Patent Description:
Worldwide, the predominant and further-increasing amount of the nitrogen used for fertilizing is employed in the form of urea or urea-containing fertilizers. Urea itself, however, is a form of nitrogen which is absorbed very little if at all, being hydrolyzed relatively rapidly by the enzyme urease, which is present ubiquitously in the soil, to form ammonia and carbon dioxide. In this process, in certain circumstances, gaseous ammonia is emitted to the atmosphere, and is then no longer available in the soil for the plants, thereby lowering the efficiency of fertilization.

It is known that the degree of utilization of the nitrogen when using urea-containing fertilizers can be improved by spreading urea-containing fertilizers together with substances which are able to inhibit or decrease the enzymatic cleavage of urea (for a general review, see <NPL>). Among the most potent known urease inhibitors are N-alkylthiophosphoric acid triamides and N-alkylphosphoric acid triamides, which are described in <CIT>, for example.

Additionally, mixtures of N-alkylthiophosphoric acid triamides such as N-(n-butyl)thiophosphoric acid triamide (NBPT) and N-(n-propyl)thiophosphoric acid triamide (NPPT) can be used. The mixtures and their preparation are described in <CIT>, for example.

These urease inhibitors are described in <CIT>, for example. In order for this class of compound to be able to act as a urease inhibitor, there must first be a conversion to the corresponding oxo form. That form reacts subsequently with the urease, causing its inhibition.

It is advisable to apply the urease inhibitors together with the urea onto or into the soil, since this ensures that the inhibitor comes into contact, together with the fertilizer, with the soil. The urease inhibitor may be incorporated in the urea by, for example, dissolving it into the melt prior to urea granulation or prilling. A process of this kind is described in <CIT>, for example. A further option is to apply the urease inhibitor to the urea granules or prills, in the form of a solution, for example.

Corresponding processes for application, and suitable solvents, are described in <CIT>, for example. Other suitable additives, for example amines selected from methyldiethanolamine, tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine, trimethylaminoethylethanolamine, N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-hexanediamine, N,N',N"-tris(dimethylaminopropyl)hexahydrotriazine, and <NUM>,<NUM>'-dimorpholinyldiethyl ether, are described in <CIT>.

Earlier filed applications <CIT> and <CIT> show compositions of (thio)phosphoric acid triamide which comprise polyethyleneimine.

The storage life of the urease inhibitor is limited. The higher the temperature, the shorter the storage life. If, for example, urea is stored under tropical conditions, a major part of the urease inhibitor has undergone decomposition, generally, after about four weeks of storage. If the urease inhibitor is introduced into the urea melt, the decomposition is less. For the commercialization of the urea stabilized with the urease inhibitor, however, it is often vital to apply the urease inhibitor to urea and to store the treated fertilizer until the time of its spreading to the soil.

One of the objects of the present invention was to provide a composition containing (thio)phosphoric acid triamide which.

Accordingly, a composition (Q4) was found which comprises:.

In addition, a process for treating the soil comprising applying the compositions of the invention into the soil in-furrow and/or as side dress and/or as broadcast was found.

Moreover, the use of the compositions of the invention as additive or coating material for nitrogen-containing fertilizers has been found.

Preferred embodiments are explained in the claims and the specification. It is understood that combinations of preferred embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

The term "at least one" is to be understood as <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or more. A mixture comprising at least one amine refers for example to a mixture comprising <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or more amines.

The term "soil" is to be understood as a natural body comprised of living (e.g. microorganisms (such as bacteria and fungi), animals and plants) and non-living matter (e.g. minerals and organic matter (e.g. organic compounds in varying degrees of decomposition), liquid, and gases) that occurs on the land surface, and is characterized by soil horizons that are distinguishable from the initial material as a result of various physical, chemical, biological, and anthropogenic processes. From an agricultural point of view, soils are predominantly regarded as the anchor and primary nutrient base for plants (plant habitat).

The term "fertilizer" is to be understood as chemical compounds applied to promote plant and fruit growth. Fertilizers are typically applied either through the soil (for uptake by plant roots) or by foliar feeding (for uptake through leaves). The term "fertilizer" can be subdivided into two major categories: a) organic fertilizers (composed of decayed plant/animal matter) and b) inorganic fertilizers (composed of chemicals and minerals). Organic fertilizers include manure, slurry, worm castings, peat, seaweed, sewage, and guano. Green manure crops are also regularly grown to add nutrients (especially nitrogen) to the soil. Manufactured organic fertilizers include compost, blood meal, bone meal and seaweed extracts. Further examples are enzymatically digested proteins, fish meal, and feather meal. The decomposing crop residue from prior years is another source of fertility. In addition, naturally occurring minerals such as mine rock phosphate, sulfate of potash and limestone are also considered inorganic fertilizers. Inorganic fertilizers are usually manufactured through chemical processes (such as the Haber-Bosch process), also using naturally occurring deposits, while chemically altering them (e.g. concentrated triple superphosphate). Naturally occurring inorganic fertilizers include Chilean sodium nitrate, mine rock phosphate, and limestone.

