Permethrin
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| General | |
|---|---|
| Name | 3-phenoxybenzyl (1RS)-cis,trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2- dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (IUPAC} (3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl (1RS)-cis,trans-3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (CAS) |
| Chemical formula | C21H20Cl2O3 |
| Appearance | Colourless crystals |
| Physical | |
| Formula weight | 391.28 amu |
| Melting point | 307 K (34 °C) |
| Boiling point | 473 K (200 °C) |
| Density | 1190 k/m3 |
| Crystal structure | |
| Solubility | Insoluble (5.5 x 10-3 ppm |
| Thermochemistry | |
| ΔfH0gas | kJ/mol |
| ΔfH0liquid | kJ/mol |
| ΔfH0solid | kJ/mol |
| S0gas, 1 bar | J/mol·K |
| S0liquid, 1 bar | J/mol·K |
| S0solid | J/mol·K |
| Safety | |
| Ingestion | Harmless in small quantities |
| Inhalation | Harmful, potentially damaging to lungs |
| Skin | Irritation |
| Eyes | Irritation |
| More info | Hazardous Chemical Database (http://ull.chemistry.uakron.edu/erd/) |
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SI units were used where possible. Unless otherwise stated, standard conditions were used. Disclaimer and references </font> | |
Permethrin is a common chemical, widely used as an insecticide. It belongs to the family of chemicals called pyrethroids and functions as a neurotoxin, affecting neuron membranes by slowing the access of important sodium ions.
In agriculture, Permethrin is mainly used on cotton, wheat, maize, and alfalfa crops, and is also used to kill parasites on chickens and other poultry. Its use is controversial since, as a broad-spectrum chemical, it kills indiscriminately; as well as the intended pests, it can harm beneficial insects including honey bees and small mammals such as mice.
It is also used in healthcare, to eradicate parasites such as head lice and scabies, and in industrial and domestic settings to control pests such as ants and termites.