Liquid formulations of urease inhibitors for fertilizers

Abstract

An improved solvent system for the formulation and application of N-alkyl thiophosphoric triamide urease inhibitors. These formulations provide safety and performance benefits relative to existing alternatives and enable storage, transport and subsequent coating or blending with urea based or organic based fertilizers. These formulations are comprised primarily of environmentally friendly aprotic and protic solvents (particularly dimethyl sulfoxide and alcohols/polyols) to stabilize the urease inhibitor.

Claims

1. A formulation comprising N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide and dimethyl sulfoxide, or R.sub.1S(O)R.sub.2 wherein R.sub.1 is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, phenyl or benzyl and R.sub.2 is ethyl, n-propyl, phenyl or benzyl; and one or more members selected from the group consisting of ethylene or propylene carbonate; or mixtures thereof, an alcohol or a polyol selected from the group consisting of alkylene and poly(alkylene) glycols, glycerin, and ethyl, propyl or butyl lactate; wherein the formulation is prepared by dissolving the N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide into the dimethyl sulfoxide, or R.sub.1S(O)R.sub.2, and wherein the formulation further has the alcohol or the polyol selected from the group consisting of alkylene and poly(alkylene) glycols, glycerin, or the ethylene or propylene carbonate, or the ethyl, propyl or butyl lactate added to the formulation.

2. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the formulation comprises dimethyl sulfoxide.

3. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the formulation is a formulation that is non-toxic.

4. The formulation of claim 3, wherein the formulation can be transported without significant degradation of the formulation, and the formulation is made by tank mixing, using a metering system to inject materials simultaneously, or mixing via a spray injection system.

5. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the formulation comprises alkylene carbonate, which is ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, or mixtures thereof.

6. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the formulation comprises polyol, which is glycerin, alkylene or poly(alkylene) glycols or mixtures thereof.

7. The formulation of claim 6, wherein the formulation comprises polyol, which is an alkylene glycol selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene, butylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

8. The formulation of claim 6, wherein the polyol is glycerin.

9. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the formulation comprises lactate, which is ethyl, propyl, or butyl lactate.

10. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) is present in an amount that is 5-75 wt. % of the formulation.

11. The formulation of claim 1, which has been diluted with water.

12. A fertilizer additive comprising N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide and R.sub.1S(O) R.sub.2 wherein R.sub.1 is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, phenyl or benzyl and R.sub.2 is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, phenyl or benzyl, and one or more members selected from the group consisting of an ethylene or propylene carbonate or mixtures thereof, an alcohol or a polyol selected from the group consisting of alkylene and poly(alkylene) glycols, glycerin, and ethyl, propyl or butyl lactate wherein the fertilizer additive is prepared by dissolving the N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide into the R.sub.1S(O) R.sub.2 and one or more members selected from the group consisting of the ethylene or propylene carbonate or mixtures thereof, the alcohol or the polyol selected from the group consisting of alkylene and poly(alkylene) glycols, glycerin, and the ethyl, propyl or butyl lactate.

13. The fertilizer additive of claim 12, wherein the fertilizer additive comprises N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide and dimethyl sulfoxide and one or more members selected from the group consisting of an ethylene or propylene carbonate or mixtures thereof, an alcohol or a polyol selected from the group consisting of alkylene and poly(alkylene) glycols, glycerin, and ethyl, propyl or butyl lactate.

14. The fertilizer additive of claim 13, wherein the fertilizer comprises one or more polyalkylene glycols.

15. The fertilizer additive of claim 14, wherein the one or more polyalkylene glycols are selected from the group consisting of polymethylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, polybutylene glycols, and mixtures thereof.