"Manure" is organic matter used as organic fertilizer in agriculture. Depending on its structure, manure can be divided into liquid manure, semi-liquid manure, stable or solid manure and straw manure. Depending on its origin, manure can be divided into manure derived from animals or plants. Common forms of animal manure include feces, urine, farm slurry (liquid manure) or farmyard manure (FYM) whereas FYM also contains a certain amount of plant material (typically straw), which may have been used as bedding for animals. Animals from which manure can be used comprise horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and guano from seabirds and bats. The application rates of animal manure when used as fertilizer highly depends on the origin (type of animals). Plant manures may derive from any kind of plant whereas the plant may also be grown explicitly for the purpose of plowing them in (e.g. leguminous plants), thus improving the structure and fertility of the soil. Furthermore, plant matter used as manure may include the contents of the rumens of slaughtered ruminants, spent hops (left over from brewing beer) or seaweed.

The composition of the invention is referred to as composition (Q4) in the following.

According to the invention, the composition (Q4) comprises - as one of their essential components -.

Examples of alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, hexyl, <NUM>-methylpentyl, heptyl, octyl, <NUM>-ethylhexyl, isooctyl, nonyl, isononyl, decyl and isodecyl. Examples of cycloalkyl groups are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cyclooctyl, examples of aryl groups are phenyl or naphthyl. Examples of heterocyclic radicals R<NUM>R<NUM>N- are piperazinyl, morpholinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl or imidazolyl groups.

According to one embodiment, (A) is N-n-butylthiophosphoric acid triamide (NBPT).

According to another embodiment, (A) is N-n-propylthiophosphoric acid triamide (NPPT).

According to another embodiment, (A) is a mixture of NBPT and NPPT.

According to another embodiment, (A) comprises at least two different (thio)phosphoric acid triamides having structures of the general formula (I) and wherein said at least two different (thio)phosphoric acid triamides differ in at least one of radicals R<NUM> or R<NUM>, and preferably, one of said at least two different (thio)phosphoric acid triamides is N-n-butylthiophosphoric acid triamide (NBPT), and more preferably, the other of said at least two different (thio)phosphoric acid triamides is selected from the group consisting of N-cyclohexyl-, N-pentyl-, N-isobutyl- and N-n-propylphosphoric acid triamide and -thiophosphoric acid triamide. Especially preferred are mixtures (A) which comprise NBPT in amounts of from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>% wt. %, particularly preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, in each case based on the total weight of (A).

Generally, the mixture (A) can be contained in varying amounts in the composition (Q4). Preferably, the amount of (A) is not more than <NUM> wt. % stands for "percent by weight"), more preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, particularly not more than <NUM> wt. %, for example not more than <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4). Preferably, the amount of (A) is at least <NUM> wt. %, more preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, particularly at least <NUM> wt. %, for example at least <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4).

According to the invention, a composition (Q4) was found which comprises:.

Generally, the amine(s) (L1) can be contained in varying amounts in the composition (Q4). Preferably, the amount of (L1) is not more than <NUM> wt. % stands for "percent by weight"), more preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, particularly not more than <NUM> wt. %, for example not more than <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4). Preferably, the amount of (L1) is at least <NUM> wt. %, more preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, particularly at least <NUM> wt. %, for example at least <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4).

Other preferred polyethyleneimines (L14) are.

Polyethyleneimines (L15) are preferably obtainable by reacting at least a part of the primary or secondary amino groups of the polyethyleneimine (L14) with at least one alkylene oxide.

Preferred polyethyleneimines (L15) are polyethyleneimines according to the general formula (V) wherein at least one of the radicals R<NUM> to R<NUM> is a polyoxyethylene or polyoxypropylene radical.

Particularly preferred polyethyleneimines (L15) are.

The polyethyleneimine (L613) to (L618) are preferably prepared by the synthesis procedure disclosed in <CIT>.

In yet another embodiment, particularly preferred polyethyleneimines (L15) are.

Preferred polytriethanolamines are those polytriethanolamines in which more than <NUM>%, preferably more than <NUM>%, more preferably more than <NUM>% of the amine groups are tertiary amine groups, and in which more than <NUM>%, preferably more than <NUM>%, more preferably more than <NUM>% of the hydroxyl groups are primary hydroxyl groups.

According to the invention, the composition (Q4) can further comprise - as one of its optional components -.

If present, the amine(s) (C) can generally be contained in varying amounts in the composition (Q4). If present, the amount of (C) is preferably not more than <NUM> wt. % stands for "percent by weight"), more preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, particularly not more than <NUM> wt. %, for example not more than <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4). If present, the amount of (C) is preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, more preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, particularly at least <NUM> wt. %, for example at least <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4).

In another embodiment, if present, the amount of polymeric polyamine (L572), polyalkyleneimine (L568), or polyethyleneimine (L569) is preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, more preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, particularly not more than <NUM> wt. %, for example not more than <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4). If present, the amount of polymeric polyamine (L572), polyalkyleneimine (L568), or polyethyleneimine (L569) is preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, more preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, particularly at least <NUM> wt. %, for example at least <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4).

According to one embodiment, (C) is (C1) a polymeric polyamine.

