Agnique ME 18 RD (often designated as Agnique ME 18 RD-F) is a bio-based methyl ester solvent and methylated seed oil (MSO).
Agnique ME 18 RD functions as a high-performance adjuvant base, co-solvent, and green carrier fluid derived from natural rapeseed oil fatty acids.
Trade Name: Agnique ME 18 RD / Agnique ME 18 RD-F
Chemical Description / Name: Rapeseed oil fatty acid methyl ester (C18 Methyl Canolate Ester)
CAS Number: 67762-38-3
EC / EINECS Number: 267-015-4
IUPAC Name: Fatty acids, C16-18 and C18-unsaturated, methyl esters
Synonyms: AGNIQUE ME 18 SD-F, AGNIQUE® ME 18 SD-F, Soybean oil methyl ester, Soybean methyl ester, Soya methyl ester, Soy methyl ester, Methyl soyate, Methyl esters of soybean oil, Soybean fatty acid methyl ester, Soybean oil fatty methyl ester, Soya oil fatty acid methyl ester, Fatty acid methyl ester from soybean oil, C16-C18 fatty acid methyl ester, Fatty acids, C16-18 and C18-unsaturated, methyl esters, Fatty acids, C16-18 and C18-unsaturated, Me esters, Vegetable oil methyl ester, Plant-derived methyl ester, Oilseed fatty acid methyl ester, Bio-based fatty methyl ester, Soybean biodiesel ester
Agnique ME 18 RD is primarily used as a solvent, carrier oil, and formulation component in agrochemicals, crop protection products, tank-mix adjuvants, and industrial applications.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Appearance: Clear, light yellow to pale greenish-yellow liquid.
Active Content / Purity: $\ge 99\%$ methyl ester content.
Solubility: Insoluble in water (hydrophobic); excellent solubility in organic solvents and oil-based systems.
Viscosity: Low-viscosity fluid.
Flash Point: High flash point, providing a safer carrier profile compared to traditional hydrocarbon solvents.
Core Functions & Mode of Action
Penetration Enhancer: Agnique ME 18 RD softens the waxy leaf cuticle, accelerating the uptake and systemic penetration of active pesticide ingredients into plant tissue.
Carrier & Base Oil: Agnique ME 18 RD functions as a liquid carrier phase and solvent in oil-based formulation technologies.
Adjuvant: Agnique ME 18 RD enhances droplet coverage, adhesion, and overall deposition efficiency of spray solutions.
Wetting & Spreading Agent: Agnique ME 18 RD promotes uniform distribution across target surfaces, reducing rain-fastness losses.
Applications & Target Uses
Crop Protection Formulations:
OD (Oil Dispersion): Frequently selected as the base oil and continuous phase for OD formulations.
EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate): Agnique ME 18 RD serves as an eco-friendly alternative solvent to aromatic hydrocarbons.
Tank-Mix Adjuvants: Agnique ME 18 RD acts as the primary active ingredient in MSO-based tank-mix adjuvants added to spray tanks to boost herbicide/pesticide performance.
Mining & Drilling Industries: Utilized in eco-friendly drilling fluids due to its lubricity and high biodegradability.
Industrial Solvents & Lubricants: Applied as a low-toxicity, bio-based solvent and lubricant in technical applications.
Key Advantages
Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable: Agnique ME 18 RD is derived from renewable rapeseed/canola sources, offering rapid environmental degradation.
Low Volatility (Low VOC): Lower evaporation rate and reduced odor compared to traditional aromatic solvents.
Enhanced Efficacy: Maximizes the biological performance of active pesticide ingredients by improving foliage absorption.
Chemical Name: C18 methyl canolate ester (fatty acid methyl ester)
Appearance: Yellow liquid
Primary Use: Co-solvent and penetrant carrier for emulsifiable concentrates (EC) and oil dispersions (OD)
Key Features: High flash point (>300°C), water-insoluble, and naturally derived from vegetable oils.
Product Specifications & Properties
Chemical Nature: Rapeseed oil fatty acid methyl ester (C18 methyl kanolat/rapeseed ester)
Physical Form: Clear yellow liquid at 23°C
Purity / Concentration: ≥ 99%
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (<10% residual or high breakdown rate classification)
Applications & Uses
Agrochemicals: Agnique ME 18 RD acts as an exceptional co-solvent and penetrant enhancer in emulsifiable concentrates (EC) and oil dispersions (OD) for crop protection and agricultural formulations.
Industrial Formulations: Agnique ME 18 RD is used as a safe, bio-derived alternative solvent and carrier fluid in industrial cleaning, oil dispersions, and adjuvant systems.
Chemical stability: AGNIQUE ME 18 SD-F is stable under normal conditions of use, handling, and storage.
Reactivity: No dangerous reaction is expected under recommended handling and storage conditions.
Conditions to avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, static discharge, direct sunlight, and unsuitable storage conditions should be avoided.
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases, and highly reactive chemicals should be avoided.
Hazardous decomposition products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, smoke, and irritating organic vapours may form during combustion.