AGNIQUE ME 18 RD-F

Agnique ME 18 RD-F is a naturally derived C18 rapeseed oil methyl ester (methyl canolate) produced by BASF (formerly Cognis), used as a high flash point solvent, carrier oil, and adjuvant base for emulsifiable concentrate, oil dispersion, and tank-mix adjuvant formulations in crop protection applications.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F is produced by the transesterification of rapeseed (canola) oil with methanol, yielding a mixture of C16–C18 and C18-unsaturated fatty acid methyl esters dominated by methyl oleate (C18:1), methyl linoleate (C18:2), and methyl linolenate (C18:3), with smaller proportions of methyl palmitate (C16:0) and methyl stearate (C18:0).
Agnique ME 18 RD-F is a preferred oil adjuvant and carrier solvent in crop protection formulations due to its high flash point greater than 300°C, excellent solvency for hydrophobic active ingredients, low phytotoxicity, ready biodegradability, and renewable bio-based origin from rapeseed (canola) oil.

Manufacturer: BASF SE (formerly Cognis Deutschland GmbH; Cognis acquired by BASF in 2010)
Product Number (PRD): 30531811
CAS Number: 67762-38-3
EC Number: 267-015-4
REACH Registration: 01-2119471664-32-XXXX
Chemical Description: Fatty acids, C16-18 and C18-unsaturated, methyl esters (Rapeseed oil methyl ester)
Common Name: C18 Methyl Canolate Ester; Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester (RME); Canola Oil Methyl Ester (CAME)
Chemical Family: Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME); Rapeseed oil methyl esters (RME)
Product Type: Solvent; Carrier oil; Adjuvant base; Co-solvent; Penetration enhancer
Product Line: Agnique ME (BASF)
Brand: Agnique® (registered trademark of BASF SE)
Industries: Agriculture — Additives for crop protection; Biofuels; Industrial solvents

Synonyms: Agnique ME 18 RD-F, Agnique® ME 18 RD-F, BASF Agnique ME 18 RD-F, Agrimul ME 2230 F (old Cognis name), C18 Methyl Canolate Ester, Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester, Canola Oil Methyl Ester, RME, CAME, Methyl Rapeate, FAME C16-18, Fatty Acids C16-18 and C18-unsaturated Methyl Esters, CAS 67762-38-3, Biodiesel (rapeseed-based)

Agnique ME 18 RD-F is a yellow to amber clear liquid at ambient temperature with a mild fatty characteristic odor, and it is produced in France from European-sourced rapeseed oil by the Cognis/BASF manufacturing facility.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F belongs to the Agnique ME product line, which encompasses fatty acid methyl esters from diverse feedstocks including coconut oil, palm kernel oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, and oleic acid, covering C8 to C18 chain lengths for diverse agricultural and industrial applications.

Agnique ME 18 RD-F is listed and used as a preferred oil adjuvant in numerous crop protection patent literature references from BASF, Bayer, and other agrochemical companies for post-emergence herbicide, fungicide, and insecticide formulations requiring a methylated vegetable oil component to enhance foliar uptake and efficacy.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F is not classified as hazardous under GHS/CLP based on the rapeseed oil methyl ester component (CAS 67762-38-3), which represents the major constituent; formulated products containing Agnique ME 18 RD-F with added surfactants or active ingredients may carry different classification requirements.

Agnique ME 18 RD-F is also known under the designation Methyl Rapeate and is a close equivalent to methylated canola oil products used as herbicide oil concentrate (HOC) adjuvants in North American markets, where it enhances the activity of post-emergence herbicides including graminicides and broadleaf herbicides.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F is registered and used as a component in biodiesel under EN 14214 equivalent standards, demonstrating its compliance with fuel-grade quality standards for rapeseed oil methyl ester.

Uses of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:
Agnique ME 18 RD-F is used as a primary carrier solvent and adjuvant base in emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and oil dispersion (OD) crop protection formulations, providing a high flash point, low phytotoxicity carrier medium for hydrophobic agrochemical active ingredients.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F is used as a tank-mix oil adjuvant and methylated seed oil (MSO) equivalent in post-emergence herbicide applications, where it significantly enhances foliar uptake and translocation of systemic active ingredients including selective graminicides, broadleaf herbicides, and glyphosate-based formulations.