Generally, (C1) can be any polymeric polyamine, and is preferably a polyalkyleneimine or polyvinylamine, more preferably a.

According to one embodiment, (C1) is preferably any polymeric polyamine comprising ethyleneimine (-CH2CH2NH-) as monomeric units, including homo- or copolymers and any copolymers of ethyleneimine, and is preferably a homo- or copolymer of ethyleneimine. Copolymers can be alternating, periodic, statistical or block copolymers.

Generally, (C1) can be of any polymer structure, for example a linear polymer, a ring polymer, a cross-linked polymer, a branched polymer, a star polymer, a comb polymer, a brush polymer, a dendronized polymer, or a dendrimer etc. According to one embodiment, (C1) is an essentially linear polymer, and is preferably a linear polymer.

Polyethyleneimines which may be used are polyethyleneimine homo- or copolymers which may be present in uncrosslinked or crosslinked form. The polyethyleneimine homo- or copolymers can be prepared by known processes, as described, for example, in <NPL>), or in <NPL>. and the literature stated there. They have a molecular weight in the range from about <NUM> to <NUM><NUM><NUM>/mol. Corresponding commercial products are for example available under the name Lupasol® from BASF SE.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the polyethyleneimine (C1) is preferably a polyethylenimine having a degree of branching in the range of from <NUM> to <NUM> (also referred to as "highly branched polyethyleneimine"), and more preferably a polyethylenimine having a degree of branching in the range of from <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably a polyethylenimine having a degree of branching in the range of from <NUM> to <NUM>, und most preferably a polyethylenimine having a degree of branching in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

Highly branched polyethyleneimines are characterized by its high degree of branching, which can be determined for example via <NUM>C-NMR spectroscopy, preferably in D<NUM>O, and is defined as follows:<MAT> D (dendritic) equals the percentage of tertiary amino groups, L (linear) equals the percentage of secondary amino groups, and T (terminal) equals the percentage of primary amino groups.

Generally, the polymeric polyamine (C1) can have different weight average molecular weights. The weight average molecular weight of (C1) is preferably at least <NUM>, more preferably at least <NUM>, most preferably at least <NUM>, particularly at least <NUM>, for example at least <NUM>. The weight average molecular weight of (C1) is preferably not more than <NUM>,<NUM>, more preferably not more than <NUM>,<NUM>, most preferably not more than <NUM>,<NUM>, particularly not more than <NUM>,<NUM>, for example not more than <NUM>,<NUM>. The weight average molecular weight can be determined by standard gel permeation chromatography (GPC) known to the person skilled in the art.

According to another embodiment, (C) is
(C2) an amine containing not more than one amino group and at least three alkoxy- or hydroxy-substituted C<NUM> to C<NUM> alkyl groups R<NUM>, wherein at least one of the groups R<NUM> is different to the other groups R<NUM>.

A number of groups R<NUM> within (C2) is at least <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, and most preferably <NUM>.

The number of carbon atoms in each group R<NUM> within (C2) is <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, most preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, particularly preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, particularly <NUM> to <NUM>, for example <NUM>, wherein said number of carbon atoms does not include carbon atoms in any alkoxy groups or any other substituents of R<NUM>.

The groups R<NUM> within (C2) are alkoxy- or hydroxy-substituted, preferably hydroxy-substituted.

For one amine (C2), among the at least three groups R<NUM>, at least one of the groups R<NUM> is different to the other groups R<NUM>, preferably one of the groups R<NUM> is different to the other groups R<NUM>.

Preferably at least one of the groups R<NUM>, more preferably at least two of the groups R<NUM>, most preferably at least three of the groups R<NUM>, particularly all groups R<NUM> is or are covalently bound to the amino group of the amine (C2).

According to another preferred embodiment, (C2) is.

According to another embodiment, (C) is
(C3) an amine containing not more than one amino group and at least two alkoxy- or hydroxy-substituted C<NUM> to C<NUM> alkyl groups R<NUM>, wherein at least one of the groups R<NUM> bears the alkoxy or hydroxy substituent at a secondary or tertiary carbon atom and wherein at least one of the groups R<NUM> is different to the other group(s) R<NUM>.

A number of groups R<NUM> within (C3) is at least <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, and most preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, for example <NUM>.

The number of carbon atoms in each group R<NUM> within (C3) is <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, most preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, particularly preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, particularly <NUM> to <NUM>, for example <NUM>, wherein said number of carbon atoms does not include carbon atoms in any alkoxy groups or any other substituents of R<NUM>.

The groups R<NUM> within (C3) are alkoxy- or hydroxy-substituted, preferably hydroxy-substituted. For one amine (C3), among the at least two groups R<NUM>, at least one of the groups R<NUM> is different to the other group(s) R<NUM>, preferably one of the groups R<NUM> is different to the other group(s) R<NUM>.

Preferably at least one of the groups R<NUM>, more preferably at least two of the groups R<NUM>, most preferably all groups R<NUM> is or are covalently bound to the amino group of the amine (C3).

Preferably at least one of the groups R<NUM>, more preferably one of the groups R<NUM> bears the alkoxy or hydroxy substituent at a secondary or tertiary carbon atom, particularly at a secondary carbon atom.

