Chemical Properties
2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid is a white
to yellow crystalline powder with a slight phenolic odor.
Uses
2,4-D-Butylglycol Ester is a reagent used in the preparation of fungicides, herbicides and insecticides.Environmental toxin on US EPA Toxic Release Inventory list (TRI) list.
Production Methods
The commercial production of 2,4-D-butotylester begins with purified 2,4-D acid, obtained via the standard phenoxyacetic acid route. The free acid is dissolved in water or a mixed solvent and then neutralised with butotyl alcohol (a branched C4-C6 alcohol blend used historically in specialty esters) under controlled pH and temperature, forming the ester.
Health Hazard
Recommended Personal Protective Equipment: Face shield or goggles; rubber gloves; Symptoms Following Exposure: Contact with eyes may cause mild irritation; General Treatment for Exposure: INGESTION: if large amounts are swallowed, induce vomiting and get medical help. EYES: flush with plenty of water and see a doctor. SKIN: flush with water, wash with soap and water; Toxicity by Inhalation (Threshold Limit Value): Data not available; Short-Term Exposure Limits: Data not available; Toxicity by Ingestion: Grade 2 or 3:LD
50 = 320-617 mg/kg; Late Toxicity: Data not available; Vapor (Gas) Irritant Characteristics: Data not available; Liquid or Solid Irritant Characteristics: Data not available; Odor Threshold: Data not available.
Chemical Reactivity
Reactivity with Water No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: May attack some forms ofplastics; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent; Polymerization: Not pertinent; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Not pertinent.
Mechanism of action
Selective, systemic, absorbed through roots and increases biosynthesis and production of ethylene causing uncontrolled cell division and so damages vascular tissue. Synthetic auxin.
Potential Exposure
2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid,
was introduced as a plant growth-regulator in 1942. It
is registered in the United States as a herbicide for control
of broadleaf plants and as a plant growth-regulator. Thus,
workers engaged in manufacture, formulation or application
are affected, as may be citizens in areas of application. The
Vietnam war era defoliant, Agent Orange, was a mixture of
2,4-D and 2,4,5-T.
Shipping
UN3345 Phenoxyacetic acid derivative pesticide,
solid, toxic, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous
materials. A DOT regulated marine pollutant.
Incompatibilities
A weak acid, incompatible with bases.
Decomposes in sunlight or heat, forming hydrogen chloride
and phosgene. Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fire
and explosions.
Waste Disposal
Incineration of phenoxys is
effective in 1 second @ 982
C, using a straight combustion
process or @ 482℃
using catalytic combustion. Over 99%
decomposition was reported when small amounts of 2,4-D
were burned in a polyethylene bag. See “References”
for additional detail. In accordance with 40CFR165, follow
(31); recommendations for the disposal of pesticides and
pesticide containers. Must be disposed properly by follow-
ing (100) Package (2) label directions or by contacting
your local or federal environmental control agency, or by
contacting your regional EPA office. Consult with environ-
mental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable
disposal practices. Generators of waste containing this
contaminant (≥100 kg/mo) must conform with EPA regu-
lations governing storage, transportation, treatment, and
waste disposal.