Agnique ME 18 RD-F is used as a penetration enhancer and activating adjuvant that facilitates the movement of systemic herbicides and fungicides through the epicuticular wax layer of plant leaves, improving cuticle permeability and active ingredient absorption particularly under difficult conditions such as low humidity, cold temperatures, and waxy leaf surfaces.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F is used as a co-solvent in suspo-emulsion (SE), microemulsion (ME), and granule (GR) agrochemical formulations, contributing to physical stability, active ingredient solubilization, and compatibility with aqueous and emulsifier components.

Agnique ME 18 RD-F is used as a biodegradable replacement for aromatic solvents and petroleum-based oils in crop protection formulations, significantly reducing VOC emissions and the environmental burden compared to xylene, solvent naphtha, and conventional mineral oil adjuvants.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F is used as a carrier oil in crop oil concentrate (COC) and herbicide oil concentrate (HOC) adjuvant products for use with post-emergence herbicides on corn, soybeans, cereals, and other arable crops requiring enhanced weed control under challenging conditions.

Agnique ME 18 RD-F is used as a biodiesel fuel component and fuel oxygenate in B5, B10, B20, and B100 biodiesel blends, demonstrating the versatility of rapeseed oil methyl ester across fuel and non-fuel applications.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F is used as an industrial solvent, process oil, and lubricant additive in metalworking, plastics, coatings, and textile processing where a high flash point, biodegradable ester is required.

Benefits or Advantages of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:
Agnique ME 18 RD-F has an exceptionally high flash point greater than 300°C, making it inherently safe from a fire hazard perspective during manufacture, storage, and transport, and enabling formulations that comply with regulatory requirements for high flash point solvents.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F is derived from renewable rapeseed (canola) oil, providing a bio-based carbon profile, contributing to lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting formulators in developing more sustainable agrochemical products.

Agnique ME 18 RD-F is readily biodegradable, consistent with the established biodegradability of rapeseed oil methyl ester under OECD 301 test conditions, making it an environmentally preferred solvent in crop protection and industrial applications.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F significantly enhances the foliar uptake and efficacy of systemic post-emergence herbicides, functioning as an activating adjuvant that improves weed control ratings compared to formulations without a methylated oil component.

Agnique ME 18 RD-F has low phytotoxicity to most economically important crops when applied at recommended rates, enabling its use in selective herbicide programs without unacceptable crop damage.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F has a pour point below -10°C and a cloud point of approximately -12°C, ensuring it remains liquid and pourable under typical cold-weather conditions encountered in temperate European and North American agricultural regions.

Features of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:
Agnique ME 18 RD-F is a yellow to amber clear liquid at 25°C with a mild fatty characteristic odor, a viscosity below 50 mPa·s at 25°C, a density of approximately 0.88 g/cm³, and a saponification value of approximately 184 mg KOH/g.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F has a pour point below -10°C, a cloud point of approximately -12°C, a flash point greater than 300°C (closed cup), and a vapor pressure of approximately 0.03 hPa at 20°C, reflecting its low volatility and high thermal stability.

Agnique ME 18 RD-F is insoluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents, fatty alcohols, vegetable oils, and mineral oils, and is compatible with a wide range of nonionic, anionic, and cationic surfactants used in crop protection formulation.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F does not foam excessively, has low viscosity facilitating easy pumping and mixing in formulation manufacturing, and does not solidify at typical storage temperatures encountered in European climate zones.

Chemical Properties of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:
Agnique ME 18 RD-F (CAS 67762-38-3) is classified as fatty acids, C16-18 and C18-unsaturated, methyl esters, consisting primarily of methyl oleate (C18:1, ~55–65%), methyl linoleate (C18:2, ~18–25%), methyl linolenate (C18:3, ~8–12%), methyl palmitate (C16:0, ~4–6%), and methyl stearate (C18:0, ~1–3%), reflecting the typical fatty acid profile of European rapeseed (canola) oil.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F is chemically stable under normal storage and handling conditions; as a polyunsaturated ester mixture containing linoleate and linolenate groups, it has moderate oxidative stability and should be stored protected from prolonged air exposure, elevated temperatures, and metal ion contamination that could catalyze oxidation.