According to another preferred embodiment, (C3) is.

According to another embodiment, (C) is
(C4) an amine containing at least one saturated or unsaturated C<NUM> to C<NUM> alkyl group R<NUM>.

The number of carbon atoms in each group R<NUM> within (C4) is <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, most preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, particularly preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

The group R<NUM> within (C4) is saturated or unsaturated, preferably unsaturated.

According to another preferred embodiment, (C4) contains at least one alkoxy or hydroxy group, more preferably at least one alkoxy and at least one hydroxy groups, most preferably at least two alkoxy and at least one hydroxyl group, particularly (C4) is
(L198) an amine containing at least one saturated or unsaturated C<NUM> to C<NUM> alkyl group R<NUM> and containing at least four alkoxy and at least one hydroxyl group.

For example, (C4) is an amine selected from the group consisting of:.

According to another embodiment, (C) is
(C5) a saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic amine which contains at least one oxygen atom as ring atom and which does not contain a further alkoxy group.

The term "heterocyclic amine" stands for a heterocyclic compound in which at least one ring atom of the heterocyclic ring is a nitrogen atom.

The heterocyclic amine (C5) is saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated.

The heterocyclic amine (C5) contains preferably a <NUM>-, <NUM>- or <NUM>-membered heterocyclic ring, more preferably a <NUM>- or <NUM>-membered ring, most preferably a <NUM>-membered ring.

The heterocyclic amine (C5) contains at least one, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, most preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, particularly one oxygen atom(s) as ring atom(s) of the heterocyclic ring.

The heterocyclic amine (C5) is preferably.

According to the invention, the composition (Q4) can further comprise - as one of its optional components - (D)
(L401) a N,N-dialkyl amide based on lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, ricinoleic acid, <NUM>-hydroxy stearic acid, or their mixtures.

If present, the amide (D) can generally be contained in varying amounts in the composition (Q4). If present, the amount of (D) is preferably not more than <NUM> wt. % stands for "percent by weight"), more preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, particularly not more than <NUM> wt. %, for example not more than <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4). If present, the amount of (D) is preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, more preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, particularly at least <NUM> wt. %, for example at least <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4).

According to another preferred embodiment, the amide (D) is preferably.

The composition (Q4) can further optionally comprise
(F) a nitrogen-containing fertilizer. The nitrogen-containing fertilizer (F) is different from the components (A), (L1), (C) and (D).

The nitrogen-containing fertilizer (F) preferably comprises manure, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium chloride, cyanamide, dicyandiamide (DCD), calcium nitrate, or urea-containing fertilizer (F1), more preferably comprises urea-containing fertilizer (F1), most preferably comprises urea, for example is urea.

The urea-containing fertilizer (F1) is defined as a fertilizer comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of urea, urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), isobutylidene diurea (IBDU), crotonylidene diurea (CDU) and urea formaldehyde (UF), urea-acetaldehyde, urea-gly-oxal condensates, complex NPK fertilizer with urea as nitrogen source, physical blend of NPK fertilizer with urea as one mixing component.

In customary commercial fertilizer quality, the urea has a purity of at least <NUM>%, and may for example be in crystalline, granulated, compacted, prilled, ground or liquid form.

In another preferred embodiment, the urea is coated urea, sulfur-coated urea, polymer-coated urea, fully coated urea, or partly coated urea.

The combination of the composition (Q4) and the fertilizer (F) can be done in different ways:.

If present, the fertilizer (F) can be contained in varying amounts in the composition (Q4). If present, the amount of (F) is preferably not more than <NUM> wt. % stands for "percent by weight"), more preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, particularly not more than <NUM> wt. %, for example not more than <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4). If present, the amount of (F) is preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, more preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, particularly at least <NUM> wt. %, for example at least <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4).

The properties of the composition (Q4) - such as stability, storage life, or stability when applied to or coated on nitrogen-containing fertilizers (F) such as urea - may depend on the pH of the corresponding composition. In general, the composition (Q4) can have any pH value. The pH value of the composition (Q4) is preferably not more than <NUM>, more preferably not more than <NUM>, most preferably not more than <NUM>, particularly preferably not more than <NUM>, particularly most preferably not more than <NUM>, particularly not more than <NUM>, for example not more than <NUM>. The pH value of the composition (Q4) is preferably at least <NUM>, more preferably at least <NUM>, most preferably at least <NUM>, particularly preferably at least <NUM>, particularly most preferably at least <NUM>, particularly at least <NUM>, for example at least <NUM>. The pH value of the composition (Q4) is preferably in the range of from <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, particularly preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, particularly most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, particularly from <NUM> to <NUM>, for example from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The composition (Q4) can further optionally contain the compound (K) selected from the group consisting of.

If present, the compound (K) can generally be contained in varying amounts in the composition (Q4). If present, the amount of (K) is preferably not more than <NUM> wt. % stands for "percent by weight"), more preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, particularly not more than <NUM> wt. %, for example not more than <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4). If present, the amount of (K) is preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, more preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, particularly at least <NUM> wt. %, for example at least <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4).

