Paraquat dichloride

Paraquat dichloride is a dark blue liquid, non-combustible, stable herbicide chemical. It is incompatible with strong oxidising agents. On contact with fire paraquat decomposes gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases), nitrogen oxides, and hydrogen chloride. Paraquat dichloride contact and storage destroys metal. Paraquat dichloride hydrolyses in alkaline media and reacts with aluminium to produce hydrogen gas. Paraquat (N,N′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium dichloride) is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. Paraquat dichloride is a herbicide currently registered to control weeds and grasses in many agricultural and non-agricultural areas. It is used preplant or preemergence on vegetables, grains, cotton, grasses, sugar cane, peanuts, potatoes, and tree plantation areas; post-emergence around fruit crops, vegetables, trees, vines, grains, soybeans, and sugar cane. It is also used on non-crop areas such as public airports, electric transformer stations, and around commercial buildings to control weeds. It has been reported that about seven pesticide products are registered which contain the active ingredient paraquat dichloride and classified as restricted use pesticides (RUPs). Paraquat dichloride and the products are primarily intended for ‘Occupational Use’. In the United States, Paraquat is classified as ‘restricted commercial use’, and people must obtain a license to use the product.