Agnique ME 18 RD-F is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, concentrated strong acids, and concentrated strong alkalis at elevated temperatures; it undergoes saponification under strongly alkaline conditions and hydrolysis under strongly acidic or alkaline conditions.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F thermal decomposition or combustion may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating organic fumes; it has a very high auto-ignition temperature well above its very high flash point.

Production of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:
Agnique ME 18 RD-F is produced by BASF (Cognis origin) in France through the base-catalyzed transesterification of rapeseed (canola) oil with methanol using sodium or potassium methoxide catalyst, followed by glycerol separation, water washing, neutralization, drying, and filtration to obtain fuel-quality or agrochemical-grade rapeseed oil methyl ester.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F production controls fatty acid methyl ester composition by GC, acid value, saponification value, water content, cloud point, and color to ensure compliance with product specifications for agricultural and industrial use.

Agnique ME 18 RD-F is available from BASF SE through the BASF global supply network and BTC Europe distribution; the product-specific Safety Data Sheet and Technical Data Sheet should be obtained from the local BASF representative prior to use.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F is available in bulk tanker, IBC, and drum packaging formats for large-scale agrochemical formulation and industrial applications.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:

Handling of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:
Agnique ME 18 RD-F should be handled in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices and in compliance with the Safety Data Sheet available from BASF.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F handling requires avoiding contact with eyes and prolonged skin contact, keeping away from oxidizers, concentrated acids, and bases, and storing in tightly sealed original containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.

SDS of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:

Stability and Reactivity of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:

Chemical stability:
Agnique ME 18 RD-F is stable under normal storage and handling conditions in sealed containers protected from oxidation, heat, and light.

Reactivity:
No dangerous reaction is expected under normal conditions of use.
Agnique ME 18 RD-F may undergo slow oxidation of unsaturated ester groups on prolonged exposure to air, heat, or metal ion catalysts; it may react with strong oxidizing agents or concentrated acids and bases.

Conditions to avoid:
Excessive heat and prolonged elevated temperature storage.
Prolonged exposure to air (oxidative stability concern for unsaturated esters).
Direct sunlight.
Contact with strong oxidizing agents.
Contact with concentrated strong acids or bases.
Metal ion contamination (may catalyze oxidation).

Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents.
Concentrated strong acids.
Concentrated strong alkalis.
Reactive metals and metal salts at elevated temperatures.

Hazardous decomposition products:
Carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon dioxide (CO2).
Irritating organic vapors and fumes (under fire or thermal decomposition conditions).

Handling and Storage of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:

Handling:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged or repeated skin contact.
Keep away from oxidizers, concentrated acids, and concentrated bases.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in handling areas.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed original containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Protect Agnique ME 18 RD-F from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and prolonged air exposure.
Keep away from strong oxidizing agents and incompatible materials.
Shelf life is up to 1 year under recommended storage conditions in original sealed containers; quality should be confirmed beyond 1 year by retesting certificate of analysis parameters.

First Aid Measures of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:

Inhalation:
Move affected person to fresh air.
If vapor or mist causes respiratory irritation, seek medical advice.

Skin contact:
Remove contaminated clothing immediately and dispose of safely.
Wash affected skin with soap and plenty of water.
Seek medical advice if irritation persists.

Eye contact:
Immediately rinse cautiously with clean water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Seek medical attention if irritation, redness, or pain persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel.
Seek medical advice if discomfort or nausea occurs.

Firefighting Measures of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:

Suitable extinguishing media:
Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide.

Specific hazards:
Agnique ME 18 RD-F has a very high flash point greater than 300°C; it is combustible but not readily ignitable under normal conditions.
Thermal decomposition or combustion may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating organic fumes.

