SEDL / STP / STP1347-EB / STP14164S

Fatty Methyl Esters as Solvent Alternatives for Emulsifiable Concentrate Formulations

Skelton, PR
Sr. Product Development Chemist and Product Development Chemist, Stepan Company, Winder, GA

Turpin, KL
Sr. Product Development Chemist and Product Development Chemist, Stepan Company, Winder, GA

Pages: 10    Published: Jan 1998

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Abstract

Aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons have been selected as the solvent of choice in many pesticide emulsifiable concentrate formulations. These solvents have primarily been utilized because of their stable physical properties and cost effectiveness. Historically, fatty methyl esters have been used to increase solubility, improve stability, and increase flash points in some high active pesticide formulations.

In an attempt to investigate solvent alternatives in emulsifiable concentrate formulations, fatty methyl esters were examined under laboratory conditions with a cross section of typical fatty methyl esters. Emulsifiable concentrates consisting of chlorpyrifos, diazinon, trifluralin, and malathion were used in this study. Fatty methyl esters ranging in carbon chain lengths C⁴ - C¹⁸ were evaluated as replacements for C¹⁰ alkylbenzene solvent (aromatic solvent) in the emulsifiable concentrate formulations. The emulsification properties were compared. This study examines the effect on emulsification of each pesticide utilizing fatty methyl esters versus aromatic hydrocarbon solvent.