Acetochlor is a widely used herbicide that plays a crucial role in managing weeds in agricultural fields. It helps farmers maintain the productivity of their crops by effectively controlling unwanted plant growth. In everyday life, Acetochlor indirectly impacts consumers by contributing to the availability and affordability of a diverse range of food products. As a key tool in modern agriculture, Acetochlor helps ensure the sustainability and efficiency of food production systems, ultimately supporting food security on a global scale.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
Acetochlor is commonly used as an herbicide in agriculture for controlling weeds in a variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, and cotton. It is applied to the soil before planting to prevent weed growth and is known for its effectiveness in combating grasses, broadleaf weeds, and annuals.
In addition to its use in agriculture, acetochlor is also used in industrial settings as a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals such as dyes, paints, and pharmaceuticals. Its properties make it a valuable component in the synthesis of various products, contributing to the advancement of various industries.
Although acetochlor is primarily utilized for agricultural and industrial purposes, it is not commonly used in drug and medication applications. Its toxicity and chemical composition make it unsuitable for human consumption or use in pharmaceutical products. Therefore, acetochlor is not utilized in the healthcare field for medicinal purposes.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
Acetochlor, a selective herbicide often used in agriculture, appears as a white to light brown powder with a mild odor. Its chemical formula is C14H20ClNO2.
Acetochlor has a molar mass of approximately 269.77 g/mol and a density of about 1.015 g/cm³. In comparison, common household items such as table salt have a molar mass of 58.44 g/mol and a density of 2.16 g/cm³, indicating that acetochlor is heavier and less dense.
The melting point of acetochlor is around 102°C, while the boiling point is around 324°C. In contrast, common household items such as sugar have melting and boiling points of 186°C and 366°C, respectively, suggesting that acetochlor has a lower melting point but a slightly higher boiling point.
Acetochlor is minimally soluble in water, with a reported solubility of 223 mg/L at 25°C. It is also known to have a relatively low viscosity. Compared to common household items such as salt, which is highly soluble in water, acetochlor displays lower solubility and viscosity.
🏭 Production & Procurement
Acetochlor, a widely used herbicide in agriculture, is primarily produced through a multistep chemical synthesis process. The main raw materials for its production include chloroacetyl chloride and ethyl acetate, among others. These raw materials undergo various reactions, such as chlorination and esterification, to form the final product, Acetochlor.
Acetochlor can be procured from various chemical manufacturers and distributors that specialize in agrochemicals. It is typically sold in liquid form, either as a pure substance or as a formulated product with other herbicidal ingredients. The transportation of Acetochlor is usually done in bulk containers, such as drums or isotanks, to ensure safe and efficient delivery to end users.
The procurement and transportation of Acetochlor are subject to regulatory guidelines and safety protocols to prevent environmental contamination and ensure worker safety. Proper labeling, handling, and storage procedures are mandated to minimize the risk of exposure and accidental spills. Additionally, appropriate documentation, such as safety data sheets and transport manifests, must accompany the product during shipment to comply with legal requirements.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for Acetochlor include potential skin and eye irritation upon contact, as well as respiratory irritation if inhaled. It is advised to wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling Acetochlor to minimize exposure. Additionally, proper storage and disposal procedures should be followed to prevent environmental contamination.
The pharmacology of Acetochlor involves its action as a selective herbicide that inhibits the growth of weeds by interfering with protein synthesis. This mechanism of action primarily affects grasses and broadleaf weeds, making Acetochlor a valuable tool in crop protection. Acetochlor is typically applied to the soil before planting to create a barrier against weed growth, providing crops with a competitive advantage.
Hazard statements for Acetochlor include its classification as a skin irritant and eye irritant, as well as its potential toxicity to aquatic organisms. It is important to avoid direct skin contact and inhalation of Acetochlor to prevent adverse health effects. Furthermore, care should be taken to prevent contamination of water sources during application to minimize environmental impact.
Precautionary statements for Acetochlor recommend using protective gloves and eyewear when handling the chemical to prevent skin and eye irritation. Adequate ventilation should be maintained when working with Acetochlor to avoid inhalation of vapors. It is also advised to store Acetochlor in a secure location away from food and feed to prevent accidental ingestion.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
Acetochlor has garnered significant interest in agricultural research for its effectiveness as a pre-emergent herbicide. One potential research direction is to explore its impact on non-target organisms in the soil ecosystem, and to develop methods to minimize any adverse effects.
Another avenue of research could focus on investigating the long-term stability and persistence of Acetochlor in the environment. Understanding its breakdown mechanisms and degradation pathways could provide valuable insights for sustainable use practices and environmental risk assessment.
Additionally, there is potential for research into the development of novel formulations of Acetochlor that enhance its efficacy, reduce application rates, and improve its selectivity towards target weeds. Exploring synergistic interactions with other herbicides or adjuvants may also offer promising research directions for maximizing weed control efficiency.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to Acetochlor based on molecular structure is Propachlor. This herbicide has a similar chemical formula and belongs to the same family of chloroacetanilides as Acetochlor. Propachlor is commonly used for pre-emergent control of annual grasses and certain broadleaf weeds in various crops.
Another compound structurally similar to Acetochlor is Metolachlor. Like Acetochlor, Metolachlor is a chloroacetanilide herbicide that inhibits shoot growth of weeds. It is used for pre-emergent control of grasses and broadleaf weeds in crops such as maize, sorghum, soybean, and cotton. Metolachlor works by inhibiting cell division in the target plants.
Additionally, S-Metolachlor is a stereoisomer of Metolachlor and shares similarities in molecular structure with Acetochlor. S-Metolachlor is a selective herbicide used for pre-emergent control of annual grasses and certain broadleaf weeds in crops. It is known for its residual activity in the soil, providing long-lasting weed control in various agricultural settings.
