Description
Ethofumesate is a pre- and post-emergence selective herbicide for grasses and broadleaved weed control. It is moderately soluble in water and highly soluble in many organic solvents. It is not considered to be volatile, nor is it usually persistent in soil systems. It is moderately mobile in the environment and so may leach to groundwaters. Ethofumesate has a low to moderate ecotoxicity for many species although there are gaps in data. No serious human health issues have been identified.
Chemical Properties
Colorless to white crystalline solid.
Commercial formulations include flowable concentrate,
emulsifiable concentrate, and granular products. Mild aromatic odor.
Chemical Properties
Whitish crystals. Does not
hydrolyze with water at neutral pH.
Uses
Herbicide, silvicide.
Uses
Ethofumesate is a herbicide.
Definition
ChEBI: 2-ethoxy-3,3-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-5-yl methanesulfonate is a methanesulfonate ester that is methanesulfonic acid in which the hydrogen of the hydroxy group has been replaced by a 2-ethoxy-3,3-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-5-yl group. It is an ether, a methanesulfonate ester and a member of 1-benzofurans.
Production Methods
Ethofumesate is commercially produced through a multi-step chemical synthesis involving several key reactions. The process typically begins with the reaction of morpholine and isobutanal, followed by a cyclisation step involving benzoquinone to form the benzofuran core structure. This intermediate is then subjected to sulfonation using methylsulfuryl chloride, forming a methanesulfonate ester. The final steps include alcohol-based reactions and purification through crystallization and recrystallization to yield high-purity ethofumesate.
Agricultural Uses
Herbicide: A major use is to control weeds in sugar beet crops.
U.S. Maximum Allowable Residue Levels for
Ethofumesate and its metabolites 2-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-5-benzofuranyl
methanesulfonate and
2,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-2-oxo-5-benzofuranyl methanesulfonate
(both calculated as the parent compound)
Trade name
BATAMIX PROGRESS®; BETANAL®;
ETHOSAT® 500; KEMIRON®; NORTRON®; NC8438®;
POWERTWIN®; PROGRASS®; PROGRESS®;
TANDEM®; TORERO®
Mechanism of action
Selective, systemic, absorbed through emerging shoots and roots. Inhibition of lipid synthesis.
Shipping
UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substances,
solid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material, Technical Name Required.
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, and epoxides
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 guidance on acceptable disposal practices. If allowed,
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
