Acethion is an organophosphate insecticide that is not generally approved for use in the developed world. It is moderately toxic to mammals and a neurotoxin. It is moderately soluble in water and highly volatile. Data related to the environmental degradation of acethion is scarce, as is information on its ecotoxicology.
Acethion is commercially produced through the esterification of mercaptoacetic acid with O,O-diethyl phosphorodithioate under controlled conditions to form ethyl 2-(diethoxyphosphinothioylthio)acetate. The synthesis involves reacting mercaptoacetic acid ethyl ester with diethyl phosphorodithioic chloride in an organic solvent such as toluene or dichloromethane, using a base like triethylamine to neutralize the hydrochloric acid byproduct. The reaction is conducted at low to moderate temperatures to preserve the integrity of the organophosphorus structure.
Non-systemic. Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitor.
