Chemical Properties
Amitrole is a colorless to off-white crystalline
solid or white powder. Odorless when pure.
Definition
ChEBI: Amitrole is a member of the class of triazoles that is 1H-1,2,4-triazole substituted by an amino group at position 3. Used to control annual grasses and aquatic weeds (but not on food crops because it causes cancer in laboratory animals). Its use within the EU was banned from September 2017 on the grounds of potential groundwater contamination and risks to aquatic life; there have also been concerns about its endocrine-disrupting properties. It has a role as a herbicide, an EC 1.11.1.6 (catalase) inhibitor and a carotenoid biosynthesis inhibitor. It is an aromatic amine and a member of triazoles.
Potential Exposure
A potential danger to those involved
in the manufacture, formulation, and application of this
postemergence herbicide, which is now limited to noncrop
applications as a herbicide and plant growth regulator.
Some triazoles have been used as rubber components.
Shipping
UN2588 Pesticides, solid, toxic, Hazard Class:
6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name
Required. UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substances,
solid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous
material, Technical Name Required.
Incompatibilities
Dust may be explosive in air. Keep
away from strong oxidizers; strong acids; light and heat
(decomposes). Corrosive to iron, aluminum, and copper.
Sublimes undecomposed at reduced pressure.
Waste Disposal
Consult with environmental
regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal
practices. Generators of waste containing this contaminant
(≥100 kg/mo) must conform with EPA regulations governing
storage, transportation, treatment, and waste disposal.
Amitrol is resistant to hydrolysis and the action of oxidizing
agents. Burning the compound with polyethylene is
reported to result in .99% decomposition.
