AGNIQUE ME 18 SD-F

Agnique ME 18 SD-F is a naturally derived C18 soybean oil methyl ester produced by BASF (formerly Cognis) in France, used as a high flash point solvent, carrier oil, and adjuvant base for emulsifiable concentrate, oil dispersion, suspo-emulsion, and tank-mix adjuvant formulations in crop protection and industrial applications.
Agnique ME 18 SD-F is produced by the transesterification of soybean oil with methanol, yielding a mixture of C16–C18 and C18-unsaturated fatty acid methyl esters dominated by methyl linoleate (C18:2), methyl oleate (C18:1), and methyl linolenate (C18:3), with smaller proportions of methyl palmitate (C16:0) and methyl stearate (C18:0).
Agnique ME 18 SD-F is a preferred oil adjuvant and carrier solvent in crop protection formulations due to its high flash point of approximately 172–174°C, excellent solvency for hydrophobic active ingredients, low phytotoxicity, ready biodegradability, and renewable bio-based origin from soybean oil.

Manufacturer: BASF SE (formerly Cognis Deutschland GmbH; Cognis acquired by BASF in 2010)
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 (Soybean oil methyl ester)
Common Name: C18 Methyl Soyate; Soybean Oil Methyl Ester (SME); Soy Methyl Ester
Chemical Family: Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME); Soybean oil methyl esters
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 SD-F, Agnique® ME 18 SD-F, BASF Agnique ME 18 SD-F, Agrimul ME 2235 F (old Cognis name), Emery 2235 (old name), C18 Methyl Soyate, Soybean Oil Methyl Ester, Soy Methyl Ester, SME, FAME C16-18, Fatty Acids C16-18 and C18-unsaturated Methyl Esters (Soybean), CAS 67762-38-3

Agnique ME 18 SD-F is a yellow to amber clear liquid at ambient temperature with a mild fatty characteristic odor, and it is produced in France from soybean oil feedstock by the Cognis/BASF manufacturing facility, carrying the designation SD (Soyate, Distilled) indicating a distilled or refined soybean oil methyl ester grade.
Agnique ME 18 SD-F shares the same CAS number (67762-38-3) as rapeseed oil methyl ester (Agnique ME 18 RD-F) because both are classified under the same INCI/INCI designation of fatty acids C16-18 and C18-unsaturated methyl esters; however, their fatty acid chain length distributions differ significantly, with soybean oil methyl ester containing higher proportions of C18:2 linoleate compared to rapeseed oil methyl ester.

Agnique ME 18 SD-F is listed as a preferred oil adjuvant in agrochemical formulation literature, providing solvency, penetration enhancement, and adjuvancy performance equivalent to methylated seed oil (MSO) adjuvants widely used in North American and European crop protection markets.
Agnique ME 18 SD-F has a saponification value of 349 to 360 mg KOH/g, a viscosity of 5.6 mPa·s at 20°C, and a pour point of approximately -5.5°C, distinguishing it from rapeseed methyl ester by its slightly higher saponification value reflecting the slightly lower average molecular weight of the soybean fatty acid chain distribution.

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

Agnique ME 18 SD-F is used as a penetration enhancer and activating adjuvant that improves the permeability of plant leaf cuticles to systemic active ingredients, accelerating uptake particularly under conditions of low humidity, cold temperatures, and waxy or pubescent leaf surfaces.
Agnique ME 18 SD-F is used as a co-solvent and solvency booster in concentrated pesticide formulations requiring dissolution of hydrophobic active ingredients in an ester carrier before emulsification or dispersion in aqueous systems.

Agnique ME 18 SD-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 associated with xylene, solvent naphtha, and conventional mineral oil adjuvants.
Agnique ME 18 SD-F is used as a carrier oil in crop oil concentrate (COC) and herbicide oil concentrate (HOC) adjuvant products applied with post-emergence herbicides on corn, soybeans, cereals, and other arable crops requiring enhanced weed control efficacy.

Agnique ME 18 SD-F is used as a biodiesel fuel component in soy-based B5, B10, B20, and B100 biodiesel blends, demonstrating its quality consistency with fuel-grade soybean oil methyl ester standards.
Agnique ME 18 SD-F is used as an industrial solvent, process oil, and lubricant additive in metalworking, coatings, plastics, and cleaning applications where a high flash point, biodegradable vegetable oil ester is preferred.