16. A method of reducing the volatility of urea fertilizers comprising adding a composition to the urea fertilizers wherein the composition comprises N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide and R.sub.1S(O) R.sub.2 wherein R.sub.1 is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, phenyl or benzyl and R.sub.2 is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, phenyl or benzyl, and one or more members selected from the group consisting of an ethylene or propylene carbonate or mixtures thereof, an alcohol or a polyol selected from the group consisting of alkylene and poly(alkylene) glycols, glycerin, and ethyl, propyl or butyl lactate wherein the formulation is prepared by dissolving the N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide into the R.sub.1S(O) R.sub.2 and wherein the composition further has the alcohol or the polyol selected from the group consisting of alkylene and poly(alkylene) glycols, glycerin, or the ethyl, propyl or butyl lactate added to the composition.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein R.sub.1S(O) R.sub.2 is dimethyl sulfoxide.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the composition comprises alkylene carbonate, which is ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate or mixtures thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows accelerated chemical stability of NBPT solutions comparing the test product (50% PG, 25% DMSO, 25% NBPT) vs. the commercial product containing N-methyl pyrrolidone. The stability testing was conducted at 50° C., and concentrations were assayed by HPLC.

(2) FIG. 2 shows accelerated chemical stability of NBPT solutions comparing the test product (35% PG, 40% DMSO, 25% NBPT) vs. the commercial product containing N-methyl pyrrolidone. The stability testing was conducted at 50° C., and concentrations were assayed by HPLC.

(3) FIG. 3 shows accelerated chemical stability of NBPT solutions comparing the test product (20% PG, 40% DMSO, 40% NBPT) vs. the commercial product containing N-methyl pyrrolidone. The stability testing was conducted at 50° C., and concentrations were assayed by HPLC.

(4) FIG. 4 shows accelerated chemical stability of NBPT solutions comparing the test product (48.5% glycerine, 1.5% methanol, 25% DMSO, 25% NBPT) vs. the commercial product containing N-methylpyrrolidone. The stability testing was conducted at 50° C., and concentrations were assayed by

(5) FIG. 5 shows accelerated chemical stability of NBPT solutions comparing the test product (48.5% glycerine, 1.5% methanol, 25% DMSO, 25% NBPT) vs. the commercial product containing N-methylpyrrolidone. The stability testing was conducted at 50° C., and concentrations were assayed by HPLC.

(6) FIG. 6 shows accelerated chemical stability of four NBPT solutions: Mix A; 75.0% N-methylpyrrolidone, 25% NBPT. Mix B; 75 PG, 25% NBPT. Mix C; 75.0% Buffered mix, 25.0% NBPT. Mix D; 75% DMSO, 25.0% NBPT. The stability testing was conducted at 50° C., and concentrations were assayed by HPLC.

(7) FIG. 7 shows viscosity testing results comparing mixtures of propylene glycol with varying percentages of co-solvents DMSO vs. NMP. Viscosities were measured using a Brookfield LVDV-E digital rotational viscometer with LVDV-E spindle set. Also shown is the viscosity of the commercial NBPT product, which contains NMP and PG, of example 2.

(8) FIG. 8 shows viscosity testing results comparing mixtures of glycerol with varying percentages of co-solvents DMSO vs. NMP. Viscosities were measured using a Brookfield LVDV-E digital rotational viscometer with LVDV-E spindle set. Also shown is the viscosity of the commercial NBPT product, which contains NMP and PG, of example 2.

(9) FIG. 9 shows viscosity testing results comparing mixtures of monoisopropanolamine (MIPA) with varying percentages of co-solvents DMSO vs. NMP. Viscosities were measured using a Brookfield LVDV-E digital rotational viscometer with LVDV-E spindle set. Also shown is the viscosity of the commercial NBPT product, which contains NMP and PG, of example 2.

