Synthesis, surface properties and biological activity of long chain ammonium herbicidal ionic liquids

Abstract

Herbicidal ionic liquids exhibit many advantages compared to conventional chemical plant protection agents, which allow for a reduction of the herbicide dose per hectare and decrease of toxicity. Popular herbicides, such as 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic (MCPA) or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D) acids, can be modified by reaction with long chain ammonium cations in order to obtain novel forms. The aim of this study was to present an alternative method for the synthesis of herbicidal ionic liquids based on a natural cation known as Ethoquad C/12 and to analyze the physicochemical properties and herbicidal activity of the obtained products. New ionic liquids comprising MCPA and 2,4-D as anions were obtained and their chemical as well as thermal stability were evaluated. Furthermore, their biological and surface activity were investigated. The obtained results confirmed that the herbicidal activity has been preserved.