Importance

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Abstract

An Inert Matrix Composition (IMC) is provided for forming a stable, clear, efficacious Microemulsion Concentrate (MEC) including about 2-30%, preferably 5-25%, by weight of the composition, of a water-insoluble Agriculturally Active Chemical (AAC). Upon dilution of the concentrate with water, an Aqueous Microemulsion (AME) is provided. The IMC consists essentially of: (a) a C.sub.6 -C.sub.18 alkyl pyrrolidone in an amount sufficient to form micelles of the AAC solvated in water; (b) a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl pyrrolidone in an amount sufficient to complex with said C.sub.6 -C.sub.18 alkyl pyrrolidone and to solubilize the AAC in the micelles; (c) a nonionic surfactant having an HLB of .gtoreq.6 in an amount sufficient to complex with the C.sub.6 -C.sub.18 alkyl pyrrolidone to reduce the micelle size to about 0.005-0.5 microns, preferably 0.01-0.1 microns, thereby precluding disadvantageous leakage of the solvated AAC through the micelles; and (d) optionally, an anionic surfactant to enhance the close packing of the micelles, thereby rendering the compositions more stable as evidenced by the presence of a clear, homogeneous liquid phase. In the MEC, the weight ratio of AAC to (a)+(c)+(d) is 1:1 to 1:20, preferably 1:3 to 1:10; and AAC to (b) is about 1:0.1 to 1:90, preferably 1:0.5 to 1:5.

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First Claim