(10) FIG. 10 shows ammonia emissions testing results from soil which had been applied commercial urea fertilizer vs. commercial urea fertilizer coated with an NBPT solution containing 50.0% PG, 30.0% DMSO, and 20.0% NBPT by weight. The testing was conducted for 7 days at 22° C. using a commercially available potting soil blend, and was analyzed using a chemiluminescence ammonia analyzer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) In an embodiment, the present invention relates to formulations containing N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT). In an embodiment, these formulations are prepared by dissolving NBPT into an aprotic solvent consisting of a) dimethyl sulfoxide, b) dialkyl, diaryl, or alkylaryl sulfoxide having the formula R.sub.1—SO—R.sub.2, when R.sub.1 is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, phenyl or benzyl and R.sub.2 is ethyl, n-propyl, phenyl or benzyl, c) sulfolane, d) ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, or mixtures thereof. In an embodiment, these formulations can be mixed with a protic component consisting of 1) an alcohol or polyol from the family of alkylene and poly(alkylene) glycols (PG), 2) an alkylene glycol from the group comprised of ethylene, propylene, or butylene glycol, 3) glycerin, 4) an alkanolamine from the group comprising ethanolamine, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine, methyl diethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine and triethanolamine, and/or 5) ethyl, propyl, or butyl lactate.

(12) In one embodiment, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is used as a replacement in NBPT-based agrichemical products for more toxic solvents such as, for N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP).

(13) In one embodiment, the solution is either combined with a dry granular or liquid urea fertilizer and applied to cropland to make the fertilizer more effective for plant growth, and/or applied directly to urea-containing lands, surfaces, or products to reduce ammonia emissions.

(14) In one embodiment, coated granular urea products containing additional plant nutrients can be prepared from granular urea, a source or sources of the additional nutrients in powdered form and the diluted NBPT containing mixture described below. Granular urea can be first dampened with the diluted NBPT containing mixture followed by mixing to distribute the NBPT containing liquid mixture over the granular urea surface using any commonly used equipment to commingle a liquid with a granular solid. After distribution of the diluted NBPT containing mixture over the granular surface, the additional nutrients in powdered form can be added to the dampened mixture and the resulting combined ingredients can be further mixed to distribute the powdered materials. In an alternate embodiment, the powdered materials may be first mixed with the granular urea and then the NBPT containing diluted mixture can be sprayed onto a tumbling bed of the dry ingredients to agglomerate the dry materials. This latter method may be particularly suited to continuous processing.

(15) The term “urea fertilizer” as used herein refers to both natural and synthetic ureas, either used alone or mixed with other macro- and/or micronutrients and/or organic matter. Dry granular urea fertilizer contains about 46% nitrogen by weight.

(16) In one embodiment, the compounds listed in this invention as aprotic and protic solvents may be described generally as sulfoxides and alcohols, respectively.

(17) In an embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of safer and more environmentally friendly solvents to overcome the limitations of specific existing urease inhibitor formations. In an embodiment, the solvents used in the present invention are less toxic than the solvents that have been used in the prior art, for example, NMP.

(18) In an embodiment, the formulations use combinations of polar aprotic solvents (sulfoxides, sulfones, dialkyl carbonates) with protic solvents (glycols, triols, and alkanolamines) to produce NBPT formulations having acceptable viscosity levels and high NBPT loading while also being relatively non-toxic. Moreover, in an embodiment, the protic/aprotic solvent mixtures demonstrate excellent NBPT stability as demonstrated by accelerated stability testing.

(19) One aspect of the invention involves the use of dimethyl sulfoxide as a replacement for the more hazardous liquid amide component in formulations requiring such a co-solvent to modify the formulation's flow properties. In this aspect, this is a considerable improvement in light of increased regulatory scrutiny of the liquid amide solvents.

(20) In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of DMSO with NBPT instead of NMP. NMP has a recognized reproductive toxicity and an examination of acute toxicity data shows that NMP is considerably more hazardous than dimethyl sulfoxide, by any exposure route. A summary of basic toxicological indicators is given in Table 1.

(21) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Comparative acute/reproductive toxicity data for dimethyl sulfoxide and N-methyl pyrrolidone. Toxicological indicator Dimethyl sulfoxide N-methyl pyrrolidone CAS [67-68-4] [872-50-4] Oral LD-50 14,500-28,300 3,914 Dermal LD-50 40,000 8,000 Inhalation toxicity None established 3200 μg/day (MADL) Reproductive toxin no yes MADL = Maximum Allowable Dosage Level per day (California Proposition 65)

(22) As shown in the table above, it should be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that DMSO is significantly less toxic than NMP. Furthermore, DMSO is classified as ‘a solvent with low toxic potential (Class 3)’—the most favorable rating.

