these bond sites are formed by one or more oxygen atoms.

[0048] In some embodiments, the structural unit Y is derived from dihydric or polyhydric alcohols, which may be aromatic or aliphatic. They may be monomeric, oligomeric or polymeric. The number of OH groups they contain may be at least 2, in particularly 2 to 30, especially 3 to 15. "Derived" means that the structural unit Y comes about by formal abstraction of hydrogen atoms from the alcohol groups. The structural unit Y is capable of alkoxylation at not less than two bond sites. This means that there are at least 2 sites in the structural unit Y at which alkoxy groups can be added. These bond sites are oxygen atoms. Thus, there are always at least two oxygen atoms needed that are capable of alkoxylation, in order to be able to add at least two groups of the formula (IV).

[0049] In particular embodiments of the poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate having at least two stmctural units of the formula (IV), the structural unit Y may contain from 1 to 100 carbon atoms, in other embodiments from 2 to 80, carbon atoms, g is a number from 2 to 80, in other embodiments from 3 to 30, especially 4 to 8, h is a number from 1 to 80, in other embodiments from 2 to 30, especially 3 to 8, i is a number from 2 to 80, in other embodiments from 3 to 50, especially 5 to 20. In still other embodiments, g is a number from 1 to 40, h is zero, and i is a number from 5 to 50.

[0050] In a further embodiment, the poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate is a compound having the formula Q-Y-Q where Y is selected from the stmctural units (V) to (VIII)

(VII)

(VIII) in which

R^f is a C1-C30 alkyl group or H,

j is an integer from 1 to 30, in some embodiments from 2 to 20,

k is an integer from 1 to 30, and

Q is a radical of the formula (IV).

[0051] In one embodiment, k is an integer from 1 to 4 and z is an integer from 2 to 20. In other embodiments z is 3.

[0052] Examples of compounds from which the structural unit Y is derived may be, but are not limited to, the following diols and polyols: monoethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, Methylene glycol, pentaethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols having a molecular weight of 200 to 12,000 g/mol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polypropylene glycols having a molecular weight of 200 to 6000 g/mol, 1 ,4-butylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,2-butylene glycol, pentylene glycols, 1,6-hexylene glycol, cyclohexanediol, mixed polyglycols of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol or butylene glycols with molar ratios of ethylene glycol:propylene glycol or butylene glycol of 1 : 100 to 100: 1 , and also mixed polyglycols of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and butylene glycol, block polymers of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and butylene glycol with molecular weights from 500 to 12,000 g/mol, in some embodiments block polymers of ethylene glycol with polypropylene glycol or butylene glycol in which the weight fraction of ethylene oxide in the block polymer is 10% to 90%, triols such as glycerol, trihydroxymethylpropane, polyols such as erythritol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, diglycerol, polyglycerols having 3 to 15 glycerol units, aromatic diols such as hydroxybenzyl alcohol, bisphenol A, pyrocatechol, resorcinol, and hydroquinone.

[0053] In another embodiment, the compatibility agent system includes an alkyl alkoxy phosphate. In one particular embodiment, the alkyl alkoxy phosphate is a compound having the formula [RO(AO)_mP0₃]M where R is an unsubstituted C4-C₂₄ alkyl group, AO is an ethoxy unit or propoxy unit and m is an integer greater than zero and less than or equal to about 20 and M is hydrogen, ammonium or substituted ammonium.

[0054] According to another embodiment, the compatibility agent system includes a non- aromatic solvent. In one embodiment, the non-aromatic solvent may be, but is not limited to, one or more of water, a straight- or branched-chain hydrocarbon such as pentane, hexane, heptane or octane, as well alkyl-substituted derivatives thereof, a cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon such as cyclopentane, cyclohexane and cycloheptane, as well as, alkyl-substituted derivatives thereof, a mono- or polyhydric alcohol containing from one to ten carbon atoms, for example, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, isobutanol, 1 ,2- propane diol, 1-pentanol, 1 -hexanol, hexylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, diethyleneglycol and diethyleneglycol monobutyl ether. In some embodiments, the compatibility agent system is substantially free of propylene glycol and/or an aromatic solvent. However, depending on the at least three anionic surfactants and pesticide and/or fertilizer used, the compatibility agent system may include either propylene glycol or an aromatic solvent in place of the non-aromatic solvent.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the compatibility agent system may consist of: the at least three anionic surfactants and non-aromatic solvent; or in those embodiments where either propylene glycol or an aromatic solvent is used in place of the non-aromatic solvent, the at least three anionic surfactants and propylene glycol and/or an aromatic solvent. In other embodiments, the compatibility agent system may further comprise an auxiliary component. In some embodiments, a portion or all of the auxiliary component(s) may be added during or after the formation of the compatibility agent system which includes the components described below.