The composition (Q4) further contains a solvent or liquid carrier (M). (M) is
(L426) a mixture of propane-<NUM>,<NUM>-diol (alpha-propylene glycol; <NPL>) and DMSO.

The solvent or liquid carrier (M) can be contained in varying amounts in the composition (Q4). The amount of (M) is preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, more preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, particularly preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, particularly not more than <NUM> wt. %, for example not more than <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4). If present, the amount of (M) is at least <NUM> wt. %, more preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, particularly preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, particularly at least <NUM> wt. %, for example at least <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4).

The amount of DMSO is preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, more preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, particularly preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, particularly not more than <NUM> wt. %, for example not more than <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4). The amount of DMSO is at least <NUM> wt. %, more preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, particularly preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most particularly preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, particularly at least <NUM> wt. %, for example at least <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition (Q4).

The composition (Q4) can further optionally contain components (H) which are selected from the group consisting of auxiliaries, solid carriers, surfactants, adjuvants, thickeners, bactericides, anti-freezing agents, anti-foaming agents, colorants, tackifiers, binders, preservatives, antioxidants, and odorants. The component (H) is different from the components (A), (L1), (C) and (D).

Suitable auxiliaries are solid carriers or fillers, surfactants, dispersants, emulsifiers, wetters, adjuvants, solubilizers, penetration enhancers, protective colloids, adhesion agents, thickeners, humectants, repellents, attractants, feeding stimulants, compatibilizers, bactericides, anti-freezing agents, anti-foaming agents, colorants, tackifiers and binders. One of the preferred auxiliaries is Neem oil or an extract of the Neem plant or Neem seed.

Suitable solid carriers or fillers are mineral earths, e.g. silicates, silica gels, talc, kaolins, limestone, lime, chalk, clays, dolomite, diatomaceous earth, bentonite, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide; polysaccharides, e.g. cellulose, starch; fertilizers, e.g. ammonium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, ureas; products of vegetable origin, e.g. cereal meal, tree bark meal, wood meal, nutshell meal, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable surfactants are surface-active compounds, such as anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants, block polymers, polyelectrolytes, and mixtures thereof. Such surfactants can be used as emusifier, dispersant, solubilizer, wetter, penetration enhancer, protective colloid, or adjuvant. Examples of surfactants are listed in <NPL>.

Suitable anionic surfactants are alkali, alkaline earth or ammonium salts of sulfonates, sulfates, phosphates, carboxylates, and mixtures thereof. Examples of sulfonates are alkylarylsulfonates, diphenylsulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, lignine sulfonates, sulfonates of fatty acids and oils, sulfonates of ethoxylated alkylphenols, sulfonates of alkoxylated arylphenols, sulfonates of condensed naphthalenes, sulfonates of dodecyl- and tridecylbenzenes, sulfonates of naphthalenes and alkyl naphthalenes, sulfosuccinates or sulfosuccinamates. Examples of sulfates are sulfates of fatty acids and oils, of ethoxylated alkylphenols, of alcohols, of ethoxylated alcohols, or of fatty acid esters. Examples of phosphates are phosphate esters. Examples of carboxylates are alkyl carboxylates, and carboxylated alcohol or alkylphenol ethoxylates.

Suitable nonionic surfactants are alkoxylates, N-subsituted 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 <NUM> to <NUM> equivalents. Ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide may be employed for the alkoxylation, preferably ethylene oxide. Examples of N-subsititued 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 or alkylpolygluco-sides. Examples of polymeric surfactants are home- or copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone, vinylal-cohols, or vinylacetate.

Suitable cationic surfactants are quaternary surfactants, for example quaternary ammonium compounds with one or two hydrophobic groups, or salts of long-chain primary amines. Suitable amphoteric surfactants are alkylbetains and imidazolines. Suitable block polymers are block polymers of the A-B or A-B-A type comprising 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 polyethyleneamines.

Suitable adjuvants are compounds, which have a neglectable or even no pesticidal activity themselves, and which improve the biological performance of the compound I on the target. Examples are surfactants, mineral or vegetable oils, and other auxilaries. Further examples are listed by <NPL>.

Suitable thickeners are polysaccharides (e.g. xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose), anorganic clays (organically modified or unmodified), polycarboxylates, and silicates.

Suitable bactericides are bronopol and isothiazolinone derivatives such as alkylisothiazolinones and benzisothiazolinones.

Suitable anti-freezing agents are ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, urea and glycerin.

Suitable anti-foaming agents are silicones, long chain alcohols, and salts of fatty acids.

Suitable colorants (e.g. in red, blue, or green) are pigments of low water solubility and water-soluble dyes. Examples are.

Preferred colorants are metal-complex dyes, more preferably chromium-complex dyes, for example Orasol Yellow <NUM>.

Suitable tackifiers or binders are polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyvinylacetates, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylates, biological or synthetic waxes, and cellulose ethers.

Suitable preservatives include e.g. sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, and derivatives thereof.

Suitable antioxidants include sulfites, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, tocopherol acetate, tocotrienol, melatonin, carotene, beta-carotene, ubiquinol, and derivatives thereof. Tocophercol acetate is preferred as antioxidant.