Protective equipment for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.

Firefighting instructions:
Cool exposed containers with water spray.
Prevent contaminated firefighting water from entering drains or waterways.

Accidental Release Measures of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:

Personal precautions:
Avoid contact with eyes and skin; spilled Agnique ME 18 RD-F creates a slipping hazard.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Remove clothing contaminated with spilled material immediately.

Environmental precautions:
Prevent Agnique ME 18 RD-F from entering drains, sewers, soil, or waterways; it may be harmful to aquatic organisms at high concentrations.

Methods for cleaning up:
Contain spill with inert absorbent material such as sand or vermiculite.
Collect into properly labeled waste containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Clean contaminated surfaces with detergent and water after collection.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:

Engineering controls:
Provide adequate ventilation, particularly when Agnique ME 18 RD-F is heated or used in spray operations.

Eye protection:
Wear safety glasses with side shields or chemical splash goggles where splashing is possible.

Hand protection:
Wear chemical-resistant gloves for prolonged or repeated handling.

Skin and body protection:
Wear suitable protective clothing; remove contaminated clothing immediately.

Respiratory protection:
Not normally required under ambient conditions given the very low vapor pressure of Agnique ME 18 RD-F.
Use suitable respirator if heated mist or aerosol is generated.

Hygiene measures:
Wash hands after handling Agnique ME 18 RD-F and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash before reuse.

Identifiers of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:
Product Name: Agnique ME 18 RD-F
Brand: Agnique® (BASF SE)
Product Number (PRD): 30531811
CAS Number: 67762-38-3
EC Number: 267-015-4
REACH Registration: 01-2119471664-32-XXXX
Chemical Description: Fatty acids, C16-18 and C18-unsaturated, methyl esters
Common Name: C18 Methyl Canolate Ester; Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester (RME)
Old Cognis Name: Agrimul ME 2230 F
Chemical Family: Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME); Rapeseed methyl ester (RME)
Industry: Agriculture — Additives for crop protection; Biofuels; Industrial solvents
GHS Classification: Not classified (rapeseed oil methyl ester component; formulated products may differ)

Properties of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:
Physical state: Liquid
Appearance: Yellow to amber clear liquid
Odor: Mild fatty characteristic odor
Viscosity (25°C): <50 mPa·s
Density: ~0.88 g/cm³
Pour point: <-10°C
Cloud point: ~-12°C
Flash point (closed cup): >300°C
Boiling point: >300°C
Saponification value: ~184 mg KOH/g
Vapor pressure (20°C): ~0.03 hPa
Solubility in water: Insoluble
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (consistent with OECD 301 for rapeseed oil methyl esters)
GHS classification: Not classified (major component CAS 67762-38-3)

Specifications of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:
Product name: Agnique ME 18 RD-F (Agnique® ME 18 RD-F)
Manufacturer: BASF SE (formerly Cognis; produced in France)
CAS Number: 67762-38-3
EC Number: 267-015-4
Chemical type: Rapeseed oil methyl ester (C16-18 and C18-unsaturated fatty acid methyl ester mixture)
Physical form (25°C): Yellow liquid
Density (g/cm³): ~0.88
Viscosity (mPa·s, 25°C): <50
Pour point (°C): <-10
Cloud point (°C): ~-12
Flash point (°C, closed cup): >300
Saponification value (mg KOH/g): ~184
Vapor pressure (hPa, 20°C): ~0.03
Solubility in water: Insoluble
Storage: Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; sealed original containers; protect from air and heat; shelf life up to 1 year

Names of Agnique ME 18 RD-F:
Agnique ME 18 RD-F
Agnique® ME 18 RD-F
BASF Agnique ME 18 RD-F
Agrimul ME 2230 F (old Cognis name)
C18 Methyl Canolate Ester
Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester (RME)
Canola Oil Methyl Ester (CAME)
Methyl Rapeate
Fatty Acids C16-18 and C18-unsaturated Methyl Esters
Methylated Rapeseed Oil
RME
CAS 67762-38-3