Uses
Methabenzthiazuron is a benzothiazole and urea based herbicide used to control a spectrum of broad-leaved weeds and grasses crops. Methabenzthiazuron works via the inhibition of photosynthetic electro
n transport chain.
Uses
Selective herbicide.
Chemical Properties
White crystalline solid; melts at 120°C(248°F); insoluble in water [～59 ppm at20°C (68°F)], soluble in organic solvents.
Definition
ChEBI: Methabenzthiazuron is a member of benzothiazoles.
Production Methods
The industrial synthesis of methabenzthiazuron begins with the construction of the benzothiazole ring, typically derived from 2-aminothiophenol and formic acid or similar aldehydes under cyclization conditions. This intermediate is then reacted with dimethylurea or its derivatives to form the final urea-based herbicidal compound. The coupling reaction is carried out in organic solvents such as acetone or toluene, with temperature and pH carefully controlled to ensure high yield and purity.
Health Hazard
Gupta and Singh (1985) investigated thetoxicity of tribunil in calves. Animals treatedwith 500 mg/kg orally developed toxicityin 36–48 hours. The symptoms includedincrease in body temperature, depression,and a progressive decrease in respiration rateand pulse rate. Necropsy findings in animalsthat died showed congestion of the lungs.Other organs affected were liver, kidney,urinary bladder, spleen, heart, and brain.A 75-mg/kg dose produced toxicity after2–3 weeks.
Mechanism of action
Selective, absorbed through roots and leaves. Photosynthetic electron transport inhibitor at the photosystem II.
Metabolic pathway
When methabenzthiazuron is presowing applied to the
soil of pea fields, three degradation products are
detected as (2-benzothiazoyl)urea, 2-
(methylamino)benzothiazole and 2-
aminobenzothiazole. The latter two amines represent
a majority of the soil bound residues.