Benefits or Advantages of Agnique ME 18 SD-F:
Agnique ME 18 SD-F has a high flash point of approximately 172–174°C, significantly higher than aromatic solvents (xylene ~27°C) and conventional mineral oil adjuvants, providing greatly improved fire safety during manufacturing, storage, transport, and field application.
Agnique ME 18 SD-F is derived from renewable soybean oil, supporting bio-based formulation objectives, lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-derived solvents, and sustainable agricultural chemistry product development.

Agnique ME 18 SD-F is readily biodegradable under OECD 301 test conditions, consistent with the established biodegradability profile of soybean oil methyl esters, making it an environmentally preferred alternative in crop protection and industrial formulations.
Agnique ME 18 SD-F significantly improves the foliar absorption and efficacy of systemic post-emergence herbicides and fungicides, functioning as an activating adjuvant that improves weed and disease control compared to formulations using water alone or non-methylated oil adjuvants.

Agnique ME 18 SD-F has a vapor pressure of only 0.03 hPa at 20°C, indicating very low volatility and minimal inhalation exposure risk under normal ambient handling conditions, contributing to a favorable worker safety profile compared to volatile organic solvent systems.
Agnique ME 18 SD-F has low phytotoxicity to most economically important crops when used at recommended rates in agrochemical formulations, making it suitable for in-crop post-emergence applications without unacceptable crop damage.

Features of Agnique ME 18 SD-F:
Agnique ME 18 SD-F is a yellow to amber clear liquid at 25°C with a mild fatty characteristic odor, a viscosity of approximately 5.6 mPa·s at 20°C, a density of approximately 0.88 g/cm³, and a saponification value of 349 to 360 mg KOH/g.
Agnique ME 18 SD-F has a pour point of approximately -5.5°C, a flash point of approximately 172 to 174°C (closed cup), and a vapor pressure of approximately 0.03 hPa at 20°C, reflecting its favorable combination of low-temperature handling and high thermal stability.

Agnique ME 18 SD-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 and industrial formulation.
Agnique ME 18 SD-F contains a high proportion of polyunsaturated methyl esters (C18:2 linoleate ~50–55%; C18:3 linolenate ~6–8%) which contribute to its lower pour point but also to a higher susceptibility to oxidative degradation compared to more saturated or monounsaturated methyl ester products.

Chemical Properties of Agnique ME 18 SD-F:
Agnique ME 18 SD-F (CAS 67762-38-3) is classified as fatty acids, C16-18 and C18-unsaturated, methyl esters, consisting primarily of methyl linoleate (C18:2, ~50–55%), methyl oleate (C18:1, ~20–25%), methyl linolenate (C18:3, ~6–8%), methyl palmitate (C16:0, ~10–12%), and methyl stearate (C18:0, ~3–5%), reflecting the typical fatty acid profile of soybean oil.
Agnique ME 18 SD-F is chemically stable under normal storage and handling conditions; as a polyunsaturated ester mixture with high linoleate and linolenate content, it is moderately susceptible to oxidation and should be stored in sealed containers protected from air, heat, light, and metal ion contamination that could catalyze rancidity.

Agnique ME 18 SD-F may undergo slow hydrolysis under concentrated acidic or alkaline conditions and is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, concentrated strong acids, and concentrated strong alkalis at elevated temperatures.
Agnique ME 18 SD-F thermal decomposition or combustion may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating organic fumes; the product has a high auto-ignition temperature consistent with other vegetable oil methyl esters.

Production of Agnique ME 18 SD-F:
Agnique ME 18 SD-F is produced by BASF (Cognis origin) in France through the base-catalyzed transesterification of soybean oil with methanol using sodium or potassium methoxide catalyst, followed by glycerol separation, water washing, neutralization, drying, and distillation or filtration to obtain distilled or refined soybean oil methyl ester of the required quality.
Agnique ME 18 SD-F production controls the fatty acid methyl ester composition by gas chromatography, acid value, saponification value, water content, pour point, color, and saponification value to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and compliance with product specifications.