[0056] Examples of auxiliary components include, but are not limited to, liquid carriers, solid carriers or fillers, surfactants, dispersants, emulsifiers, wetters, adjuvants, solubilizers, penetration enhancers, protective colloids, adhesion agents, thickeners, humectants, repellents, attractants, feeding stimulants, phosphate ester compatibililizers, bactericides, crystallization inhibitors, anti-foaming agents, colorants, tackifiers, binders, preservatives, inorganic or organic acids to neutralize the pH, clarifiers, stabilizers, UV stabilizers, antifreeze and mixtures thereof. [0057] Liquid carriers include, for example, kerosene, diesel oil, natural oils, biodiesel oil, ketones, such as cyclohexanone, esters such as lactates, carbonates, fatty acid esters, gamma-butyrolactone, fatty acids; phosphonates, amines, amides, for example N- methylpyrrolidone, fatty acid dimethylamides, and mixtures thereof.

[0058] Crystallization inhibitors can be polyacrylic acids and their salts. The salts of polyacrylic acids may be ammonium, primary, secondary or tertiary ammonium derivatives, or alkali metal salts, for example sodium, potassium and lithium. The polyacrylic acids and their salts usually have a molecular weight (as determined by GPC, calibration with polystyrene sulfonates) of 1000 Da to 300 kDa, alternatively of 1000 Da to 80 kDa, and in particular 1000 Da to 15 kDa. The crystallization inhibitors are usually water soluble, for example at least 1 g/1, alternatively at least 10 g/1, and in particular at least 100 g/1 at 20°C.

[0059] Solid carriers or fillers can be mineral earths, such as silicates, silica gels, talc, kaolins, limestone, lime, chalk, clays, dolomite, diatomaceous earth, bentonite, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide; polysaccharide powders such as cellulose and starch, products of vegetable origin, for example cereal meal, tree bark meal, wood meal, nutshell meal, and mixtures thereof.

[0060] Examples of emulsifiers which may be used include fatty acid polyglycol esters, alkylaryl polyglycol ethers, fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, propylene oxide ethylene oxide condensates, alkyl polyethers, sorbitan esters such as sorbitan fatty acid esters, or polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters.

[0061] Surfactants may be cationic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants, block polymers, polyelectrolytes, and mixtures thereof. Such surfactants can be used as an emulsifier, dispersant, solubilizer, wetter, penetration enhancer or protective colloid. Examples of these surfactants are listed in McCutcheon's, Vol.1 : Emulsifiers & Detergents, McCutcheon's Directories, Glen Rock, USA, 2008 (International Ed. or North American Ed.), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0062] Nonionic surfactants include alkoxylates, N-substituted fatty acid amides, amine oxides, esters, sugar-based surfactants, polymeric surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Examples of alkoxylates are compounds such as alcohols, alkylphenols, amines, amides, arylphenols, fatty acids or fatty acid esters which have been alkoxylated with 1 to 50 equivalents. Ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide may be employed for the alkoxylation, usually ethylene oxide. Examples of N-substituted fatty acid amides are fatty acid glucamides or fatty acid alkanolamides. Examples of esters are fatty acid esters, glycerol esters or monoglycerides. Examples of sugar-based surfactants are sorbitans, ethoxylated sorbitans, sucrose and glucose esters. Examples of polymeric surfactants are homo- or copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone, vinylalcohols, or vinylacetate.

[0063] Cationic surfactants include quaternary surfactants, for example quaternary ammonium compounds with one or two hydrophobic groups, or salts of long-chain primary amines. Examples of amphoteric surfactants are alkylbetains and imidazolines. Examples of block polymers are block polymers of the A-B or A-B-A type comprismg blocks of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide, or of the A-B-C type comprising alkanol, polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide. Suitable polyelectrolytes are polyacids or polybases. Examples of polyacids are alkali salts of polyacrylic acid or polyacid comb polymers. Examples of polybases are polyvinylamines or po ly ethyl eneamines . [0064] Thickeners include polysaccharides, for example xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, organic clays (organically modified or unmodified), polycarboxylates, and silicates.

[0065] Bactericides include bronopol and isothiazolinone derivatives such as alkylisothiazolinones and benzisothiazolinones.

[0066] Anti-foaming agents include silicones, such as polydimethylsiloxane, long chain alcohols, and salts of fatty acids.

[0067] Colorants, for example in red, blue, or green, include pigments of low water solubility and water-soluble dyes. Examples are inorganic colorants, such as iron oxide, titan oxide, iron hexacyanoferrate and organic colorants, such as alizarin-, azo- and phthalocyanine colorants.

[0068] Tackifiers or binders include polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylacetates, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylates, biological or synthetic waxes, and cellulose ethers.

[0069] Anti-drift agents are, for example, nonionic polymers, such as polyacrylamides, polyethylene glycols, or guar gum with a molecular weight of at least 20 kDa, sometimes at least 50 kDa, and in particular at least 100 kDa. Further examples for anti-drift agents are lecithin and self emulsifiable polyesters.

[0070] Humectants are typically compounds, which attract and/or keep water within the compatibility agent system. Examples include sugar syrups.

[0071] As described above, the compatibility agent system of the present disclosure has the capability of rendering agrochemical formulations that are not normally compatible by themselves, or when combined with state of the art compatibility agents, compatible. In particular, it has been surprisingly found that the at least three anionic surfactant blend has shown synergistic improvements in the compatibility properties of incompatible agrochemical formulations as compared to the compatibility properties of such agrochemical formulations that have been mixed with state of the art compatibility agents or with the anionic surfactants individually.