Suitable odorants include perfume materials which are for example mentioned in <CIT>, including allo-ocimene, Allyl cyclohexanepropionate, Allyl heptanoate, trans-Anethole, Benzyl butyrate, Camphene, Cadinene, Carvacrol, cis-<NUM>-Hexenyl tiglate, Citronellol, Citronellyl acetate, Citronellyl nitrile, Citronellyl propionate, Cyclohexylethyl acetate, Decyl Aldehyde (Capraldehyde), Dihydromyrcenol, Dihydromyrcenyl acetate, <NUM>,<NUM>-Dimethyl-<NUM>-octanol, Diphenyloxide, Fenchyl Acetate (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-Trimethyl-<NUM>-norbornanyl acetate), Geranyl acetate, Geranyl formate, Geranyl nitrile, cis-<NUM>-Hexenyl isobutyrate, Hexyl Neopentanoate, Hexyl tiglate, alpha-lonone, Ethyl Vanillin L80, Isoeugenol, Methyl cinnamate, Methyl dihydrojasmonate, Methyl beta-naphthyl ketone, Phenoxy ethyl isobutyrate, Vanillin L28, Isobornyl acetate, Isobutyl benzoate, Isononyl acetate, Isononyl alcohol (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-Trimethyl-<NUM>-hexanol), Isopulegyl acetate, Lauraldehyde, d-Limonene, Linalyl acetate, (-)-L-Menthyl acetate, Methyl Chavicol (Estragole), Methyl n-nonyl acetaldehyde, methyl octyl acetaldehyde, beta-Myrcene, Neryl acetate, Nonyl acetate, Nonaldehyde, p-Cymene, alpha-Pinene, beta-Pinene, alpha-Terpinene, gamma-Terpinene, alpha-Terpinyl acetate, Tetrahydrolinalool, Tetrahydromyrcenol, <NUM>-Undecenal, Verdox (o-t-Butylcyclohexyl acetate), Vertenex (<NUM>-tert,Butylcyclohexyl acetate). Citronellyl nitrile is preferred as odorant.

According to one embodiment, individual components of the composition (Q4) such as parts of a kit or parts of a binary or ternary mixture may be mixed by the user himself in a spray tank and further auxiliaries may be added, if appropriate.

If present, the component (H) can be contained in varying amounts in the composition (Q4). If present, the amount of (H) is preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, more preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, most preferably not more than <NUM> wt. %, particularly not more than <NUM> wt. %, for example not more than <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the corresponding composition (Q4). If present, the amount of (H) is preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, more preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, most preferably at least <NUM> wt. %, particularly at least <NUM> wt. %, for example at least <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the corresponding composition (Q4).

The weight ratio of the mixture (A) to the amine (L1) is preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, more preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, most preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, particularly preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, particularly most preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, particularly between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, for example between <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

The weight ratio of the mixture (A) to the amine (C) - as far as (C) is present - is preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, more preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, most preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, particularly preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, particularly most preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, particularly between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, for example between <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

The weight ratio of the mixture (A) to the amide (D) - as far as (D) is present - is preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, more preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, most preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, particularly preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, particularly most preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, particularly between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, for example between <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

According to the invention, a process for treating the soil comprising applying the composition (Q4) into the soil in-furrow and/or as side-dress and/or as broadcast was found.

Preferably, said process comprises: applying the composition (Q4) by spraying it onto the soil. More preferably, said process are conducted in a way wherein the composition (Q4) is - either at the same time (i.e. simultaneously) or with a time difference (i.e. separately) - applied together with at least one nitrogen-containing fertilizer (F) into the soil in-furrow and/or as side-dress and/or as broadcast.

According to the invention, the composition (Q4) can be used as additive or as coating material for nitrogen-containing fertilizers (F), particularly for urea-containing fertilizer (F1), for example for urea. According to one preferred embodiment, the composition (Q4) is used as coating material for nitrogen-containing fertilizers (F), particularly for urea-containing fertilizer (F1), for example for urea. The nitrogen-containing fertilizer (F) cam be in crystalline, granulated, compacted, prilled or ground form, and is preferably in granulated from.

The composition (Q4) can be applied to or on nitrogen-containing fertilizers (F) by either mixing (Q4), in either liquid or solid form, with the nitrogen-containing fertilizer (F), or incorporating them into (F) by granulation, compacting or prilling, by addition to a corresponding fertilizer mixture or to a mash or melt. Preferably, the composition (Q4) is applied to the surface of existing granules, compacts or prills of the nitrogen-containing fertilizer (F) - particularly of the urea-containing fertilizer (F1) - by means of spraying, powder application or impregnating, for example. This can also be done using further auxiliaries such as adhesive promoters or encasing materials. Examples of apparatuses suitable for performing such application include plates, drums, mixers or fluidized-bed apparatus, although application may also take place on conveyor belts or their discharge points or by means of pneumatic conveyors for solids. A concluding treatment with anticaking agents and/or antidust agents is likewise possible. The composition (Q4) is used in the context of fertilization with nitrogen-containing fertilizer (F), particularly with urea-containing fertilizer (F1). Application takes place preferably to an agriculturally or horticulturally exploited plot.

