Disulfoton: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:25, 16 February 2025

Disulfoton[edit]

Disulfoton is an organophosphate insecticide used primarily in agriculture to control a variety of pests. It is known for its effectiveness against sucking insects, mites, and certain types of nematodes. Disulfoton is a systemic insecticide, meaning it is absorbed by plants and distributed throughout their tissues, providing protection from pests that feed on them.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Disulfoton is a systemic insecticide with the chemical formula C₈H₁₉O₂PS₃. It is a colorless to yellowish liquid with a faint odor. The compound is soluble in organic solvents but has low solubility in water. As an organophosphate, disulfoton functions by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to the accumulation of acetylcholine in the synapses of the nervous system, which ultimately causes paralysis and death in insects.

Uses[edit]

Disulfoton is used in agriculture on a variety of crops, including cotton, corn, wheat, and potatoes. It is applied to the soil or foliage and is absorbed by the plant, providing protection against pests such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Due to its systemic nature, disulfoton is particularly effective against pests that are difficult to control with contact insecticides.

Health and Environmental Effects[edit]

Exposure to disulfoton can be hazardous to humans and wildlife. It is classified as a highly toxic substance, and exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Symptoms of disulfoton poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, respiratory distress and convulsions. Due to its toxicity, the use of disulfoton is regulated in many countries, and safety precautions must be followed during its application.

In the environment, disulfoton can persist in soil and water, posing risks to non-target organisms such as birds, fish, and beneficial insects. Its use is subject to environmental regulations to minimize its impact on ecosystems.

Safety Measures[edit]

When handling disulfoton, it is important to wear protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection to prevent exposure. Proper storage and disposal of disulfoton are crucial to prevent accidental contamination of the environment. Users must follow label instructions and adhere to local regulations regarding its application and disposal.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Disulfoton''' is an [[organophosphate]] compound that is used as a systemic insecticide and acaricide. It is a colorless oil, although commercial samples can appear as a dark brown liquid. Disulfoton is known for its high toxicity to mammals, including humans, and is classified as an extremely hazardous substance in the United States as defined in Section 302 of the U.S. Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (42 U.S.C. 11002). Due to its high toxicity and the potential for causing widespread harm, its use is highly regulated or banned in many countries.
+== Disulfoton ==
-==Chemical Properties==
+[[File:Disulfoton_Structural_Formulae_.V.1.svg|thumb|right|Structural formula of Disulfoton]]
-Disulfoton is chemically described as O,O-diethyl S-[2-(ethylthio)ethyl] phosphorodithioate. It has the chemical formula C_8H_19O_2PS_3. The compound works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme essential for nerve function in insects, leading to their death. This mode of action is similar to other organophosphates.
-==Usage==
+'''Disulfoton''' is an organophosphate [[insecticide]] used primarily in agriculture to control a variety of pests. It is known for its effectiveness against sucking insects, mites, and certain types of nematodes. Disulfoton is a systemic insecticide, meaning it is absorbed by plants and distributed throughout their tissues, providing protection from pests that feed on them.
-Historically, disulfoton was used to control pests on a variety of crops, including cotton, tobacco, and ornamental plants. It was applied either directly to the soil or as a foliar spray. However, due to its high toxicity and potential for environmental contamination, its agricultural use has significantly declined.
-==Health Effects==
+== Chemical Properties ==
-Exposure to disulfoton can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Symptoms of poisoning can range from mild effects, such as headache and dizziness, to severe effects, including convulsions, respiratory failure, and death. The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of exposure. Immediate medical attention is required in the case of suspected disulfoton poisoning.
-==Environmental Impact==
+Disulfoton is a [[systemic insecticide]] with the chemical formula C<sub>8</sub>H<sub>19</sub>O<sub>2</sub>PS<sub>3</sub>. It is a colorless to yellowish liquid with a faint odor. The compound is soluble in organic solvents but has low solubility in water. As an organophosphate, disulfoton functions by inhibiting the enzyme [[acetylcholinesterase]], leading to the accumulation of [[acetylcholine]] in the synapses of the nervous system, which ultimately causes paralysis and death in insects.
-Disulfoton is highly toxic to aquatic organisms and can contaminate water bodies through runoff. It also poses a risk to birds and beneficial insects. Its persistence in the environment and potential for bioaccumulation are concerns for ecosystems and have led to increased regulation and monitoring of its use.
-==Regulation==
+== Uses ==
-In response to the risks associated with disulfoton, regulatory agencies in many countries have imposed restrictions or outright bans on its use. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified disulfoton as a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP), meaning it can only be applied by certified applicators. The European Union has banned the use of disulfoton under its pesticide regulations.
-==Alternatives==
+Disulfoton is used in agriculture on a variety of crops, including [[cotton]], [[corn]], [[wheat]], and [[potatoes]]. It is applied to the soil or foliage and is absorbed by the plant, providing protection against pests such as [[aphids]], [[thrips]], and [[spider mites]]. Due to its systemic nature, disulfoton is particularly effective against pests that are difficult to control with contact insecticides.
-With the phasing out of disulfoton, there has been a shift towards using less toxic and more environmentally friendly pest control methods. These include biological control agents, integrated pest management (IPM) practices, and the development of new, safer chemical pesticides.
-==See Also==
+== Health and Environmental Effects ==
-* [[Organophosphate poisoning]]
-* [[Pesticide regulation in the United States]]
+Exposure to disulfoton can be hazardous to humans and wildlife. It is classified as a highly toxic substance, and exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Symptoms of disulfoton poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, respiratory distress and convulsions. Due to its toxicity, the use of disulfoton is regulated in many countries, and safety precautions must be followed during its application.
-* [[Integrated pest management]]
+In the environment, disulfoton can persist in soil and water, posing risks to non-target organisms such as birds, fish, and beneficial insects. Its use is subject to environmental regulations to minimize its impact on ecosystems.
+== Safety Measures ==
+When handling disulfoton, it is important to wear protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection to prevent exposure. Proper storage and disposal of disulfoton are crucial to prevent accidental contamination of the environment. Users must follow label instructions and adhere to local regulations regarding its application and disposal.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Organophosphate]]
+* [[Insecticide]]
+* [[Pesticide]]
+* [[Acetylcholinesterase]]
+{{Pesticides}}
 [[Category:Organophosphates]]
 [[Category:Insecticides]]
-[[Category:Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors]]
-[[Category:Toxicology]]
-[[Category:Environmental chemistry]]
-{{Chem-stub}}