Chemical Properties
off-white powder
General Description
Colorless to yellow crystalline solid. Used as a contact herbicide and desiccant.
Reactivity Profile
PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE(1910-42-5) is stable in acidic media, but unstable in alkaline media. PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE(1910-42-5) is photochemically decomposed by UV irradiation in aqueous solutions and is rapidly inactivated by soil. The neat chemical may be sensitive to light. This compound is corrosive to metal and PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE(1910-42-5) can react with strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents. PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE(1910-42-5) is hydrolyzed by alkali compounds and PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE(1910-42-5) is inactivated by inert clays and anionic surfactants.
Air & Water Reactions
Water soluble.
Health Hazard
Can cause death due to severe injury to the lungs. The lowest lethal oral dose reported in humans is 43 mg/kg.
Potential Exposure
Those engaged in manufacture,
formulation and application of this herbicide. Classified
for restricted use: limited to use by a certified applicator, or
those under applicator’s direct supervision.
Fire Hazard
Avoid strong oxidizers.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including
resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical
attention. Give large quantities of water, or bentonite
clay in water, or activated charcoal in water; and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Medical observation is recommended for 2448 hours after
breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be
delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or
authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug or
other inhalation therapy. Obtain authorization and/or further
instructions from the local hospital for performance of
other invasive procedures. Rush to a health care facility.
Shipping
UN2781 Bipyridilium pesticide, solid, toxic,
Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates,
nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine,
bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions.
Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases,
strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides (hydrolysis), alkylarylsulfonate
wetting agents. Corrosive to metals. Decomposes
in presence of ultraviolet (UV) light. Decomposes in heat
(see physical properties, above) and in the presence of UV
light, producing nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride.
Waste Disposal
Paraquat is rapidly inactivated
in soil. It is also inactivated by anionic surfactants.
Therefore an effective and environmentally safe disposal
method would be to mix the product with ordinary household
detergent and bury the mixture in clay soil. In
accordance with 40CFR165, follow recommendations for
the disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers. Must be
disposed properly by following package label directions or
by contacting your local or federal environmental control
agency, or by contacting your regional EPA office. Consult
with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on
acceptable disposal practices. Generators of waste containing
this contaminant (≥100 kg/mo) must conform with
EPA regulations governing storage, transportation, treatment,
and waste disposal.
Definition
ChEBI:Paraquat dichloride is an organic chloride salt. It has a role as a herbicide and a photosystem-I inhibitor. It contains a paraquat.
Flammability and Explosibility
Notclassified
Safety Profile
A human poison by ingestion. Poison experimentally by ingestion, skin contact, intraperitoneal, intravenous, and subcutaneous routes. Human systemic effects by ingestion: acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis, cough, diarrhea, dyspnea, headache, hyp
Purification Methods
Recrystallise the dichloride from MeOH/acetone mixture. It has also been recrystallised three times from absolute EtOH [Bancroft et al. Anal Chem 53 1390 1981]. Dry it at 80o in a vacuum. [Beilstein 23/8 V 30.]