(23) In one embodiment, the present invention addresses the shortcomings of solvents of the prior art by the use of specific mixtures of low toxicity polar aprotic solvents (most principally dimethyl sulfoxide) and various common protic solvents, that also tend to be relatively non-toxic.

(24) In an embodiment, the present invention relates to formulations comprising aprotic/protic solvent mixtures that are used to fluidize the specific urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide such that it might be used to coat fertilizer products.

(25) In one embodiment, phosphate coatings for urea may be used wherein the coating is applied to urea as an aqueous phosphate mixture prior to adding the fertilizer additive of the present invention.

(26) In an embodiment, chelated micronutrients may be used to coat fertilizer materials. Alternatively and/or additionally, polymer coatings may be used which control the delivery of fertilizer materials.

(27) In one embodiment, the formulations of the present invention use DMSO as a solvent. DMSO has an advantage over prior art solvents such as NMP because DMSO does not undergo the hydrolysis that can be significant with NMP (see “M-Pyrrol” product bulletin, International Specialty Products, p. 48). Accordingly, when one uses DMSO, one has significantly more latitude in formulation development.

(28) Further, the solvent properties of DMSO are useful in these formulations in that NBPT concentrations containing over 50 wt. % NBPT are attainable. Such high loading of an active substance by a solvent enables the manufacture of product concentrates, which can be less expensive to store, transport and use. When the fertilizer additive product arrives at the user, the user is able to dilute the concentrate with water and use the fertilizer additive (with fertilizer) for their crops/plants or the like.

(29) In one embodiment, NBPT is dissolved into an aprotic solvent such as dimethyl sulfoxide. The NBPT-aprotic solvent solution may be used alone, or further mixed with a protic solvent to improve product handling, stability, and/or pourability of the solution.

(30) The mixing of the materials may be accomplished in any commonly used method: for example; simply tank mixing materials prior to use, using a metering system to inject materials simultaneously, or mixing via a spray injection system.

(31) In one embodiment, the NBPT/aprotic solvent/protic solvent mixture is mixed to produce a NBPT concentration of 5% to 75% by weight. Alternatively, a NBPT concentration of 5% to 60% by weight may be used. Alternatively, a NBPT concentration of 5% to 50% by weight may be used. Alternatively, a NBPT concentration of 5% to 40% by weight may be used. The initial solubilizing step in dimethyl sulfoxide can be accomplished between room temperature about 19° C. up to about 150° C. (the boiling point of DMSO at atmospheric pressure is −190° C.). Alternatively, the solubilizing step in dimethyl sulfoxide can be accomplished between about 22° C. and up to 60° C.

(32) The mixture can be mixed in any common mixing tank. Although the metering of NBPT, aprotic solvent, and protic solvent can be based on a weight, it may also be based on a volumetric basis.

(33) A dye or colorant can be added to the mixture to aid in visual assessment of uniform coating during the coating of granular urea. Alternatively, a dye or colorant can be added to the mixture to aid in visual assessment of uniform coating during the coating of urea in aqueous mixtures just prior to application. In one embodiment, the colorant can include any nontoxic common food dye.

EXAMPLES

(34) The following examples are provided to illustrate the practice of the invention. The examples are not intended to illustrate the complete range of possible uses. All compositions are based on mass percentages unless expressly stated. Concentrations of individual components are presented before their name. For example, 20.0% NBPT refers to a mixture containing 20.0% NBPT by weight.

Example 1

(35) An NBPT solution was prepared by thoroughly mixing NBPT, DMSO, and PG to obtain the following percentages by weight: 50.0% PG, 30.0% DMSO, 20.0% NBPT.