[0072] In one particular embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes at least one alkyl alkoxy sulfate, at least one alkylaryl alkoxy sulfonate and at least one dialkyl sulfosuccinate. In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkyl alkoxy sulfate, from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkylaryl alkoxy sulfonate and from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the dialkyl sulfosuccinate where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the at least three anionic surfactant blend.

[0073] In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes at least one alkyl alkoxy sulfate, at least one alkylaryl alkoxy sulfonate and at least one polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate. In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkyl alkoxy sulfate, from about 10%> by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkylaryl alkoxy sulfonate and from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the at least three anionic surfactant blend.

[0074] In still another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes at least one alkyl alkoxy sulfate, at least one alkylaryl alkoxy sulfonate and at least one poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate. In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkyl alkoxy sulfate, from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkylaryl alkoxy sulfonate and from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the at least three anionic surfactant blend.

[0075] In a further embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes at least one alkyl alkoxy sulfate, at least one alkylaryl alkoxy sulfonate and at least alkyl alkoxy phosphate. In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkyl alkoxy sulfate, from about 10%> by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkylaryl alkoxy sulfonate and from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkyl alkoxy phosphate where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the at least three anionic surfactant blend.

[0076] In yet another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes at least one alkyl alkoxy sulfate, at least one dialkyl sulfosuccinate and at least one polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate. In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkyl alkoxy sulfate, from about 10%> by weight to about 60%> by weight of the dialkyl sulfosuccinate and from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the at least three anionic surfactant blend.

[0077] In a further embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes at least one alkyl alkoxy sulfate, at least one dialkyl sulfosuccinate and at least one poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate. In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes from about 10%> by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkyl alkoxy sulfate, from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the dialkyl sulfosuccinate and from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the at least three anionic surfactant blend.

[0078] According to another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes at least one alkyl alkoxy sulfate, at least one dialkyl sulfosuccinate and at least one alkyl alkoxy phosphate. In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes from about 10%> by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkyl alkoxy sulfate, from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the dialkyl sulfosuccinate and from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkyl alkoxy phosphate where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the at least three anionic surfactant blend.

[0079] In yet another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes at least one alkylaryl alkoxy sulfate, at least one dialkyl sulfosuccinate and at least one polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate. In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkylaryl alkoxy sulfate, from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the dialkyl sulfosuccinate and from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the at least three anionic surfactant blend.

[0080] In yet another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes at least one alkylaryl alkoxy sulfate, at least one dialkyl sulfosuccinate and at least one poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate. In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkylaryl alkoxy sulfate, from about 10%) by weight to about 60% by weight of the dialkyl sulfosuccinate and from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the at least three anionic surfactant blend.

[0081] According to another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes at least one alkylaryl alkoxy sulfonate, at least one dialkyl sulfosuccinate and at least one alkyl alkoxy phosphate. In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkylaryl alkoxy sulfonate, from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the dialkyl sulfosuccinate and from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkyl alkoxy phosphate where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the at least three anionic surfactant blend.

[0082] In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes at least one at least one dialkyl sulfosuccinate, at least one polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate and at least one poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate. In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the dialkyl sulfosuccinate from about 10%> by weight to about 60%> by weight of the polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate and from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the at least three anionic surfactant blend.

[0083] In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes at least one at least one dialkyl sulfosuccinate, at least one polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate and at least one alkyl alkoxy phosphate. In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the dialkyl sulfosuccinate from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate and from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkyl alkoxy phosphate where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the at least three anionic surfactant blend.

[0084] In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes at least one polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate, at least one poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate and at least one alkyl alkoxy phosphate. In another embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactant blend includes from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate and from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkyl alkoxy phosphate where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the at least three anionic surfactant blend.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the amount of non-aromatic solvent present in the compatibility agent may range from about 0.5% by weight to about 90% by weight, while in other embodiments from about 1% by weight to less than about 50%> by weight, based on the total weight of the compatibility agent system. In other embodiments, the amount of auxiliary components, when present, may range from about 0.5% by weight to about 90% by weight, while in other embodiments from about 1 % by weight to less than about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the compatibility agent system. Formulatinfi the Adjuvant Composition

[0086] To make compatibility agents systems of the present disclosure, the individual components disclosed above are provided and combined together by customary methods, for example, mixing by dissolving the individual components in any suitable vessel or container, preferably at room temperature. The order of mixing the components is not particularly important and generally the individual components can be added sequentially or simultaneously.

[0087] In one embodiment, the at least three anionic surfactants, non-aromatic solvent and optional auxiliary components are combined together to form the compatibility agent system. According to some embodiments, the compatibility agent system includes at least about 5% by weight, and further at least about 50% by weight, and still further at least about 75% by weight, and even further at least about 95% by weight, and still even further at least about 99% by weight of the at least three anionic surfactants where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the compatibility agent system. In another embodiment, the compatibility agent system includes less than about 99% by weight, further less than 90% by weight, and more further less than about 70% by weight, and still further less than about 45% by weight and still even further less than about 30% by weight of the at least three anionic surfactants, where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the compatibility agent system.

