Acetochlor
Reference[1]
Pin2-Chloro-N-(ethoxymethyl)-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)acetamide
OthernamesAzetochlor
CP55097
ICIA-5676

Acetochlor is an herbicide developed by Monsanto Company and Zeneca. It is a member of the class of herbicides known as chloroacetanilides. Its mode of action is elongase inhibition, and inhibition of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) cyclization enzymes, part of the gibberellin pathway. It carries high risks of environmental contamination.[2]

Manufacture

Acetochlor is manufactured in two steps from 2-ethyl-6-methylaniline. A reaction with chloroacetyl chloride gives an anilide which is treated with chloromethyl ethyl ether and sodium hydroxide to form the herbicide.[3]

Uses

In the United States, acetochlor was registered by the EPA as a direct substitute for many herbicides of known concern. The EPA imposed several restrictions and conditions on the use of acetochlor.[4]

It is approved for pre-emergence application or for pre-planting application with soil incorporation, in corn. (maize) at 5 litres / hectare (1835g / hectare of a.i.)[5] It is the main active ingredient in Acenit, Keystone, Guardian, Harness, Relay, Sacemid, Surpass, Top-Hand, Trophy and Winner.

It is used to control weeds in corn, and is particularly useful as a replacement for atrazine in the case of some important weeds.

Internationally

It is also registered in South Africa.[6]

Safety

Acetochlor has been classified as a probable human carcinogen.[1][4] Acetochlor, as alachlor, can cause nasal turbinate tumors via the generation of a common tissue reactive metabolite that leads to cytotoxicity and regenerative proliferation in the nasal epithelium.[7]

It is a thyroid disruptor.[8]

Human health effects from acetochlor at low environmental doses or at biomonitored levels from low environmental exposures are unknown.[9] A case of poisoning with extremely swollen genitals as a symptom was reported after contact.[10]

Ecologic effects

In the United States, acetochlor is the third most frequently detected herbicide in natural waters.[11]

Acetochlor can accelerate metamorphosis in amphibians.[12] It can also affect the development of fish.[12]

See also

References

  1. ^ Cornell University Extension Toxicology Network Pesticide Information Profile on Acetochlor
  2. ^ Arregui, M.; Sánchez, D.; Althaus, R.; Scotta, R.; Bertolaccini, I. (2010). "Assessing the risk of pesticide environmental impact in several Argentinian cropping systems with a fuzzy expert indicator". Pest Management Science. 66 (7): 736–740. doi:10.1002/ps.1935. PMID 20232283
  3. ^ Unger, Thomas A. (31 December 1996). Pesticide Synthesis Handbook. William Andrew. p. 7. ISBN 0815514018.
  4. ^ "Acetochlor". EPA. Retrieved 2 April 2010.
  5. ^ "e-phy". agriculture.gouv.fr. Archived from the original on 1 June 2003. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
  6. ^ "Pesticides Registered in South Africa - EnviroScope.org.za". Enviroscope. 16 November 2024. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  7. ^ "Cumulative Risk Assessment for the Chloroacetanilides". EPA. 2006-03-29. Archived from the original on May 20, 2008. Retrieved 2 April 2010.
  8. ^ Turque, N.; Palmier, K.; Le Mével, S.; Alliot, C.; Demeneix, B. A. (2005). "A Rapid, Physiologic Protocol for Testing Transcriptional Effects of Thyroid-Disrupting Agents in Premetamorphic Xenopus Tadpoles". Environmental Health Perspectives. 113 (11): 1588–1593. doi:10.1289/ehp.7992. PMC 1310923. PMID 16263516
  9. ^ "National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals". CDC. 11 February 2010. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 2 April 2010.
  10. ^ Tian, Runhui; Liu, Lingyun; Liang, Zuowen; Guo, Kaimin (2019). "Acetochlor poisoning presenting as acute genital edema: A case report". Urology Case Reports. 22: 47–48. doi:10.1016/j.eucr.2018.10.014. PMC 6214889. PMID 30406020
  11. ^ Foley, M.; Sigler, V.; Gruden, C. (2008). "A multiphasic characterization of the impact of the herbicide acetochlor on freshwater bacterial communities.". The ISME Journal. 2 (1): 56–66. doi:10.1038/ismej.2007.99. PMID 18180747
  12. ^ Li, W.; Zha, J.; Li, Z.; Yang, L.; Wang, Z. (2009). "Effects of exposure to acetochlor on the expression of thyroid hormone related genes in larval and adult rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus)". Aquatic Toxicology. 94 (2): 87–93. doi:10.1016/j.aquatox.2009.06.002. PMID 19577311. Archived from the original on 2022-05-13. Retrieved 2019-07-11.