Chemical Properties
White crystalline powder. Melting point 53°C. Soluble in most organic solvents, insoluble in water.
Uses
Dicapthon is an organophosphorus pesticide.
Production Methods
Dicapthon is commercially produced by esterification of O,O-dimethyl phosphorothioic acid with 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol. The process begins with the preparation of the phosphorothioic acid derivative, typically from phosphorus oxychloride or phosphorus pentasulfide, followed by controlled reaction with the chloronitrophenol in an organic solvent. Catalysts and temperature regulation are used to ensure selective formation of the thiono ester. After synthesis, the crude product undergoes purification steps such as vacuum distillation or recrystallisation to yield technical-grade dicapthon.
Mechanism of action
Contact and stomach insecticide. Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitor.
Pesticide Type
Insecticide; Acaricide
