2-(2,4,5-TRICHLOROPHENOXY)PROPIONIC ACID

Chemical properties

slightly beige crystalline powder

The Uses of 2-(2,4,5-TRICHLOROPHENOXY)PROPIONIC ACID

Herbicide and plant growth regulator.

The Uses of 2-(2,4,5-TRICHLOROPHENOXY)PROPIONIC ACID

Silvex was formerly used as a herbicide. Itsuse in rice fields, sugarcane, and orchards hasbeen stopped by the EPA.

Definition

ChEBI: Fenoprop is a monocarboxylic acid. It has a role as a phenoxy herbicide.

General Description

White powder. Sinks and mixes slowly with water.

Reactivity Profile

A halogenated organic acid derivative. Carboxylic acids donate hydrogen ions if a base is present to accept them. They react in this way with all bases, both organic (for example, the amines) and inorganic. Their reactions with bases, called "neutralizations", are accompanied by the evolution of substantial amounts of heat. Neutralization between an acid and a base produces water plus a salt. Carboxylic acids with six or fewer carbon atoms are freely or moderately soluble in water; those with more than six carbons are slightly soluble in water. Soluble carboxylic acid dissociate to an extent in water to yield hydrogen ions. The pH of solutions of carboxylic acids is therefore less than 7.0. Many insoluble carboxylic acids react rapidly with aqueous solutions containing a chemical base and dissolve as the neutralization generates a soluble salt. Carboxylic acids in aqueous solution and liquid or molten carboxylic acids can react with active metals to form gaseous hydrogen and a metal salt. Such reactions occur in principle for solid carboxylic acids as well, but are slow if the solid acid remains dry. Even "insoluble" carboxylic acids may absorb enough water from the air and dissolve sufficiently in 2-(2,4,5-TRICHLOROPHENOXY)PROPIONIC ACID to corrode or dissolve iron, steel, and aluminum parts and containers. Carboxylic acids, like other acids, react with cyanide salts to generate gaseous hydrogen cyanide. The reaction is slower for dry, solid carboxylic acids. Insoluble carboxylic acids react with solutions of cyanides to cause the release of gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Flammable and/or toxic gases and heat are generated by the reaction of carboxylic acids with diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides. Carboxylic acids, especially in aqueous solution, also react with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), to generate flammable and/or toxic gases and heat. Their reaction with carbonates and bicarbonates generates a harmless gas (carbon dioxide) but still heat. Like other organic compounds, carboxylic acids can be oxidized by strong oxidizing agents and reduced by strong reducing agents. These reactions generate heat. A wide variety of products is possible. Like other acids, carboxylic acids may initiate polymer

Hazard

Use has been restricted.

Health Hazard

INHALATION: Irritating to nose and throat. May cause nausea, vomiting, lethargy and incoordination. May cause kidney and liver damage. EYES: Irritation. May cause corneal injury or burn. SKIN: Irritation.

Health Hazard

Silvex is moderately toxic to test animals.The toxic effects are comparable to thoseof 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. Oral or subcutaneousadministration in mice caused embryo toxi-city and fetal death. The oral LD50 value inrats is 650 mg/kg.

Fire Hazard

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride may be liberated.

Safety Profile

A suspected carcinogen. Poison by ingestion. An experimental teratogen. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cl-.