Chlorophos

• CAS: 52-68-6
• Catalog Number: ACM52686
• Category: Main Products
• Molecular Weight: 257.44
• Molecular Formula: C₄H₈Cl₃O₄P
• Synonyms: Dylox; Metrifonate; Chlorophos; Bilarcil; 2,2,2-trichloro-1-hydroxyethylphosphonic acid dimethyl ester; (2,2,2-Trichloro-1-hydroxyethyl)phosphonic acid dimethyl ester,Metrifonate,Trichlorfon; 2,2,2-trichloro-1-dimethoxyphosphorylethanol; Chlorofos; Trichlorphon; Foschlor; Dipterex; Metriphonate
• IUPAC Name: 2,2,2-trichloro-1-dimethoxyphosphorylethanol
• SMILES: COP(=O)(C(C(Cl)(Cl)Cl)O)OC
• InChI Key: NFACJZMKEDPNKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• Appearance: white crystalline powder
• EC Number: 200-149-3
• Exact Mass: 255.92300
• Hazard Statements: C,Xi
• Packing Group: III
• Safety Description: S26:In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice .; S36/37/39:Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection .; S45:In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately
• UN Number: 2783
• WGK Germany: 3

Case Study

Assessment of Trichlorfon Toxicity and Biochemical Impact on Colossoma macropomum in Aquaculture

Duncan, Wallice Paxiúba, et al. Aquaculture International 28.2 (2020): 815-830.

Trichlorfon (metrifonate) is widely used in aquaculture to control ectoparasites and acanthocephalan infections across cultured species; manufacturer recommendations for other species vary (suggested application ranges include ~0.1-2.5 mg/L depending on host species and target parasite). Trichlorfon is an organophosphorus AChE inhibitor: it phosphorylates the enzyme's active-site serine, causing acetylcholine accumulation, cholinergic overstimulation and the clinical signs associated with organophosphate poisoning in fish and mammals.
This study assessed the acute toxicity and biochemical impact of the organophosphate pesticide trichlorfon on the Neotropical characin Colossoma macropomum, a species commonly treated in Brazilian fish farms. The 96-hour median lethal concentration (LC50-96h) was 0.87 mg/L. Sublethal exposures at 0.26 mg/L (30% of LC50) and 0.43 mg/L (50% of LC50) caused >90% inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in brain, muscle and intestine, while glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity remained unchanged in all tissues. In vitro kinetics indicate trichlorfon behaves as a classic uncompetitive inhibitor of AChE (Km and Vmax decrease; slope unchanged), and IC50 values for muscle AChE were lower than for brain AChE. Collectively, results show C. macropomum has low tolerance to trichlorfon and support the use of brain AChE as a sensitive biomarker of exposure and muscle AChE as an indicator related to mortality risk.

Feasibility of Radical-Based Advanced Oxidation for Trichlorfon Degradation and Phosphorus Recovery

Guo, Guojun, et al. Journal of Cleaner Production 275 (2020): 122706.

Trichlorfon is a high-phosphorus-content organophosphate pesticide. With high COD and limited biodegradability, its production and application streams are both an environmental and a health and safety issue, yet they are also a potential source of recoverable phosphorus. The study reported here assessed the viability of a combined oxidation + nutrient-recovery process, in order to: (i) mineralize or organophosphorus into inorganic phosphate and (ii) capture that phosphorus as a value-added product (K-struvite), as a means to improve circularity.
An Integrated Degradation and Recovery Process
Stage 1: Radical-Based Advanced Oxidation. The integrated process uses potassium persulfate (K2S2O8, PS) as the oxidant, activated by thermal energy and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. PS can be activated by either means to generate the powerful sulfate radical anion (SO4·-), which readily oxidizes and mineralizes the Trichlorfon molecule.
Stage 2: Phosphorus Recovery as Fertilizer. Following oxidation, the released inorganic phosphate ions (PO4^3-) in the treated effluent are recovered as crystalline potassium struvite (K-struvite, MgKPO4·6H2O) through precipitation. This product is a slow-release fertilizer, closing the phosphorus loop.
Degradation/Recovery Results. With potassium persulfate (PS) at 3.05 g/L, 80 °C, UV254 activation, the optimal conditions identified in this study, 91.74% Trichlorfon degradation was achieved after 210 minutes; phosphorus recovery of the oxidized effluent as K-struvite was 92.96% under the conditions of pH 11.5 and an Mg:P molar ratio of 1.8.

Custom Q&A

What is the molecular formula of Chlorophos?

The molecular formula of Chlorophos is C4H8Cl3O4P.

What are some synonyms for Chlorophos?

Some synonyms for Chlorophos include Trichlorfon, Metrifonate, and Methyl chlorophos.

What is the Chemical Safety information for Chlorophos?

Chlorophos is classified as an Irritant and an Environmental Hazard.

What is the CAS number of Chlorophos?

The CAS number of Chlorophos is 52-68-6.

What are the potential uses of Chlorophos?

Chlorophos can be used as a pesticide and vermicide.

Is Chlorophos classified as a hazardous chemical?

Yes, Chlorophos is classified as an Environmental Hazard.

Are there any other chemicals that contain Chlorophos?

No, Chlorophos is the primary chemical name for this compound.

What are the possible health effects of Chlorophos exposure?

Some possible health effects of Chlorophos exposure include irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

How should Chlorophos be stored?

Chlorophos should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.

Is Chlorophos approved for use in agriculture?

Yes, Chlorophos is approved for use as a pesticide in agriculture.