In parallel with the improvement of the utilization of nitrogen in the urea-containing, mineral and organic fertilizers, the use of the composition (Q4) has the effect that there is an increase - in some cases considerably - in the yields or production of biomass of crop plants.

The composition (Q4) may be added to organic fertilizers, such as liquid manure, for example, during the actual storage of such fertilizers, in order thus to prevent nitrogen nutrient losses, by virtue of decelerated conversion of the individual forms of nitrogen into gaseous nitrogen compounds, which are therefore volatile, and in order as a result, at the same time, to contribute to a lowering of the ammonia load in animal stables.

In this context it is immaterial whether the composition (Q4) is incorporated, by melting, for example, into the nitrogen-containing fertilizer (F), or else are applied to the fertilizer surface or applied separately from the spreading of the fertilizer, in the form, for example, of a (suspension) concentrate, a solution or a formulation.

For the below examples, the below Table <NUM> and <FIG>, the following abbreviations have been used:.

For the preferred embodiments as listed in Table <NUM>, the following abbreviations are used in addition to the abbreviations listed above:.

A particularly preferred composition (Q4) is a composition comprising (a) NBPT and/or NPPT, (b) a mixture of propylene glycol and DMSO (L426), and (c) polytriethanolamine (L619).

A further preferred composition (Q4) is a composition comprising (a) NBPT and/or NPPT, (b) a mixture of propylene glycol and DMSO (L426), and (c) a polytriethanolamine with a weight average molecular weight in the range of from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol (L620).

A further preferred composition (Q4) is a composition comprising (a) NBPT and/or NPPT, (b) a mixture of propylene glycol and DMSO (L426), and (c) linear polyethyleneimine (L610).

A further preferred composition (Q4) is a composition comprising (a) NBPT and/or NPPT, (b) a mixture of propylene glycol and DMSO (L426), and (c) linear polyethyleneimine (L611).

A further preferred composition (Q4) is a composition comprising (a) NBPT and/or NPPT, (b) a mixture of propylene glycol and DMSO (L426), and (c) polyethyleneimine with <NUM> to <NUM> EO (ethylene oxide) per NH unit (L613).

A further preferred composition (Q4) is a composition comprising (a) NBPT and/or NPPT, (b) a mixture of propylene glycol and DMSO (L426), and (c) polyethyleneimine with <NUM> to <NUM> PO (propylene oxide) per NH unit (L614).

A particularly preferred composition (Q4) is a composition comprising (a) <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % NBPT and/or NPPT, (b) a mixture of <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % propylene glycol and of <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % DMSO (L426), and (c) <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % polytriethanolamine (L619).

A further preferred composition (Q4) is a composition comprising (a) <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % NBPT and/or NPPT, (b) a mixture of <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % propylene glycol and of <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % DMSO (L426), and (c) <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % of a polytriethanolamine with a weight average molecular weight in the range of from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol (L620).

A further preferred composition (Q4) is a composition comprising (a) <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % NBPT and/or NPPT, (b) a mixture of <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % propylene glycol and of <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % DMSO (L426), and (c) <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % linear polyethyleneimine (L610).

A further preferred composition (Q4) is a composition comprising (a) <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % NBPT and/or NPPT, (b) a mixture of <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % propylene glycol and of <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % DMSO (L426), and (c) <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % linear polyethyleneimine (L611).

A further preferred composition (Q4) is a composition comprising (a) <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % NBPT and/or NPPT, (b) a mixture of <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % propylene glycol and of <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % DMSO (L426), and (c) <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % polyethyleneimine with <NUM> to <NUM> EO (ethylene oxide) per NH unit (L613).

A further preferred composition (Q4) is a composition comprising (a) <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % NBPT and/or NPPT, (b) a mixture of <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % propylene glycol and of <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % DMSO (L426), and (c) <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % polyethyleneimine with <NUM> to <NUM> PO (propylene oxide) per NH unit (L614).

<FIG> shows the gaseous NH3 losses from urea treated or not treated with different (A1) formulations at urea fertilization.

The following compositions as listed in Table <NUM> are preferred embodiments of the present invention. The compositions "i1" to "i16" as listed in Table <NUM> comprise the components (A), (L)i and (L)ii. The compositions "i17" to "i32" comprise the components (A), (L)i, (L)ii, and (L)iii.

The following abbreviations are used for the examples and especially for Table <NUM>:.

The examples which follow illustrate the invention without restricting it.

According to the ratios and components as specified in Table <NUM>, all components were mixed, and the resulting mixture was stirred until complete dissolution of the solid and analyzed for the content of NBPT, NPPT, NxPT (by HPLC), viscosity, dissolution (<NUM>%) in water and pH.

For example, in case of Example no. <NUM>, the technical mixture LTM (<NUM>% pure NxPT) was mixed with <NUM>% DMSO, <NUM>% LFG, and ad100% propylene glycol. The mixture was stirred until complete dissolution of the solid and analyzed for NxPT content (by HPLC), viscosity at <NUM> with a shear rate of 100sec-<NUM>, dissolution (<NUM>%) in water and pH.

