Chlorazifop

Chlorazifop is a herbicide that is used to control a wide range of weed species in a variety of crops. It is a member of the arylphenoxypropionate group of herbicides, which work by inhibiting the enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which is essential for the synthesis of fatty acids in plants.

Chemistry

Chlorazifop is a synthetic compound that is derived from phenoxypropionic acid. It has the chemical formula C15H11ClFNO4 and a molecular weight of 335.7 g/mol. The compound is a white crystalline solid at room temperature, and it is soluble in water and most organic solvents.

Mode of Action

Chlorazifop works by inhibiting the enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase), which is essential for the synthesis of fatty acids in plants. ACCase is a key enzyme in the lipid biosynthesis pathway, and its inhibition leads to a disruption of the plant's lipid metabolism, resulting in the death of the plant.

Use and Application

Chlorazifop is used to control a wide range of weed species in a variety of crops, including cereals, oilseed rape, sugar beet, potatoes, vegetables, and fruits. It is applied post-emergence, and it is absorbed by the foliage and roots of the weeds, with translocation throughout the plant.

Safety and Environmental Impact

Chlorazifop is classified as a Category III pesticide by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indicating a moderate level of toxicity. It is not considered to be a carcinogen, but it can cause eye and skin irritation in humans. In the environment, chlorazifop is moderately persistent, with a half-life in soil of between 30 and 60 days. It has a low potential for bioaccumulation, but it can be toxic to aquatic organisms.