Morfamquat is a selective herbicide in that dicots but
not monocots are affected at the normal field rates (19).
The mechanism of this difference is not clearly understood
but probably relates to the ability of morfamquat to be
enzymatically converted to paraquat by esterases that
cleave the bulky side groups on the molecule. Once in the
cell, morfamquat then behaves identically to paraquat.
ChEBI: Morfamquat is an organic molecular entity.
Morfamquat dichloride is synthesised through a multi-step process involving the quaternization of bipyridinium compounds with morpholine derivatives. The production begins with the preparation of 4,4'-bipyridine, which undergoes alkylation using chloromethyl morpholinederivatives to form the bis-substituted intermediate. This intermediate is then reacted with hydrochloric acid to yield the dichloride salt, enhancing its solubility and stability for herbicidal applications.
Broad-spectrum, non-residual activity with contact and some desiccant action. Photosystem I (electron transport) inhibitor.
