Detailed Product Description

Status:ISO 1750 (published)

IUPAC: S-alpha-ethoxycarbonylbenzyl O,O-dimethyl phosphorodithioate

CAS No:1 Acetic acid, mercaptophenyl-ethyl ester, S-ester with O,O-dimethyl

              phosphorodithioate

CAS Reg. No:2597-03-07

Molecular formula: C₁₂H₁₇O₄PS₂

Molecular weight:320.3

Physical characteristics: The pure substance is a colourless crystalline solid; the technical
product is a reddish-yellow, oily liquid. Both have an aromatic odour. The melting point is 17-18°C; the density (d₄²⁰) is 1.226; the refraction index (n_D²⁰) is 1.5550; the flash poin (cleveland) is 165-170°C (technical product). Neither the pure substance nor the technical product is corrosive.

 Stability: It is stable in acid or neutral solutions; in alkali solutions hydrolysis occurs, at pH 8.0 the half-life is 12 days. It is thermally unstable; at room temperatures the shelf-life is several months; at 50°C it is degraded in 110 hours. Solar energy and aerobic conditions promote volatization and loss from exposed surfaces. Humidity probably does not directly affect decomposition,on moist grain over 80% of applied material remains after one year of storage. Decomposition of soil-applied phenthoate is due to microbial action with CO₂ as the end product.