Phorate: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Detailed article on the chemical compound Phorate}}
== Phorate ==
{{Chembox
| Name = Phorate
| ImageFile = Phorate.svg
| ImageSize = 200px
| IUPACName = O,O-Diethyl S-((ethylthio)methyl) phosphorodithioate
| OtherNames = Thimet
| Section1 = {{Chembox Identifiers
  | CASNo = 298-02-2
  | PubChem = 4794
  | ChemSpiderID = 4628
  | UNII = 0V5435X5K6
  | KEGG = C11092
  | ChEBI = 38885
  | ChEMBL = 1560
  | SMILES = CCOP(=S)(OCC)SCSCC
  | InChI = 1S/C7H17O2PS3/c1-4-8-10(11,9-5-2)12-7-13-6-3/h4-7H2,1-3H3
  | InChIKey = YXJYQXLYJJGGAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N
}}
| Section2 = {{Chembox Properties
  | C = 7
  | H = 17
  | O = 2
  | P = 1
  | S = 3
  | Appearance = Colorless to pale yellow liquid
  | Density = 1.13 g/cm³
  | MeltingPt = -17 °C
  | BoilingPt = 118 °C at 0.1 mmHg
  | Solubility = Insoluble in water
}}
}}


'''Phorate''' is an organophosphate [[insecticide]] and [[acaricide]] used primarily in agriculture to control a wide range of pests. It is known for its high toxicity and effectiveness against insects that feed on plant roots and foliage.
[[File:Phorate.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Phorate]]


==Chemical Structure and Properties==
'''Phorate''' is a highly toxic [[organophosphate]] [[insecticide]] and [[acaricide]] used to control a wide range of pests on various crops. It is known for its effectiveness against insects such as [[aphids]], [[mites]], and [[thrips]]. Due to its high toxicity, phorate is classified as a [[restricted use pesticide]] in many countries.
Phorate is a phosphorodithioate ester, characterized by the presence of sulfur atoms in its structure. Its IUPAC name is O,O-Diethyl S-((ethylthio)methyl) phosphorodithioate, and it has the molecular formula C₇H₁₇O₂PS₃. The compound is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a density of 1.13 g/cm³ and a boiling point of 118 °C at 0.1 mmHg.


==Mechanism of Action==
== Chemical Properties ==
Phorate functions as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It disrupts the normal function of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is crucial for nerve function in insects. By inhibiting this enzyme, phorate causes an accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve synapses, leading to continuous nerve impulse transmission, paralysis, and eventually death of the insect.


==Uses==
Phorate is an organophosphate compound with the chemical formula C<sub>7</sub>H<sub>17</sub>O<sub>2</sub>PS<sub>3</sub>. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong odor. The compound is soluble in organic solvents but has low solubility in water.
Phorate is primarily used in agriculture to protect crops such as [[corn]], [[cotton]], [[potatoes]], and [[sugar beets]] from insect pests. It is applied to the soil or foliage and is effective against a variety of insects, including aphids, beetles, and rootworms.


==Toxicity and Environmental Impact==
== Mechanism of Action ==
Phorate is highly toxic to humans and wildlife. It poses significant risks to non-target organisms, including birds, fish, and beneficial insects such as bees. Due to its high toxicity, the use of phorate is heavily regulated in many countries. It is classified as a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) in the United States, meaning it can only be applied by certified applicators.


==Safety and Handling==
Phorate acts by inhibiting the enzyme [[acetylcholinesterase]], which is essential for the proper functioning of the [[nervous system]] in insects. By blocking this enzyme, phorate causes an accumulation of [[acetylcholine]] at the synapses, leading to continuous nerve impulse transmission, paralysis, and eventually death of the pest.
Due to its high toxicity, handling phorate requires strict safety precautions. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and protective clothing should be worn when handling the chemical. In case of exposure, immediate medical attention is necessary.


==Regulation==
== Usage and Application ==
The use of phorate is subject to regulation by environmental and agricultural agencies. In the United States, the [[Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) regulates its use under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
 
Phorate is primarily used in [[agriculture]] to protect crops such as [[corn]], [[cotton]], [[potatoes]], and [[soybeans]] from insect damage. It is applied to the soil or as a seed treatment to provide systemic protection to the plants.
 
== Safety and Environmental Impact ==
 
Due to its high toxicity, phorate poses significant risks to human health and the environment. It can cause acute poisoning in humans if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Symptoms of phorate poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.
 
Phorate is also highly toxic to [[wildlife]], particularly [[birds]] and [[aquatic organisms]]. Its use is regulated to minimize environmental contamination and protect non-target species.
 
== Regulatory Status ==
 
Phorate is subject to strict regulations in many countries due to its potential health and environmental hazards. It is classified as a [[restricted use pesticide]], meaning it can only be applied by certified applicators who have received special training in handling and applying such chemicals safely.
 
== Related Pages ==


==Also see==
* [[Organophosphate]]
* [[Organophosphate]]
* [[Insecticide]]
* [[Insecticide]]
* [[Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor]]
* [[Acetylcholinesterase]]
* [[Pesticide regulation]]
* [[Pesticide regulation]]
{{Pesticide-stub}}
{{Toxicology-stub}}


[[Category:Organophosphates]]
[[Category:Organophosphates]]
[[Category:Insecticides]]
[[Category:Insecticides]]
[[Category:Agricultural chemicals]]
[[Category:Agricultural chemicals]]
[[Category:Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors]]

Latest revision as of 03:43, 13 February 2025

Phorate[edit]

Chemical structure of Phorate

Phorate is a highly toxic organophosphate insecticide and acaricide used to control a wide range of pests on various crops. It is known for its effectiveness against insects such as aphids, mites, and thrips. Due to its high toxicity, phorate is classified as a restricted use pesticide in many countries.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Phorate is an organophosphate compound with the chemical formula C7H17O2PS3. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong odor. The compound is soluble in organic solvents but has low solubility in water.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Phorate acts by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system in insects. By blocking this enzyme, phorate causes an accumulation of acetylcholine at the synapses, leading to continuous nerve impulse transmission, paralysis, and eventually death of the pest.

Usage and Application[edit]

Phorate is primarily used in agriculture to protect crops such as corn, cotton, potatoes, and soybeans from insect damage. It is applied to the soil or as a seed treatment to provide systemic protection to the plants.

Safety and Environmental Impact[edit]

Due to its high toxicity, phorate poses significant risks to human health and the environment. It can cause acute poisoning in humans if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Symptoms of phorate poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.

Phorate is also highly toxic to wildlife, particularly birds and aquatic organisms. Its use is regulated to minimize environmental contamination and protect non-target species.

Regulatory Status[edit]

Phorate is subject to strict regulations in many countries due to its potential health and environmental hazards. It is classified as a restricted use pesticide, meaning it can only be applied by certified applicators who have received special training in handling and applying such chemicals safely.

Related Pages[edit]