Cypermethrin

Chemical Properties

Thick, yellow-brown liquid or semisolid mass (technical product).

Uses

Cypermethrin is a highly active, broad-spectrum, low-residue insecticide with contact and stomach poison effects, used to control a variety of pests on various crops.

Definition

ChEBI: Cypermethrin is a carboxylic ester resulting from the formal condensation between 3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid and the alcoholic hydroxy group of hydroxy(3-phenoxyphenyl)acetonitrile. It has a role as a pyrethroid ester insecticide, a pyrethroid ester acaricide, an agrochemical and a molluscicide. It is an organochlorine compound, a nitrile, an aromatic ether and a cyclopropanecarboxylate ester. It is functionally related to a 3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid.

Potential Exposure

Pyrethroid insecticide used to control pests on cotton, fruit, and vegetable crops. Also used in commercial and residential settings, ships, laboratories, and food-processing plants. A United States Environmental Protection Agency Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP).

Shipping

UN3349 Pyrethroid pesticide, solid toxic, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous material. UN3352 Pyrethroid pesticide, liquid toxic, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials.

Incompatibilities

May react violently with strong oxidi- zers, bromine, 90% hydrogen peroxide, phosphorus trichloride, silver powders, or dust. Incompatible with silver compounds. Mixture with some silver compounds forms explosive salts of silver oxalate.

Waste Disposal

Incineration would be an effective disposal procedure where permitted. If an efficient incinerator is not available, the product should be mixed with large amounts of combustible material and contact with the smoke should be avoided. In accordance with 40 CFR 165, follow recommendations for the disposal of pes- ticides and pesticide containers.