Mefenacet is an acetanilide herbicide which is used for pre- and post emergence control of annual weeds in paddy oil. Mefenacet has been widely used and repeated in Asian countries and is frequently d
etected in river or lake water.
ChEBI: Mefenacet is a member of benzothiazoles and a tertiary carboxamide. It has a role as an antimitotic and a herbicide.
The industrial synthesis of mefenacet begins with the preparation of benzothiazolone, which serves as the core heterocyclic scaffold. This compound is reacted with 2-halogenated-N-methyl-N-phenylacetamide, typically a chloro- or bromo-substituted derivative, under controlled conditions to form the final active ingredient via nucleophilic substitution. The reaction is typically carried out in an organic solvent such as acetone or acetonitrile, with a base like potassium carbonate to facilitate coupling. Temperature and reaction time are carefully optimised to ensure high yield and minimal by-product formation.
Selective, inhibits cell division and growth. Inhibition of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA, inhibition of cell division)
A poison by inhalation.Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal and subcutaneousroutes. Low toxicity by ingestion. When heated todecomposition it emits toxic vapors of NOx and SOx.