Example 2

(36) To test for the toxicity of DMSO and compare it to the relative toxicity of NMP, a 96 hr. acute toxicity range-finding test was conducted on juvenile crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) to estimate the lethal concentration to half of the population (LC.sub.50) for the solution as described in example 1. Simultaneously, the LC.sub.50 was determined on a commercially available NBPT solution which contained 26.7% NBPT by weight (per product label), and approximately 10% N-methylpyrrolidone (MSDS range 10-30%), and approximately 63% propylene glycol (MSDS range 40-70%). Crayfish were placed into static chambers and exposed to equal NBPT concentrations of 0, 72, 145, 290, 580, and 1160 mg/L in clean water. The LC.sub.50 of the solution of example 1 was 145 mg NBPT (as active ingredient)/L, while the LC.sub.50 of Agrotain® Ultra was 75 mg NBPT (as active ingredient)/L. Because a higher LC.sub.50 value indicates lower toxicity, the solution of example 1 was approximately half as toxic as the commercial product which contained N-methylpyrrolidone.

(37) This test demonstrates that the formulations of the present invention are significantly less toxic than the formulations of the prior art.

Example 3

(38) NBPT solutions were prepared in DMSO and equal amounts of DMSO/PG to determine the maximum solubility at room temperature of 22° C. Following mixing and sonification, the samples were visually inspected, then filtered through a 0.45 μm filter and analyzed by near infrared reflectance spectrometry. At 22° C., the solubility of NBPT in DMSO was at least 58.9% by weight. The solubility of NBPT in equal amounts of DMSO/PG was at least 55.0% by weight.

(39) It would be expected that at increased temperatures beyond that disclosed above, one might be able to increase the solubility of NBPT above the amounts found in this example providing an avenue for concentrates. Even if the temperature is lowered during transport, instructions on the use of the fertilizer additive may instruct the user to raise the temperature of the formulation to assure complete solubilization of the product prior to use.

Example 4

(40) An NBPT solution was prepared by thoroughly mixing NBPT, DMSO, and PG to obtain the following percentages by weight: 50% PG, 25% DMSO, and 25% NBPT. The commercially available NBPT solution of example 2 was also used for comparison.

Example 5

(41) The NBPT solutions of example 4 were placed into individual vials and incubated for 45 days at 50±1° C. in a laboratory oven. Samples were periodically removed for analysis of NBPT in solution using a Waters model 1525 High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) equipped with a Waters 2489 tunable UV/visible detector. Suitable analytical parameters (mobile phase composition, column selection, etc.) such as would occur to workers knowledgeable in the art were employed, and raw data from the HPLC analyses were calibrated against authentic standards of NBPT having a nominal purity of >99%. FIG. 1 shows the results of the accelerated stability testing.

(42) This test shows that the NBPT did not have significant deterioration at elevated temperatures meaning that the formulations of the present invention can be transported without worrying about significant degradation of the product.

Example 6

(43) An NBPT solution was prepared by thoroughly mixing NBPT, DMSO, and PG to obtain the following percentages by weight: 35% PG, 40% DMSO, and 25% NBPT. The commercially available NBPT solution of example 2 was also used for comparison.

Example 7

(44) The NBPT solutions of example 6 were placed into individual vials and incubated for 45 days at 50±1° C. in a laboratory oven. Samples were periodically removed and analyzed using the procedures of example 5. FIG. 2 shows the results of the accelerated stability testing.

(45) This test shows that the NBPT did not have significant deterioration at elevated temperatures when the relative amounts of DMSO are varied. Accordingly, the formulations of the present invention can be transported without worrying about significant degradation of the product at different DMSO levels.

Example 8

(46) An NBPT solution was prepared by thoroughly mixing NBPT, DMSO, and PG to obtain the following percentages by weight: 20% PG, 40% DMSO, and 40% NBPT. The commercially available NBPT solution of example 2 was also used for comparison.

Example 9

(47) The NBPT solutions of example 8 were placed into individual vials and incubated for 45 days at 50±1° C. in a laboratory oven. Samples were periodically removed and analyzed using the procedures of example 5. FIG. 3 shows the results of the accelerated stability testing.

(48) This test shows that the NBPT did not have significant deterioration at elevated temperatures when the relative amount of NBPT is increased. Accordingly, the formulations of the present invention can be transported without worrying about significant degradation of the product even at a relatively high NBPT concentration.