[0088] In still another embodiment, the compatibility agent system includes (i) about 0.1- 99.9% by weight of the at least three anionic surfactants and (ii) about 0.1-99.9% by weight of the non-aromatic solvent, where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the compatibility agent system. In another embodiment, the compatibility agent system includes (i) about 0.1% by weight to about 50% by weight of the at least three anionic surfactants and (ii) about 0.1% by weight to about 50% by weight of the non-aromatic solvent, where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the compatibility agent system. In yet a further embodiment, the compatibility agent system includes (i) about 0.1%) by weight to about 30% by weight of the at least three anionic surfactants and (ii) about 70%) by weight to about 99.9% by weight of the non-aromatic solvent, where the % by weight is based on the total weight of the compatibility agent system.

Agrochemical Formulation

[0089] In another object of the present disclosure there is provided a method of stabilizing an incompatible agrochemical formulation by contacting the agrochemical formulation with the compatibility agent system comprising (i) at least three anionic surfactants selected from an alkyl alkoxy sulfate; an alkylaryl sulfonate; a dialkyl sulfosuccinate; a diaryl sulfosuccinate; a polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate; a poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate; and, an alkyl alkoxy phosphate; and (ii) a non-aromatic solvent. In some embodiments of this method, the non-aromatic solvent is replaced with an aromatic solvent or propylene glycol. The agrochemical formulation may comprise a pesticide and/or fertilizer and optionally auxiliary component(s).

[0090] Thus, in still another object of the present disclosure there is provided a compatible agrochemical formulation comprising a pesticide and/or fertilizer and the compatibility agent system (and auxiliary component(s) in embodiments where such auxiliary component(s) are present and are not included in formulating the compatibility agent system). The agrochemical formulation may be used in treating target substrates such as those disclosed above and refers to all forms of compositions including concentrates and spray formulations. "Spray formulations" are aqueous agrochemical formulations that include all of the components to be applied to the target substrate or their environment in a form and at a concentration (dilution) that is appropriate for spraying. Spray formulations can be made up by simple dilution of concentrates containing desired components, by mixing the individual components, or a combination of diluting a concentrate and adding further individual components or mixtures of components. Typically such end use mixing is carried out in the spray tank from which the formulation is sprayed or a holding tank for filling the spray tank and commonly such mixing and mixtures are called tank mixing and tank mixtures. "Concentrates" are agrochemical formulations, which may be aqueous or non-aqueous, and which are designed to be diluted with water (or a water based liquid) to form the corresponding spray formulations and include such compositions in liquid form such as solutions, emulsions or dispersions and in solid form, especially in water dispersible solid form, such as granules or powders.

[0091] The agrochemical formulations according to the present disclosure may be prepared by customary processes, for example by mixing, by grinding, dissolving or dispersing the individual components, preferably at room temperature or ambient conditions. If other formulation auxiliary components are present, they are likewise incorporated at room temperature or ambient conditions. In general, the sequence in which the individual components are added is of no decisive importance. Thus, in one embodiment, the compatibility agent system disclosed above may be formulated in a container, for example, in a stainless steel tank, steel, tin, aluminum can, plastic or glass bottle and paper or cardboard container. The compatibility agent system may then be combined with a pesticide and/or fertilizer and water and/or other solvent, and in some embodiments an auxiliary component, to form an agrochemical formulation in the field just prior to application. In some embodiments, the compatibility agent system is added with water and/or other solvent and auxiliary components(s) before any active ingredients or fertilizer is added to obtain the maximum compatibility effect.

[0092] The presently described compatibility agent system is not limited for use with any particular class of pesticides and/or fertilizers. For the avoidance of doubt, the agrochemical formulation of the presently described technology can comprise a pesticide or a fertilizer or a mixture of the pesticide or fertilizer.

[0093] In one embodiment, the pesticide includes any chemical or biological agent (i.e. "active ingredient") used in preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating a pest. Thus, in one particular embodiment, the pesticide is a fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, algicide, molluscicide, miticide, rodenticide, growth regulator or insect repel lant.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the pesticide is a fungicide. Examples of fungicides include, but are not limited to: azoxystrobin, trifloxystrobin, kresoxim methyl, famoxadone, metominostrobin and picoxystrobin, carbendazim, thiabendazole, dimethomorph, vinclozolin, iprodione, dithiocarbamate, imazalil, prochloraz, fluquinconazole, epoxiconazole, flutriafol, azaconazole, bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, hexaconazole, paclobutrazole, propiconazole, tebuconazole, triadimefon, trtiticonazole, fenpropimorph, tridemorph, fenpropidin, mancozeb, metiram, chlorothalonil, thiram, ziram, captafol, captan, folpet, fluazinam, flutolanil, carboxin, metalaxyl, bupirimate, ethirimol, dimoxystrobin, fluoxastrobm, orysastrobin, metominostrobin, prothioconazole, 8-(2,6-diethyl-4-methyl- phenyl)tetrahydropyrazolo[l ,2-d][l ,4,5]oxadiazepine-7,9-dione, 2,2,-dimethyl-propionic acid-8-(2,6-diethyl-4-methyl-phenyl)-9-oxo-l,2,4,5-tetrahydro-9H-pyrazolo-[l,2 d][l ,4,5]oxadiazepine-7-yl ester and metalaxyl.

