Abstract:
Deep eutectic solvents aid the formulation of solid pesticide dosage forms for water-insoluble
actives. This was demonstrated by encapsulating Amitraz powder in a low-melting matrix based on
the eutectic mixture of urea (32 wt%) and 1,3-dimethylurea. Dissolution in water of melt-cast discs,
containing 20 wt% active, led to the rapid release of Amitraz in a finely dispersed form. The order of
magnitude reduction in particle size, after dissolution, is ascribed to the solubilization of Amitraz in
the hot deep eutectic solvent and its subsequent precipitation as a separate phase on crystallization of
the matrix.
