Bifenthrin
 | This article may be confusing or unclear to readers. (March 2008) |
| |
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
2-Methyl-3-phenylphenyl)methyl (1S,3S)-3-[(Z)-2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-enyl]-
2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylate
| |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
|
|
| ChemSpider | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.120.070 |
PubChem CID
|
|
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
|
|
| |
| |
| Properties | |
| C23H22ClF3O2 | |
| Molar mass | 422.87 g/mol |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
| |
Bifenthrin is a pyrethroid insecticide that affects the nervous system of insects. Products containing bifenthrin include Talstar, Maxxthor, Capture, Brigade, Bifenthrine, Ortho Home Defense Max, Bifen IT, Bifen L/P, and Scotts LawnPro Step 3.
The Bifenthrin Molecule, a 4th generation pyrethroid, was discovered and developed by FMC Corporation Pty Ltd it. Bifenthrin is virtually insoluble in water with a solubility of 0.1 mg/l. Given its low solubility, bifenthrin has high persistence in soil (half life = 7 days - 8 months) and consequently it is the longest residual termiticide currently registered on the market today.
The material safety data sheet (MSDS) for FMC Corp.'s Biflex (Bifenthrin's trade name) shows carcinogenic qualities to be virtually zero. It is highly toxic to fish, since it, like most pyrethroids, is also an ATPase inhibitor. Aquatic vertebrates are much more sensitive to ATPase inhibitors than terrestrial vertebrates due to their high dependence on ATP synthesis in the gills to maintain osmotic balance.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) once classified bifenthrin in the past as a class C, although it no longer does so. It is probable that a one-time class "C" carcinogen (possible human carcinogen) designation was based on older data and lack of studies.
Based on these risk assessments, EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the general population, and to infants and children from aggregate exposure to bifenthrin residues.
Bifenthrin was included in a biocide ban proposed by the Swedish Chemicals Agency [1] and approved by the European Parliament in January 13, 2009.[2]
Species treated
Bifenthrin (Talstar) has been approved for use against the Rasberry crazy ant in the Houston, Texas area, under a special "crisis exemption" from the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency. The chemical is only approved for use in Texas counties experiencing "confirmed infestations" of the newly-discovered ant species. [1]
References
- ^ "Interpretation of criteria for approval of active substances in the proposed EU plant protection regulation". Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI). 2008-09-23. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
- ^ "MEPs approve pesticides legislation". 2009-01-13. Retrieved 2009-01-14.