[0095] In another embodiment, the pesticide is a herbicide. Examples of herbicides include, but are not limited to: fluzifop, mesotrione, fomesafen, tralkoxydim, napropamide, amitraz, propanil, cyprodanil, pyrimethanil, dicloran, tecnazene, toclofos methyl, flamprop M, 2,4-D, MCPA, mecoprop, clodinafop-propargyl, cyhalofop-butyl, diclofop methyl, haloxyfop, quizalofop-P, indol-3-ylacetic acid, 1-naphthylacetic acid, isoxaben, tebutam, chlorthal dimethyl, benomyl, benfuresate, dicamba, dichlobenil, benazolin, triazoxide, fluazuron, teflubenzuron, phenmedipham, acetochlor, alachlor, metolachlor, pretilachlor, thenylchlor, alloxydim, butroxydim, clethodim, cyclodim, sethoxydim, tepraloxydim, pendimethalin, dinoterb, bifenox, oxyfluorfen, acifluorfen, fluoroglycofen-ethyl, bromoxynil, ioxynil, imazamethabenz-methyl, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazethapyr, imazapic, imazamox, flumioxazin, flumiclorac-pentyl, picloram, amodosulfuron, chlorsulfuron, nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, triasulfuron, triallate, pebulate, prosulfocarb, molinate, atrazine, simazine, cyanazine, ametryn, prometryn, terbuthylazine, terbutryn, sulcotrione, isoproturon, linuron, fenuron, chlorotoluron, metoxuron, N-phosphonomethylglycine and its salts (glyphosate), glufosinate, chlormequat chloride, paraquat, diquat, trifloxysulfuron, fomesafen, mesotrione and fenuron.

[0096] In still another embodiment, the pesticide is an insecticide. Examples of insecticides include, but are not limited to: abamectin, acephate, acetamiprid, acrinathrin, alanycarb, aldicarb, allethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, amitraz, asulam, azadirachtin, azamethiphos, azinphos-ethyl, azinphos-methyl, bendiocarb, benfuracarb, bensultap, beta-cyfluthrin, beta-cypermethrin, bifenthrin, bioallethrin, bioresmethrin, bistrifluron, borax, buprofezin, butoxycarboxim, cadusafos, carbaryl, carbofuran, chlorpropham, clothianidin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cyprmethrin, deltamethrin, diethofencarb, diflubenzuron, dinotefuran, emamectin, endosulfan, fenoxycarb, fenthion, fenvalerate, fipronil, halfenprox, heptachlor, hydramethylnon, imidacloprid, imiprothrin, isoprocarb, lambda cyhalothrin, methamidophos, methiocarb, methomyl, nitenpyram, omethoate, permethrin, pirimicarb, pirimiphos methyl, propoxur, tebufenozide, thiamethoxam, thiodicarb, triflumoron, and xylylcarb.

[0097] In a further embodiment, the pesticide is an algicide. Examples of algicides include, but are not limited to: bethoxazin, copper dioctanoate, copper sulfate, cybutryne, dichlone, dichlorophen, endothal, fentin, hydrated lime, nabam, quinoclamine, quinonamid, simazine, triphenyltin acetate, and triphenyltin hydroxide.

[0098] In another embodiment, the pesticide is a molluscicide. Examples of moluscicides include, but are not limited to: metaldehyde, methiocarb and aluminium sulfate.

[0099] In yet another embodiment, the pesticide is a miticide. Examples of miticides include, but are not limited to: antibiotic miticides, carbamate miticides, formamidine miticides, mite growth regulators, organochlorine, permethrin and organophosphate miticides.

[0100] In still another embodiment, the pesticide is a rodenticide. Examples of rodenticides include, but are not limited to: 2-isovalerylindan- l, 3-dione, 4-(quinoxalin-2- ylamino)benzenesulfonamide, alpha-chlorohydrin, aluminium phosphines, anta, arsenics oxide, barium carbonate, bisthiosemi, brodifacoum, bromadiolone, bromethalin, calcium cyanide, chloralose, chlorophacinone, cholecalciferol, coumachlor, coumafuryl, coumatetralyl, crimidine, difenacoum, difethialone, diphacinone, ergocalciferol, flocoumafen, fluoroacetamide, flupropadine, flupropadine hydrochloride, gamma-HCH, HCH, hydrogen cyanide, iodomethane, lindane, magnesium phosphide, methyl bromide, norbormide, phosacetim, phosphine, phosphorus, pindone, potassium arsenite, pyrinuron, scilliroside, sodium arsenite, sodium cyanide, sodium fluoroacetate, strychnine, thallium sulfate, warfarin, and zinc phosphide.

[0101] In another embodiment, the pesticide is a growth regulator. Examples include, but are not limited to, abscisic acid, amidochlor, ancymidol, 6-benzylaminopurine, brassinolide, butralin, chlormequat (chlormequat chloride), choline chloride, cyclanilide, daminozide, dikegulac, dimethipin, 2,6-dimethylpuridine, ethephon, flumetralin, flurprimidol, fluthiacet, forchlorfenuron, gibberellic acid, inabenfide, indole-3 -acetic acid, maleic hydrazide, mefluidide, mepiquat (mepiquat chloride), naphthaleneacetic acid, N-6-benzyladenine, paclobutrazol, prohexadione (prohexadione-calcium), prohydrojasmon, thidiazuron, triapenthenol, tributyl phosphorotrithioate, 2,3,5-tri- iodobenzoic acid, trinexapac-ethyl and uniconazole.

