Chemical Properties
White crystalline powder
Uses
META(R) Metaldehyde is a highly effective active ingredient to control slugs and snails (molluscicide) WWW Link
Uses
In compressed form as a fuel instead of alcohol; molluscicide.
Definition
A solid compound,C
4O
4H
4(CH
3)
4, formed by polymerizationof ethanal (acetaldehyde) in diluteacid solutions below 0°C. Thecompound, a tetramer of ethanal, isused in slug pellets and as a fuel forportable stoves.
Definition
A polymer of
acetaldehyde in which n usually is 4–6.
Hazard
Flammable, dangerous fire risk. Strong irritant to skin and mucous membranes.
Carcinogenicity
There is no evidence in the literature
that metaldehyde has carcinogenic potential.
Environmental Fate
Plant. When applied to citrus rinds, 50% was lost after 4.6 days for the first 33 days
and an additional 25% was lost 14 days for the subsequent 26 days (Iwata et al., 1982).
Chemical/Physical. Metaldehyde can be converted to acetaldehyde by heating to 150°C
for 4–5 hours or by the reaction of concentrated hydrochloric acid (6 M) for a couple of
minutes (Booze and Oehme, 1985).
