Ammonium nonanoate is a nonsystemic, broad-spectrum contact herbicide that has no soil activity.[1] It can be used for the suppression and control of weeds, including grasses, vines, underbrush, and annual/perennial plants, including moss, saplings, and tree suckers. Ammonium nonanoate is marketed as an aqueous solutions, at room temperature at its maximum concentration in water (40%). Solutions are colorless to pale yellow liquid with a slight fatty acid odor. It is stable in storage. Ammonium nonanoate exists as white crystals.[2]
Ammonium nonanoate is made from ammonia and nonanoic acid, a carboxylic acid widely distributed in nature, mainly as derivatives (esters) in such foods as apples, grapes, cheese, milk, rice, beans, oranges, and potatoes and in many other nonfood sources.