[0102] In an additional embodiment, the pesticide is an insect repellant. Examples of insect repellants, include, but are not limited to: 2-ethyl-l,3-hexanediol; N-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide; N,N-diethyl-M-toluamide; 2,3 :4,5-Bis (2-butylene) tetrahydro-2-furaldehyde; Di-n-propyl isocinchomeronate; and 2-hydroxyethyl-n-octyl sulfide. [0103] In a further embodiment, the agrochemical formulation includes a fertilizer. Examples of fertilizers include inorganic single-or multinutrient fertilizers, organic and organic/inorganic fertilizers or fertilizers with trace elements. Specific fertilizers include nitrogen fertilizers, such as sodium nitrate (NaN0₃), ammonium sulfate ((NH₄)₂S04), calcium nitrate ((CaN0₃)₂), ammonium nitrate (NH₄N0₃), urea (CO(NH₂)₂), and liquid nitrogen fertilizers, including anhydrous ammonia and aqua ammonia; phosphate fertilizers, such as apatites (Ca₅(P0₄)₃D, wherein D is OH, C0₃, CI or F), inorganic polyphosphates, tricalcium phosphate (Ca₃(P0₄)₂), dicalcium phosphate (CaHP0₄), monocalcium phosphate (Ca(H₂P0₄)₂, also called single super phosphate), iron phosphates, aluminum phosphates, orthophosphoric acid and nitrophosphates; potassium fertilizers, such as potassium sulfate (K₂S0₄), and potassium nitrate (KN0₃), potassium chloride and potash; and combinations of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium fertilizers which, according to traditional fertilizer nomenclature, are designated as percent N- percent P₂ 0₅ - percent K0₂ - percent. Thus, many combinations are possible. For example, typical products are 20-20-0, 15-15-15, 10-34-0, 13-13-13, 12-57-0, 28-28-0, and 19-19- 19. Additionally, secondary nutrients may be added as required. Secondary nutrients include, but are not limited to, boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, zinc and magnesium.

[0104] In one particular embodiment, the pesticide is a water-soluble herbicide. The term "water-soluble" as used herein in relation to a herbicide or salt thereof means having a solubility in deionized water at 20°C of not less than about 200 g/1. In some embodiments, the water-soluble herbicides have a herbicidal active acid or anionic moiety and are most usefully present in the form of one or more water-soluble salts. The aqueous phase can optionally contain, in addition to the water-soluble herbicide, other salts contributing to the ionic strength of the aqueous phase. In one particular embodiment, the agrochemical formulation includes a water-soluble herbicide, the compatibility agent system containing the at least three anionic surfactants above and a non-aromatic solvent or in some embodiments the at least three anionic surfactants and an aromatic solvent or propylene glycol (i.e. the non-aromatic solvent is replaced by an aromatic solvent or propylene glycol).

[0105] Water-soluble herbicides include acifluorfen, acrolein, amitrole, asulam, benazolin, bentazon, bialaphos, bromacil, bromoxynil, chloramben, chloroacetic acid, clopyralid, 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, dalapon, dicamba, dichlorprop, difenzoquat, diquat, endothall, fenac, fenoxaprop, flamprop, flumiclorac, fluoroglycofen, flupropanate, fomesafen, fosamine, glufosinate, glyphosate, imazameth, imazamethabenz, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazethapyr, ioxynil, MCPA, MCPB, mecoprop, methylarsonic acid, naptalam, nonanoic acid, paraquat, picloram, quinclorac, sulfamic acid, 2,3,6-TBA, TCA, triclopyr and water-soluble salts thereof.

[0106] In another embodiment, the fertilizer is a water-soluble fertilizer. "Water- soluble" fertilizers are those that are considered to be completely water soluble if 100 grams of the water-soluble fertilizer composition is dissolved in 1 liter of 20°C water thus resulting in a clear solution having 0-3% by weight of insolubles. Examples of such fertilizers include, but are not limited to, urea, urea phosphate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, mono- and di-ammonium phosphate, monopotassiiim phosphate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium phosphate, potassium nitrate, ammonium sulfate-nitrate, Chilean nitrate, potassium-ammonium phosphate, sodium nitrate, nitrogenous fertilizers, urea-containing mixed fertilizers, potassium salts, N, P, K- compound fertilizers, N, P, K-compound fertilizers containing trace elements, chlorides and sulfates, or nitrates of Ca, Mg, Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Co as well as Mo in the form of water-soluble molybdates and boron in the form of boric acid or boric anhydride, in chelated or non-chelated form, and mixtures thereof. In one particular embodiment, the agrochemical formulation includes a water-soluble fertilizer, the compatibility agent system containing the at least three anionic surfactants above and a non-aromatic solvent or in some embodiments, the at three anionic surfactants and an aromatic solvent or propylene glycol (i.e. the non-aromatic solvent is replaced by an aromatic solvent or propylene glycol).