Example 10

(49) An NBPT solution was prepared by thoroughly mixing NBPT, DMSO, glycerine, and methanol to obtain the following percentages by weight: 48.5% glycerine, 1.5% methanol, 25% DMSO, and 25% NBPT. The commercially available NBPT solution of example 2 was also used for comparison.

Example 11

(50) The NBPT solutions of example 10 were placed into individual vials and incubated for 45 days at 50±1° C. in a laboratory oven. Samples were periodically removed and analyzed using the procedures of example 5. FIG. 4 shows the results of the accelerated stability testing.

(51) This test shows that the NBPT did not have significant deterioration at elevated temperatures with this formulation meaning that this formulation can be transported without worrying about significant degradation of the product.

Example 12

(52) An NBPT solution was prepared by thoroughly mixing NBPT, DMSO, glycerine, and methanol to obtain the following percentages by weight: 33.5% glycerine, 1.5% methanol, 25% DMSO, and 40% NBPT. The commercially available NBPT solution of example 2 was also used for comparison.

Example 13

(53) The NBPT solutions of example 12 were placed into individual vials and incubated for 45 days at 50±1° C. in a laboratory oven. Samples were periodically removed and analyzed using the procedures of example 5. FIG. 5 shows the results of the accelerated stability testing.

(54) This test shows that the NBPT did not have significant deterioration at elevated temperatures with this formulation meaning that this formulation can be transported without worrying about significant degradation of the product.

Example 14

(55) A buffer solution was prepared by carefully mixing monoisopropanolamine (MIPA) with glacial acetic acid (GAA) to obtain the following percentages by weight: 62.5% MIPA, 37.5% GAA. The mixing was conducted such that the temperature of the mixture remained below 50° C. Multiple NBPT solutions were prepared to obtain the following percentages by weight: Mix A: 75% N-methylpyrrolidone, 25% NBPT; Mix B: 75% PG, 25% NBPT; Mix C: 75% Buffer Solution, 25% NBPT; Mix D: 75% DMSO, 25% NBPT.

Example 15

(56) The four NBPT solutions of example 14 were placed into individual vials and incubated for approximately 200 hrs. at 50±1° C. Samples were periodically removed and analyzed using the HPLC procedures of example 5. FIG. 6 shows the results of the accelerated stability testing.

(57) This test shows that Mix C had more sample degradation at elevated temperatures than mixtures containing DMSO (Mix D), NMP (Mix A) or PG (Mix B). It should be noted that PG does not have the pourability of DMSO and NMP is more toxic than DMSO.

Example 16

(58) Dynamic viscosity measurements were collected for propylene glycol, glycerin, and a representative alkanolamine (monoisopropanolamine, MIPA) with increasing levels of DMSO and NMP. A Brookfield LVDV-E digital rotational viscometer with LVDV-E spindle set (Brookfield Engineering Labs, Inc., Middleboro, Mass.) was employed for this work and was calibrated using Cannon N14 general purpose, synthetic base oil viscosity calibration standard solution (Cannon Instrument Company, State College, Pa.). The sampling was conducted at 21° C. FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 display the ability of DMSO to depress the viscosity of NBPT mixtures at 21° C. as a function of concentration, relative to similar NMP measurements.

(59) This test shows that there is virtually no difference between DMSO and NMP in reducing the viscosity of various viscous formulations.

Example 17

(60) A dye solution was added to the solution of example 1. 454 grams of granular urea was added to two clean, dry glass 2000 mL media bottles. Using a pipette, 1.87 mL, to represent application rate of 2 quarts product/ton urea of the dyed solution in example 1, was added to the urea in one of the bottles. Using a pipette, 1.87 mL, to represent application rate of 2 quarts product/ton urea of the commercial solution of example 2, was added to the urea in the other bottle. With the lid on, the media bottles were rotated hand over hand (1 rotation=360-degree hand over hand turn) until the urea was consistently coated. More complete coverage was observed after four turns in the dyed solution of example 1. The number of rotations required to obtain 100% visual coverage was recorded. The dyed solution of example 1 required 30 rotations for complete coverage, while the commercial product of example 2 required 35 rotations.

