Compositions and methods for differential release of 1-methylcyclopropene

Abstract

A clathrate of 1-methylcyclopropene with α-cyclodextrin, obtained as a solid particulate product, is modified by comminuting, classifying, or both to obtain a modified particulate. When subjected to identical atmospheric disgorgement conditions of humidity and temperature, identical masses of the modified and unmodified particulates exhibit different rates of 1-methylcyclopropene disgorgement. Specifically, we have found that a smaller mean particle size is inversely related to a greater rate of 1-methylcyclopropene release.

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         14 . A method of modifying a particulate, the method comprising;
 a. obtaining a particulate consisting of 85% or more by weight of a 1-methylcyclopropene clathrate of α-cyclodextrin and 0% to 15% by weight of α-cyclodextrin, the particulate having a mean particle size between 30 μm and 100 μm as determined by a volume-based method;   b. comminuting the particulate product to form a comminuted particulate, and   c. classifying the comminuted particulate to select a modified particulate having a mean particle size between 3 μm and 15 μm.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the classifying is selecting a mean particle size of 4 μm-5 μm, or 5-6 μm, or 6 μm-7 μm, or 7-8 μm, or 8 μm-9 μm. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising admixing the modified particulate with the particulate to obtain a combined particulate. 
     
     
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         26 . A coating composition comprising a mixture of a polymer, a solvent, and a particulate consisting of 85% or more by weight of a 1-methylcyclopropene clathrate of α-cyclodextrin and 0% to 15% by weight of α-cyclodextrin, the particulate having a mean particle size between 3 μm and 15 μm as determined by a volume-based method. 
     
     
         27 . The coating composition of  claim 26  further comprising a particulate consisting of 85% or more by weight of a 1-methylcyclopropene clathrate of α-cyclodextrin and 0% to 15% by weight of α-cyclodextrin, the particulate having a mean particle size between 30 μm and 100 μm as determined by a volume-based method. 
     
     
         28 . The coating composition of  claim 26  wherein the composition comprises a total of 0.001 g/L and 500 g/L of the 1-methylcyclopropene clathrate of α-cyclodextrin. 
     
     
         29 . The coating composition of  claim 26  wherein the composition comprises 1 wt % to 80 wt % of the polymer. 
     
     
         30 . The coating composition of  claim 26  wherein the solvent is selected from ketones, esters, aldehydes, ketals, acetals, hydrocarbon solvents, amides, ethers, polyols, alcohols, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         31 . The coating composition of  claim 26  wherein the coating composition includes 2 wt % or less of water. 
     
     
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