[0107] In a still further embodiment, the agrochemical formulation includes a water- soluble herbicide, optionally a water-soluble fertilizer, and the compatibility agent system containing the at least three anionic surfactants above and a non-aromatic solvent or an aromatic solvent or propylene glycol in place of the non-aromatic solvent (i.e. the non- aromatic solvent is replaced by an aromatic solvent or propylene glycol).

[0108] The amount of pesticide included in the agrochemical formulation of the present disclosure will vary according to a number of parameters such as the target substrate to be treated, the area to be treated, etc. In general, a rate of application from about five grams to about four kilograms per hectare (g/ha) of pesticide may be suitable. The amount of fertilizer which may be present in the agrochemical formulation may range from 0.001% by weight to about 99% by weight, and in other embodiment from 0.1 %> by weight to about 80%> by weight based on the total weight of the agrochemical formulation. [0109] The agrochemical formulations of the present disclosure may be used in conventional agricultural methods. For example, the pesticide and/or fertilizer and compatibility agent system may be mixed with water if desired and applied post- emergence to a desired target substrate by any means, such as airplane spray tanks, knapsack spray tanks, cattle dipping vats, farm equipment used in ground spraying (e.g., boom sprayers, hand sprayers), and the like.

[01 10] As discussed above, in accordance with some embodiments, the agrochemical formulation can be a concentrate composition, which can be diluted in a suitable volume of water to form a spray formulation (e.g., a tank mix composition) for applying to the target substrate. The concentrate composition can be in liquid, solid, or semi-solid form. In at least one embodiment, it is an aqueous concentrate composition.

[011 1] In one embodiment, the amount of the pesticide in the concentrate composition can range from about 1 % by weight to about 80% by weight, alternatively from about 16% by weight to about 60% by weight, alternatively from 35% by weight to about 55% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate composition. In another embodiment, the amount of the fertilizer in the concentrate composition can range from about 0% by weight to about 90% by weight, alternatively from about 1% by weight to about 80% by weight, alternatively from 10% by weight to about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate composition. The amount of the compatibility agent system in the concentrate composition may range from about 0.0001 % by weight to about 30% by weight, alternatively between from about 0.001% by weight to about 20% by weight, or alternatively from about 0.01% by weight to about 10% by weight percent, or alternatively from about 0.1% by weight to about 5% by weight, or even alternatively from about 0.5% by weight to about 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate composition.

[01 12] The concentrate composition can be diluted by a user with water to render a spray formulation containing from about 0.01 % by weight to about 15% by weight, alternatively from about 0.1 % by weight to about 5% by weight, alternatively from about 0.2% by weight to about 2% by weight of the pesticide, based on the total weight of the spray formulation and/or from about 0% by weight to about 20% by weight, alternatively from about 0.01% by weight to about 7.5% by weight, alternatively from about 0.2% by weight to about 2% by weight of the fertilizer, based on the total weight of the spray formulation. The spray formulation can typically contain from about 0.0001% by weight to about 6% by weight, alternatively from about 0.001% by weight to about 5% by weight, alternatively from about 0.01 % by weight to about4% by weight percent of the compatibility agent system of the present disclosure, based on the total weight of the spray formulation.

[01 13] In still other embodiments of the present disclosure, the pesticide and/or fertilizer and compatibility agent system are combined to form a "ready-to-use" (RTU) spray formulation. The RTU spray formulation can be prepared by a user by diluting a concentrate composition as described above, or alternatively can be provided to the user as is. For example, the RTU spray formulation can contain from about 0.5% by weight to about 5% by weight, alternatively from about 0.75% by weight to about 3% by weight, alternatively from about 1.5% by weight to about 2.5% by weight of the pesticide, based on the total weight of the RTU spray formulation, and/or from about 0% by weight to about 5% by weight, alternatively from about 0.75% by weight to about 3% by weight, alternatively from about 1.5% by weight to about 2.5% by weight of the fertilizer, based on the total weight of the RTU spray formulation. The RTU spray formulation can also contain from about 0.01% by weight to about 5% by weight, alternatively from about 0.2% by weight to about 3% by weight, alternatively from about 0.5% by weight to about 2% by weight of the adjuvant composition of the present disclosure. The balance of the RTU composition can be water.

[01 14] In accordance with another embodiment, the presently described technology provides a method for killing or inhibiting or repelling a pest comprising the steps of providing a pesticide in a pesticidally effective amount and optionally a fertilizer, providing an effective amount of the compatibility agent system of the present disclosure, combining the pesticide and optional fertilizer with the compatibility agent system to prepare an agrochemical formulation, and contacting the agrochemical formulation and the pest.

Examples

[01 15] Example 1. Compatibility agent systems in tank-side applications were tested to determine if they could be used to compatibilize an agrochemical formulation containing paraquat (commercially available from Syngenta Corporation as Gramoxone® herbicide), a high-electrolyte herbicide with other herbicides that are desirable to tank-mix with paraquat. Because of its ionic character, Gramoxone® herbicide is not compatible with state of the art compatibility agents or the dispersants used in concentrated agrochemical formulations, such as the ones shown in the table below. Thus, when formulated in a spray tank, flocculation of the solid active ingredient or precipitation of a soluble active ingredient will occur, resulting in large particles and heterogeneity in the agrochemical formulation and making the formulation unsuitable for spray nozzle application. The following herbicides and compatibility agents were tested for compatibility with Gramoxone® herbicide according to ASTM El 518-05 (Standard Practice for Evaluation of Physical Compatibility of Pesticides in Aqueous Tank Mixtures by the Dynamic Shaker Method).