According to the ratios and components specified in Table <NUM>, in a first step NBPT+NPPT resp. NxPT are completely dissolved in propylene glycol. Optional heating (e.g. to <NUM>) can accelerate the dissolution of the actives. Following the other specified components are added under stirring. The final formulation is analyzed for the content of NBPT, NPPT, NxPT (by HPLC), viscosity at <NUM> with a shear rate of 100sec-<NUM>, dissolution (<NUM>%) in water and pH.

The mixture of each example (e.g. Example no. <NUM>) was stored in closed bottles for <NUM> days at <NUM> (referred to as heat stability test in the following) and then analyzed for the content of NxPT. The storage stability in % was calculated as difference between the content before and after storage.

The mixture of each example (e.g. Example no. <NUM>) was also stored in closed bottles for <NUM> days at different temperatures (-<NUM> to <NUM>) (referred to as cold stability test in the following). After <NUM> days each sample was seeded with few crystals of NBPT and NPPT and stored for another <NUM> days at the same temperature. Then the solution was visually evaluated if further crystallization occurred. "(+)" means that no crystals were seen, and "(-)" means that crystals have been seen in the visual evaluation.

<NUM> granulated urea was charged to a rotating drum (Type Hege <NUM>) and <NUM> of the formulation of each example (e.g. Example no. <NUM>) was sprayed on the urea using a rotating disc. The homogeneous coated urea was discharged after <NUM> and analyzed for the content of NBPT, NPPT, NxPT (by HPLC).

The coated urea sample of <NUM> was stored in a petri dish for <NUM> weeks at <NUM>% humidity at <NUM> in a climate chamber. For analysis the sample was homogenized and analyzed for the content of NBPT, NPPT, NxPT (by HPLC). The stability on urea in % was calculated as difference between the content before and after storage.

The content of NxPT measured by HPLC measurement is always the sum of the both components NBPT and NBPT.

Viscosity was measured at the undiluted formulation with a cone-plate rheometer AR 2000ex (TA Instruments) at shear rate of <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>.

The pH value was measured at <NUM>% concentration in CIPAC water D.

All examples of the inventions are liquid, clear compositions which are either colorless or yellow.

Table <NUM>: Examples of the compositions of the invention and of comparative compositions, and data on their viscosity, pH value, cold stability, formulation stability and stability on urea.

The method used to measure NH3 volatilization losses from urea in the laboratory is described by Fenn & Kissel (<NUM>) and Terman (<NUM>). In brief, air passes for up to <NUM> days over <NUM> soil Limburgerhof (loamy sand, pH(CaCl<NUM>) <NUM>), with a moisture content of about <NUM>% water holding capacity, in a gas exchange vessel after surface application of <NUM> nitrogen in form of differently formulated urea. To scrub NH<NUM> from the air leaving the vessel at a rate of about <NUM>/min, it is bubbled through a solution of <NUM> <NUM> N H<NUM>SO<NUM>. NH<NUM>-N is quantified at regular intervals in the solution as NH<NUM>-N by means of an autoanalyzer.

(<NUM>) Volatilization losses of nitrogen as ammonia from surface-applied fertilizers, organic amendments and crop residues.

Claim 1:
A composition comprising:
(A) a mixture comprising at least one (thio)phosphoric acid triamide according to the general formula (I)

        R<NUM>R<NUM>N-P(X)(NH<NUM>)<NUM> ,

wherein
X is oxygen or sulfur;
R<NUM> is a C<NUM> to C<NUM> alkyl, C<NUM> to C<NUM> cycloalkyl, C<NUM> to C<NUM> aryl, or dialkylaminocarbonyl group;
R<NUM> is H, or
R<NUM> and R<NUM> together with the nitrogen atom linking them define a <NUM>- or <NUM>-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic radical, which optionally comprises <NUM> or <NUM> further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur,
and
(L1) at least one amine selected from the group consisting of (L14) or (L15):
(L14) polyethyleneimine according to the general formula (V)
<CHM>
which has an average molar mass (MW) of from <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>/mol and in which
R<NUM> to R<NUM> are - independently from each other - hydrogen, linear or branched C<NUM>- to C<NUM>-alkyl, -alkoxy, -polyoxyalkylene, -polyoxyethylene, -hydroxyalkyl, -(alkyl)carboxy, -phosphonoalkyl, -alkylamino radicals, C<NUM>- to C<NUM>-alkenyl radicals or C<NUM>- to C<NUM>-aryl, -aryloxy, -hydroxyaryl, -arylcarboxy or -arylamino radicals which are optionally further substituted, and
R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> may - independently from each other - optionally be each additionally further polyethyleneimine polymer chains, and
R<NUM> may optionally be an NR<NUM>R<NUM> or an NH<NUM> radical, and
x, y and z are - independently from each other - <NUM> or an integer, wherein the sum of x, y and z must be chosen in such a way that the average molar mass is within the specified range;
(L15) polyethyleneimine according to the general formula (V) wherein at least one of the radicals R<NUM> to R<NUM> is a polyoxyalkylene radical,
and further comprising a mixture of propane-<NUM>,<NUM>-diol (alpha-propylene glycol) and DMSO.