Agnique ME 18 SD-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 formulation and use.
Agnique ME 18 SD-F is available in bulk tanker, IBC, and drum packaging formats for large-scale agrochemical formulation, biodiesel blending, and industrial applications.

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

Handling of Agnique ME 18 SD-F:
Agnique ME 18 SD-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 SD-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 protected from air and heat.

SDS of Agnique ME 18 SD-F:

Stability and Reactivity of Agnique ME 18 SD-F:

Chemical stability:
Agnique ME 18 SD-F is stable under normal storage conditions in sealed containers protected from air, heat, light, and metal ion contamination.

Reactivity:
No dangerous reaction is expected under normal conditions of use.
Agnique ME 18 SD-F may undergo slow oxidation of polyunsaturated 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 polyunsaturated esters).
Direct sunlight.
Contact with strong oxidizing agents.
Contact with concentrated strong acids or bases.
Metal ion contamination (may catalyze oxidation of unsaturated ester bonds).

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 SD-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 SD-F from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and prolonged air exposure to minimize oxidative degradation of polyunsaturated ester components.
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 SD-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 SD-F:

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

Specific hazards:
Agnique ME 18 SD-F is combustible with a flash point of approximately 172–174°C.
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 SD-F:

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

Environmental precautions:
Prevent Agnique ME 18 SD-F from entering drains, sewers, soil, or waterways.

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 SD-F:

Engineering controls:
Provide adequate ventilation, particularly when Agnique ME 18 SD-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 SD-F.
Use suitable respirator if heated mist or aerosol is generated during processing or spraying.

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

Identifiers of Agnique ME 18 SD-F:
Product Name: Agnique ME 18 SD-F
Brand: Agnique® (BASF SE)
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 (Soybean oil methyl ester)
Common Name: C18 Methyl Soyate; Soybean Oil Methyl Ester (SME)
Old Cognis Name: Agrimul ME 2235 F; Emery 2235
Chemical Family: Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME); Soybean oil methyl esters
Industry: Agriculture — Additives for crop protection; Biofuels; Industrial solvents
GHS Classification: Not classified (rapeseed/soybean oil methyl ester CAS 67762-38-3)

Properties of Agnique ME 18 SD-F:
Physical state: Liquid
Appearance: Yellow to amber clear liquid
Odor: Mild fatty characteristic odor
Viscosity (20°C): ~5.6 mPa·s
Density: ~0.88 g/cm³
Pour point: ~-5.5°C
Flash point (closed cup): ~172–174°C
Saponification value (mg KOH/g): 349–360
Vapor pressure (20°C): ~0.03 hPa
Solubility in water: Insoluble
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (consistent with OECD 301 for soybean oil methyl esters)
GHS classification: Not classified

Specifications of Agnique ME 18 SD-F:
Product name: Agnique ME 18 SD-F (Agnique® ME 18 SD-F)
Manufacturer: BASF SE (formerly Cognis; produced in France)
CAS Number: 67762-38-3
EC Number: 267-015-4
Chemical type: Soybean oil methyl ester (C16-18 and C18-unsaturated fatty acid methyl ester mixture, distilled)
Physical form (25°C): Yellow liquid
Density (g/cm³): ~0.88
Viscosity (mPa·s, 20°C): ~5.6
Pour point (°C): ~-5.5
Flash point (°C, closed cup): ~172–174
Saponification value (mg KOH/g): 349–360
Vapor pressure (hPa, 20°C): ~0.03
Solubility in water: Insoluble
Storage: Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; sealed original containers protected from air, heat, and light; shelf life up to 1 year

Names of Agnique ME 18 SD-F:
Agnique ME 18 SD-F
Agnique® ME 18 SD-F
BASF Agnique ME 18 SD-F
Agrimul ME 2235 F (old Cognis name)
Emery 2235 (old Cognis name)
C18 Methyl Soyate
Soybean Oil Methyl Ester (SME)
Soy Methyl Ester
Methylated Soybean Oil
Fatty Acids C16-18 and C18-unsaturated Methyl Esters (Soybean)
SME
CAS 67762-38-3