[01 16] The following compatibility agents or dispersants were tested and the results are provided in the table below:

Phos 1 = phosphate ester of alkylphenol alkoxylate

Phos 2 = phosphate ester of linear alcohol ethoxylate

Anionic 1 = alkylbenzene sulfonic acid salt

Anionic 2 = dialkyl sulfosuccinate

Anionic 3 = tristyrylphenyl alkoxy sulfate

Blend = Anionic 1 + Anionic 2 + Anionic 3

Mechanism of failure was either fiocculation of the suspended solid (flocc) or precipitation of a soluble ingredient (precip)

spray volume.

[01 17] As shown above, each of the state of the art compatibility agents failed (i.e. suspended active ingredient particles flocculated together and rapidly separated out of the spray mixture, and in the case of Reflex® herbicide, a soluble active ingredient precipitated out of solution). Surprisingly, each of the individual anionic surfactants that were tested as a compatibility agent also failed. However, a blend containing each of the anionic surfactants 1 , 2, and 3 received a passing score for each herbicide tested. This demonstrates an unexpected synergy between the individual anionic surfactants when they are blended together to form a compatibility agent.

[01 18] Although making and using various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not delimit the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A compatibility agent system comprising (i) at least three anionic surfactants selected from an alkyl alkoxy sulfate; an alkylaryl sulfonate; a dialkyl sulfosuccinate; a diaryl sulfosuccinate; a polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate; a poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate; and, an alkyl alkoxy phosphate; and (ii) a non-aromatic solvent.

2. The compatibility agent system of claim 1, wherein component (i) includes at least one alkylaryl sulfonate.

3. The compatibility agent system of claim 2, wherein component (i) includes at least one polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate.

4. The compatibility agent system of claim 3, wherein component (i) includes at least one dialkyl sulfosuccinate.

5. The compatibility agent system of claim 1 , wherein component (i) includes from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of the alkylaryl alkoxy sulfonate, from about 10%) by weight to about 60% by weight of the dialkyl sulfosuccinate and from about 10%) by weight to about 60%> by weight of the polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate where the % by weight is based on the total weight of component (i).

6. The compatibility agent system of claim 1 , further comprising an auxiliary component.

7. A method for stabilizing an incompatible agrochemical formulation comprising contacting the agrochemical formulation with a compatibility agent system comprising (i) at least three anionic surfactants selected from an alkyl alkoxy sulfonate; an alkylaryl sulfonate; a dialkyl sulfosuccinate; a diaryl sulfosuccinate; a polystyrylphenol alkoxy sulfate; a poly(styrene oxide) alkoxy sulfate; and, an alkyl alkoxy phosphate; and (ii) a non-aromatic solvent and wherein the agrochemical formulation comprises a pesticide and/or fertilizer.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the non-aromatic solvent in the compatibility agent system is replaced by an aromatic solvent or propylene glycol.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the agrochemical formulation comprises a water- soluble herbicide and/or a water-soluble fertilizer.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the agrochemical formulation comprises paraquat.

1 1. An agrochemical formulation comprising the compatibility agent system of claim 1 and a pesticide and/or a fertilizer.

12. The agrochemical formulation of claim 1 1 , wherein the pesticide is a water- soluble herbicide and/or the fertilizer is a water-soluble fertilizer.

13. The agrochemical formulation of claim 1 1 , wherein the non-aromatic solvent in the compatibility agent system is replaced by an aromatic solvent or propylene glycol.

14. A container comprising the compatibility agent system according to claim 1.

15. A concentrate composition comprising from about 1% by weight to about 80% by weight of a pesticide, from about 0% by weight to about 90% by weight of a fertilizer and from about 0.0001% by weight to about 30% by weight of the compatibility agent system of claim 1 , wherein the % by weight is based on the total weight of the concentrate composition.

16. The concentrate composition of claim 15, wherein the non-aromatic solvent in the compatibility agent system is replaced with an aromatic solvent or propylene glycol.

17. A spray formulation comprising from about 0.01 % by weight to about 15% by weight of a pesticide, from about 0% by weight to about 20% by weight of a fertilizer and from about 0.0001% by weight to about 6% by weight of the compatibility agent system of claim 1 wherein the % by weight is based on the total weight of the spray formulation.

18. The spray formulation of claim 17, wherein the non-aromatic solvent in the compatibility agent system is replaced with an aromatic solvent or propylene glycol.

19. A method for killing or inhibiting or repelling a pest comprising the steps of providing a pesticide in a pesticidally effective amount; providing the compatibility agent system according to claim 1 , combining the pesticide with the compatibility agent system to prepare an agrochemical formulation, and contacting the pesticide formulation and the pest.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the non-aromatic solvent in the compatibility agent system is replaced with an aromatic solvent or propylene glycol.