| abstract |
Linear alkylsilicone compounds of the formula <IMAGE> wherein x=0 to 20, preferably 0 to 10, most preferably 0 to 1; y=1 to 10, preferably 1 to 5, most preferably 1; and R is an alkyl or alkyl ester group containing 6 to 16 carbons, or cyclic alkylsilicone compounds of the formula <IMAGE> where m is 0 to 4, preferably 0 to 2, most preferably 0, and n is 1 to 5, preferably 3 to 5, most preferably 4, provided that m+n=3 to 5, are adjuvants for agricultural applications of oil-containing compositions. Especially preferred alkylsilicone compounds have a degree of polymerization of </=6 and an alkyl content of </=50% by weight. The compounds potentiate spreading of mineral or vegetable oils or oil-containing emulsions in dormant spray oils, crop oil concentrates, pesticides, and the like on difficult-to wet surfaces such as waxy leaf cuticles and arthropod exoskeletons. |