Allethrins: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:34, 13 February 2025

Allethrins[edit]

Allethrins are a group of synthetic compounds used as insecticides. They belong to the class of pyrethroids, which are synthetic analogs of the naturally occurring insecticidal compounds known as pyrethrins. Allethrins are commonly used in household insecticides, such as mosquito coils and sprays, due to their effectiveness in killing insects and their relatively low toxicity to humans and animals.

Chemical Structure[edit]

Allethrins are characterized by their complex chemical structure, which includes a cyclopropane carboxylate ester linked to a chrysanthemic acid moiety. The general formula for allethrins is C₁₉H₂₆O₃. The structure of allethrin can be modified to produce different variants, such as d-allethrin and esbiothrin, which have varying levels of potency and stability.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Allethrins work by targeting the nervous system of insects. They act on the sodium channels in the nerve cells, causing prolonged opening of these channels. This results in continuous nerve impulses, leading to paralysis and death of the insect. The specificity of allethrins for insect sodium channels over those of mammals contributes to their safety profile.

Uses[edit]

Allethrins are widely used in various insect control products. They are effective against a broad range of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches. Common applications include:

Safety and Environmental Impact[edit]

While allethrins are considered to have low toxicity to humans and pets, they can be harmful to aquatic life and should be used with caution near water bodies. Proper handling and adherence to usage instructions are important to minimize any potential risks.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Allethrins''' are a pair of related synthetic compounds used in [[insecticide]]s. They are [[pyrethroid]]s, a type of [[cytotoxic]] molecule that kills by disrupting the function of the nervous system. Allethrins were first synthesized in the United States in 1949 and are commonly used in household insecticides such as mosquito coils. They are also the primary insecticidal component in some types of insect-repelling candles.
+== Allethrins ==
-==Chemistry==
+[[File:Allethrin_2D.svg|thumb|right|2D structure of Allethrin]]
-Allethrins are part of the pyrethroid family of insecticides, which are synthetic analogs of [[pyrethrins]], natural insecticides derived from the flowers of ''[[Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium]]''. Pyrethroids, including allethrins, are often preferred for insecticide use because of their high effectiveness and low toxicity to humans and animals.
-Allethrins are esters of [[chrysanthemic acid]]. They are produced industrially by the esterification of chrysanthemic acid with [[allethrolone]].
+'''Allethrins''' are a group of synthetic compounds used as [[insecticides]]. They belong to the class of [[pyrethroids]], which are synthetic analogs of the naturally occurring insecticidal compounds known as [[pyrethrins]]. Allethrins are commonly used in household insecticides, such as mosquito coils and sprays, due to their effectiveness in killing insects and their relatively low toxicity to humans and animals.
-==Mode of action==
+== Chemical Structure ==
-Allethrins exert their insecticidal effects by disrupting the function of the nervous system in insects. They bind to the [[voltage-gated sodium channels]] in nerve cell membranes, preventing normal function and causing paralysis and death. This mode of action is similar to that of other pyrethroids.
-==Safety==
+Allethrins are characterized by their complex chemical structure, which includes a cyclopropane carboxylate ester linked to a chrysanthemic acid moiety. The general formula for allethrins is C<sub>19</sub>H<sub>26</sub>O<sub>3</sub>. The structure of allethrin can be modified to produce different variants, such as d-allethrin and esbiothrin, which have varying levels of potency and stability.
-While allethrins are toxic to insects, they have low toxicity in mammals, including humans. However, they can cause some adverse health effects if improperly handled or ingested. Symptoms of exposure can include nausea, headache, and skin irritation. In severe cases, seizures may occur.
-==Environmental impact==
+== Mechanism of Action ==
-Like other pyrethroids, allethrins are not very soluble in water and tend to bind strongly to soil particles. This means they do not typically leach into groundwater. However, they are toxic to aquatic organisms and can cause environmental harm if they enter water bodies.
-==See also==
+Allethrins work by targeting the [[nervous system]] of insects. They act on the [[sodium channels]] in the nerve cells, causing prolonged opening of these channels. This results in continuous nerve impulses, leading to paralysis and death of the insect. The specificity of allethrins for insect sodium channels over those of mammals contributes to their safety profile.
-* [[Pyrethrin]]
-* [[Pyrethroid]]
+== Uses ==
+Allethrins are widely used in various insect control products. They are effective against a broad range of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches. Common applications include:
+* [[Mosquito coils]]
+* [[Aerosol sprays]]
+* [[Electric vaporizers]]
+== Safety and Environmental Impact ==
+While allethrins are considered to have low toxicity to humans and pets, they can be harmful to [[aquatic life]] and should be used with caution near water bodies. Proper handling and adherence to usage instructions are important to minimize any potential risks.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Pyrethroids]]
 * [[Insecticide]]
-* [[Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium]]
+* [[Mosquito control]]
 [[Category:Insecticides]]
 [[Category:Pyrethroids]]
-[[Category:Toxicology]]
-[[Category:Environmental science]]
-{{chemistry-stub}}
-{{medicine-stub}}