Bromethalin

Bromethalin
IUPAC name N-Methyl-2,4-dinitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-N-(2',4',6'- tribromophenyl)-aniline
Identifiers
CAS number	63333-35-7 Y
PubChem	44465
ChemSpider	40463 Y
UNII	GM59MTH1FS Y
KEGG	C18697 N}
Jmol-3D images	Image 1
SMILES Brc2cc(Br)cc(Br)c2N(c1c([N+]([O-])=O)cc([N+]([O-])=O)cc1C(F)(F)F)C
InChI InChI=1S/C14H7Br3F3N3O4/c1-21(13-9(16)2-6(15)3-10(13)17)12-8(14(18,19)20)4-7(22(24)25)5-11(12)23(26)27/h2-5H,1H3 Y Key: USMZPYXTVKAYST-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/C14H7Br3F3N3O4/c1-21(13-9(16)2-6(15)3-10(13)17)12-8(14(18,19)20)4-7(22(24)25)5-11(12)23(26)27/h2-5H,1H3 Key: USMZPYXTVKAYST-UHFFFAOYAX
Properties
Molecular formula	C14H7Br3F3N3O4
Molar mass	577.93 g/mol
N (verify) (what is: Y/N?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Bromethalin is a rodenticide which poisons the central nervous system by uncoupling mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, which causes a decrease in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. Decreased ATP ultimately results in increased intracranial pressure, which damages neuronal axons. This damage to the central nervous system can cause paralysis, convulsions, and death.

Risk of poisoning

There are no tests that will diagnose bromethalin poisoning in pets, but signs to watch for include severe muscle tremors, hyperexcitability, fits, extreme sensitivity to being touched (hyperesthesia) and seizures that appear to be caused by light or noise. Secondary bromethalin poisoning can occur in dogs or cats who eat a mouse killed by Bromethalin.^{[citation needed]} In such cases, the pet owner may notice the "mild" symptoms such as loss of ability to bark, loss of appetite, depression, lethargy and coma.^{[citation needed]}

There is no antidote for bromethalin, but symptoms can be treated with corticosteroids. Clinical studies indicate that symptoms return as soon as the corticosteroids are discontinued.

The mechanism of bromethalin toxicity differs from that of popular rodent poisons, which are anticoagulants related to warfarin (Coumadin). These drugs, such as diphacinone and bromadiolone eaten by the mouse as an overdose, inhibiting vitamin K and leading to a loss of clotting activity over several days (clotting factors require vitamin K), and ultimately hemorrhage.

While Bromethalin is labeled as a rodenticide, it is often used for rodent-like mammals,such as moles and voles. Its often hidden inside a worm like bait to attract the moles. Worms are the main diet for moles not grubs as many believe.