Fluazifop-P-butyl
[CAS# 79241-46-6]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical pesticide >> Herbicide >> Other herbicides
• Name: Fluazifop-P-butyl
• Synonyms: Butyl (R)-2-(4-((5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl)oxy)phenoxy)propanoate; Fluazifop-P butyl ester; Fusilade 2000; Fusilade DX; Fusilade S
• Molecular Formula: C₁₉H₂₀F₃NO₄
• Molecular Weight: 383.37
• CAS Registry Number: 79241-46-6
• EC Number: 616-669-2
• SMILES: CCCCOC(=O)[C@@H](C)OC1=CC=C(C=C1)OC2=NC=C(C=C2)C(F)(F)F

Properties

• Density: 1.21
• Melting point: 5 °C
• Boiling point: 164 °C (0.02 mm Hg)
• Water solubility: 1 mg/L at 25 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02;GHS07;GHS08;GHS09 Warning
• Risk Statements: H361d-H400-H410
• Safety Statements: P203-P210-P233-P240-P241-P242-P243-P261-P272-P273-P280-P302+P352-P303+P361+P353-P318-P321-P333+P317-P362+P364-P370+P378-P391-P403+P235-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361d
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	3	H226
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361d

Discovery and Applications

Fluazifop-P-butyl is a widely used herbicide known for its efficacy in controlling grassy weeds in various crops. This chemical compound belongs to the aryloxyphenoxypropionate class of herbicides and has been a crucial tool in agricultural weed management since its discovery.

Fluazifop-P-butyl was developed in the early 1980s by the agricultural division of ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries), now part of Syngenta. It was designed to target and inhibit the growth of annual and perennial grasses without affecting broadleaf crops. The development of Fluazifop-P-butyl represented a significant advancement in selective herbicide technology, allowing for more effective weed control with minimal damage to crops.

The primary mechanism of action of Fluazifop-P-butyl involves the inhibition of the enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase). This enzyme is critical in the fatty acid synthesis pathway of grasses. By inhibiting ACCase, Fluazifop-P-butyl disrupts the production of essential lipids, leading to the death of the targeted weeds. This mode of action is highly selective, affecting only grassy weeds while leaving broadleaf plants unharmed.

Fluazifop-P-butyl is commonly used in a variety of crops, including soybeans, cotton, peanuts, and various horticultural crops. Its effectiveness against a broad spectrum of grassy weeds, such as foxtail, barnyard grass, and crabgrass, makes it a valuable herbicide for farmers. The compound is usually applied post-emergence, meaning it is sprayed onto growing weeds, where it is rapidly absorbed through the leaves and translocated to the meristematic tissues, effectively inhibiting weed growth.

In addition to its agricultural applications, Fluazifop-P-butyl is also used in non-crop areas such as industrial sites, roadsides, and rights-of-way to manage invasive grassy weeds. Its versatility and effectiveness in various environments contribute to its widespread use.

The formulation of Fluazifop-P-butyl is typically in the form of an emulsifiable concentrate, which can be diluted with water and applied using standard spraying equipment. This ease of application further enhances its appeal to farmers and land managers.

Environmental safety and regulatory considerations are important aspects of Fluazifop-P-butyl use. Extensive research and regulatory reviews have established guidelines for its application to minimize environmental impact and ensure safe use. Proper adherence to these guidelines ensures that Fluazifop-P-butyl remains a valuable tool in sustainable agriculture and land management.

References

2023. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the enantioselective multiresidue determination of nine chiral agrochemicals in urine using an enrichment procedure based on graphitized carbon black. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 416(3).
DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-05098-4

2021. Compatibility of the commercial biological control agents Trichoderma asperellum (ICC 012) and Trichoderma gamsii (ICC 080) with selected herbicides. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection, 129(2).
DOI: 10.1007/s41348-021-00547-7

2019. New relevant pesticide transformation products in groundwater detected using target and suspect screening for agricultural and urban micropollutants with LC-HRMS. Water Research, 165.
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.114972