DNOC sodium is a multiuse pesticide. Data specific to the sodium salt is scarce but as DNOC it is highly soluble in water and is moderately volatile. It is not expected to be persistent in the environment. DNOC is moderately toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates, algae and earthworms. It has a low oral toxicity to honeybees. It is highly toxic to mammals if ingested and is an irritant.
DNOC sodium was produced commercially through the same broad pattern used for other dinitrophenol herbicides: first generate the nitrophenolic active, then convert it into a more manageable salt. Manufacturers began by nitrating para-octylphenol (or the corresponding alkylphenol feedstock) under controlled mixed-acid conditions to introduce the 2,4-dinitro substitution pattern characteristic of DNOC. After processing, the crude nitrophenol required careful purification to remove residual acids and by products that could destabilise the final product. The purified DNOC was then neutralised with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate in aqueous or hydroalcoholic media, forming the sodium salt.
Non-systemic, with contact and stomach action. Cell membrane disruption. Uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation via disruption of proton gradient.
Poison by ingestion,
skin contact, and subcutaneous routes.
Flammable. A pesticide. When heated to
decomposition it emits toxic fumes of
Na2O. See also other dinitrocresol entries.
Herbicide; Insecticide; Acaricide; Fungicide
