Chemical Properties
crystalline solid, but often supplied as a brown or yellow aqueous solution
General Description
A concentrated aqueous solution. Clear orange liquid with a pungent rotten-egg odor.
Air & Water Reactions
Slowly decomposes generating carbon disulfide and methylamine. Addition of water increases the rate of decomposition.
Reactivity Profile
Potassium N-methyldithiocarbamate slowly decomposes in water to give hydrogen sulfide and methylamine. Dilution increases the rate of decomposition. Acidification increases the rate of decomposition. Reactions with aldehydes, nitrides, and hydrides generate flammable gases. Incompatible with acids, peroxides, and acid halides.
Uses
Potassiummethyldithiocarbamate is a herbicide.
Production Methods
Metam-potassium is commercially produced by reacting methylamine with carbon disulfide to form methyldithiocarbamic acid, which is then neutralised with potassium hydroxide to yield the potassium salt.
Mechanism of action
Soil fumigant, binds to oxygen carrying molecules and prevents tissues from using oxygen. Multi-site activity.
Pesticide Type
Fungicide; Insecticide; Nematicide; Soil sterilent
