Hazard
Moderately toxic; mutagen.
Description
4-CPA is a plant growth regulator. It is moderately soluble in water and is quite volatile. Little is known about its persistence in soil and aquatic systems. It is moderately toxic to mammals and has a high potential for bioaccumulation. It is also a recognised irritant. It is moderately toxic to birds, honeybees and most aquatic organisms. However, it has a relatively low toxicity to fish.
Chemical Properties
white to light beige powder
Uses
2-(4-Chlorophenoxy)acetic Acid is used in the synthesis of a new class of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 inhibitors.
Definition
ChEBI: A chlorophenoxyacetic acid that is phenoxyacetic acid carrying a chloro substituent at position 4.
Production Methods
The production of (4-chlorophenoxy)acetic acid involves a multi-step organic synthesis starting with chlorinated aromatic precursors. Typically, 4-chlorophenol is reacted with chloroacetic acid or its derivatives under controlled conditions to form the ether linkage, yielding the phenoxyacetic acid structure. The reaction is often carried out in the presence of a base (such as sodium hydroxide) and a solvent like ethanol or tetrahydrofuran, followed by acidification to isolate the product.
General Description
4-Chlorophenoxyacetic acid is a herbicide. Degradation of 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid in aqueous medium by advanced electrochemical oxidation processes, using an undivided cell containing a Pt anode has been reported.
Biochem/physiol Actions
4-Chlorophenoxyacetic acid is a synthetic auxin, that is used to induce parthenocarpic ovary growth on flowers of wild type plants.
Mechanism of action
Auxin-transport inhibitor. Absorbed by tissue and translocated to roots
Purification Methods
Crystallise the acid from EtOH. It is a plant growth substance and a herbicide. [Beilstein 6 IV 845.]
Pesticide Type
Plant Growth Regulator; Herbicide