(61) This test shows that formulations containing DMSO and a dye can more easily cover urea than a corresponding solution containing NMP and a dye.

Example 18

(62) The NBPT solutions of examples 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, together with the commercial NBPT solution of example 2, were placed in a −20° C. freezer for 48 hrs. The NBPT solutions of examples 4, 6, 8, and the commercial NBPT solution of example 2, were all freely flowable at −20° C. The NBPT solution of example 10 was very viscous but still flowable. The NBPT solution of example 12 was a solid at −20° C.

Example 19

(63) Commercial granulated urea was treated with the NBPT solution of example 1. Both untreated and treated urea were applied to a commercially available potting soil blend at 22° C., and ammonia concentrations in the headspace were measured for a 7-day period using a chemiluminescence analyzer. Ammonia concentrations in the treated urea were considerably less than those in the untreated urea. FIG. 10 shows the results of the ammonia emissions testing.

(64) This test shows that NBPT formulations containing DMSO are effective at reducing the hydrolysis of urea to ammonium, thereby reducing ammonia losses to the atmosphere and making the fertilizer more effective.

(65) In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to formulations, fertilizer additives, methods and processes of making and using these formulations and/or fertilizer additives.

(66) In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a formulation comprising N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide and one or more of an C.sub.1-6alkylene carbonate and R.sub.1S(O)xR.sub.2 wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently a C.sub.1-6alkylene group, an aryl group, or C.sub.1-3alkylenearyl group or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 with the sulfur to which they are attached form a 4 to 8 membered ring wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together are a C.sub.1-6 alkylene group which optionally contains one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, N, and P in the ring and x is 1 or 2. In a variation, the atoms in the ring may optionally include O, S, N and P or alternatively, O, S, and N.

(67) In one embodiment, the formulation contains R.sub.1S(O)xR.sub.2, which is dimethyl sulfoxide. Alternatively, the formulation contains R.sub.1S(O)xR.sub.2, which is a dialkyl, diaryl, or alkylaryl sulfoxide. Alternatively, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may be the same or different and each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may be C.sub.1-6 alkylene group, an aryl group, or C.sub.1-3alkylenearyl group.

(68) In an embodiment, R.sub.1 is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, phenyl or benzyl and R.sub.2 is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, phenyl or benzyl or mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, R.sub.1S(O)xR.sub.2 is sulfolane. In an embodiment, the formulation may contain alkylene carbonate, which is ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate or mixtures thereof. In a variation, the formulation may contain alkylene carbonate, which is ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, or mixtures thereof.

(69) In an embodiment, the formulation may further comprise an alcohol or polyol wherein the polyol is alkylene or poly(alkylene) glycols or mixtures thereof. In an embodiment, the polyol is an alkylene glycol selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene, and butylene glycol, or mixtures thereof. In an embodiment, the polyol is glycerin.

(70) In an embodiment, the formulation may further comprise an alkanolamine selected from the group consisting of ethanolamine, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine, methyl diethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine and triethanolamine.

(71) The formulation(s) may contain an aqueous ethanolamine borate such as ARBORITE Binder. In one embodiment, the concentration of the secondary or tertiary amino alcohol may be kept above about 12% and alternatively, above about 20%. When the concentration of aqueous ethanolamine borate is below about a 12% concentration, a suspension of NBPT in the aqueous mixture may form which can be solved by agitation to be used to prepare other products.

(72) In an embodiment of the invention, NBPT may be dissolved by melting the compound with sufficient triethanolamine to provide a mixture with up to about 30% by weight of NBPT. The resulting NBPT mixture in triethanolamine can be used to treat urea as described herein.

(73) In another embodiment of the invention, NBPT is dissolved in diethanolamine in an amount up to 40% by weight by melting the solid into diethanolamine until a solution is obtained. The NBPT diethanolamine mixture may be used to treat urea as described herein.

