Ionic liquids as herbicides and plant growth regulators

New ILs containing the (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetate anion have been synthesized and characterized (properties, chemical and thermal stability, surface activity). Next, the possibility to use them as herbicides and plant growth regulators has been studied. The obtained ILs exhibited higher biological activity than the currently used herbicide (2,4-D salt) and plant growth regulator (CCC). (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.