General Description
Colorless crystals. Slightly corrosive to iron. A chlorinated phenoxy herbicide. Soluble in organic solvents.
Reactivity Profile
2,4-DB is an organic acid. Neutralizes bases in exothermic reactions. Forms water soluble metal and amine salts. Hard water precipitates the calcium and magnesium salts from aqueous solutions of such salts.
Potential Exposure
2,4-DB is a chlorophenoxy/arylox-
yalkanoic acid selective systemic herbicide used to control
annual and perennial broadleaf weeds in many field crops
such as alfalfa, peanuts, cereals and soybeans; used as a
defoliant. In the plant, the compound changes to 2,4-D and
inhibits growth at the tips of stems and roots.
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) 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. Do not induce
vomiting when formulations containing petroleum solvents
are ingested. Otherwise, give large quantities of water and
induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person
vomit.
Shipping
UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substances,
solid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous haz-
ardous material, Technical Name Required.
Incompatibilities
2,4-DB is a weak organic acid. Keep away from oxidizers, sulfuric acid, caustics, ammonia, aliphatic amines, alkanolamines, isocyanates, alkylene oxides, and epichlorohydrin. Corrosive to iron, aluminum, zinc, and possibly other metals, especially in the presence of moisture.
Description
2,4-DB is a post-emergence herbicide that is used to control broadleaved weeds. It is highly soluble in water and most organic solvents. It is relatively volatile but it may leach to groundwater under certain conditions. It is not persistent in soil systems but may tend to be persistent in aquatic systems. It is moderately toxic to mammals and there is some concern regarding its potential for bioaccumulation. It is moderately toxic to birds, earthworms, honeybees and most aquatic organisms.
Chemical Properties
White to light-brown crystalline solid. May be
shipped as a concentrate to be mixed with water and used
as a spray. Slight phenolic odor.
Waste Disposal
Do not discharge into drains
or sewers. Dispose of waste material as hazardous waste
using a licensed disposal contractor to an approved landfill.
Consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guid-
ance on acceptable disposal practices. Incineration with
effluent gas scrubbing is recommended. Containers must be
disposed of properly by following package label directions
or by contacting your local or federal environmental control
agency, or by contacting your regional EPA office
Uses
4-(2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)butanoic Acid is a herbicide.
Definition
ChEBI: A monocarboxylic acid that is butyric acid in which one of the hydrogens at position 4 is replaced by a 2,4-dichlorophenoxy group. A selective post-emergence herbicide.
Production Methods
2,4-DB (is manufactured through a multi-step chemical synthesis process that begins with the preparation of key intermediates such as 2,4-dichlorophenol and monochloroacetic acid. These compounds are first neutralized with sodium hydroxide to form sodium salts. The sodium 2,4-dichlorophenate is then condensed with sodium monochloroacetate to produce sodium 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate, which is further reacted with butyric acid derivatives to form 2,4-DB. The final product undergoes purification steps such as washing, stripping, and crystallization to ensure high purity and stability.
Mechanism of action
Selective, systemic. Synthetic auxin causing stem and leaf malformations leading to death.