(74) In another embodiment of the invention, a liquid mixture of diisopropanolamine may be prepared by gently warming the solid until it has liquefied and the mixing NBPT with the solid up to the solubility limit. The liquid NBPT containing mixture in disioproanolamine may be used to treat urea as described herein.

(75) In a variation, the formulation may further comprise ethyl, propyl, or butyl lactate.

(76) In an embodiment, the N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) may be present in an amount that is between about 5-75 wt. % of the formulation. In a variation, the formulation may contain between about 10 and 75 wt. % NBPT, 10 and 50 wt. % DMSO, and 10 and 80 wt. % PG (poly glycol) or alkylene carbonate. In a variation, the formulation may contain between about 10 and 60 wt. % NBPT, 10 and 40 wt. % DMSO, and 10 and 60 wt. % PG or alkylene carbonate. In a variation, the formulation may contain between about 10 and 50 wt. % NBPT, 10 and 50 wt. % DMSO, and 10 and 50 wt. % PG or alkylene carbonate. In a variation, the formulation may contain between about 10 and 40 wt. % NBPT, 10 and 40 wt. % DMSO, and 10 and 50 wt. % PG or alkylene carbonate. In a variation, the formulation may contain between about 20 and 50 wt. % NBPT, 20 and 50 wt. % DMSO, and 10 and 50 wt. % PG or alkylene carbonate. In a variation, the formulation may be diluted with water.

(77) In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a fertilizer additive comprising N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide and one or more of an C.sub.1-6alkylene carbonate and R.sub.1S(O)xR.sub.2 wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently a C.sub.1-6 alkylene group, an aryl group, or C.sub.1-3alkylenearyl group or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 with the sulfur to which they are attached form a 4 to 8 membered ring wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together are a C.sub.1-6 alkylene group which optionally contains one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, N, and P in the ring and x is 1 or 2.

(78) In an embodiment, the fertilizer additive may comprise N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide and dimethyl sulfoxide. In a variation, the fertilizer may further comprise polyalkylene glycols. In a variation, the polyalkylene glycols are selected from the group consisting of polymethylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, polybutylene glycols, and mixtures thereof.

(79) In an embodiment, the fertilizer additive may be any of the embodiments discussed above as it relates to the formulation.

(80) In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of reducing the volatility of urea fertilizers comprising adding a composition that comprises N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide and one or more of an C.sub.1-6alkylene carbonate and R.sub.1S(O)xR.sub.2 wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently a C.sub.1-6 alkylene group, an aryl group, or C.sub.1-3alkylenearyl group or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 with the sulfur to which they are attached form a 4 to 8 membered ring wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together are a C.sub.1-6 alkylene group which optionally contains one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, N, and P in the ring and x is 1 or 2.

(81) In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of making a formulation and/or fertilizer additive, wherein to N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide is added one or more of an C.sub.1-6alkylene carbonate and R.sub.1S(O)xR.sub.2 wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently a C.sub.1-6 alkylene group, an aryl group, or C.sub.1-3alkylenearyl group or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 with the sulfur to which they are attached form a 4 to 8 membered ring wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together are a C.sub.1-6 alkylene group which optionally contains one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, N, and P in the ring and x is 1 or 2.

(82) In an embodiment, the methods may comprise R.sub.1S(O)xR.sub.2, which is dimethyl sulfoxide.

(83) In an embodiment, the methods may comprise C.sub.1-6alkylene carbonate, which is ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate or mixtures thereof.

(84) In an embodiment, the methods may comprise any of the formulations and/or fertilizer additives discussed above.

(85) Every patent mentioned herein is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

(86) It should be understood that the present invention is not to be limited by the above description. Modifications can be made to the above without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is contemplated and therefore within the scope of the present invention that any feature that is described above can be combined with any other feature that is described above. Moreover, it should be understood that the present invention contemplates minor modifications that can be made to the formulations, compositions, fertilizer additives and methods of the present invention. When ranges are discussed, any number that may not be explicitly disclosed but fits within the range is contemplated as an endpoint for the range. The scope of protection to be afforded is to be determined by the claims which follow and the breadth of interpretation which the law allows.