Cyanazine

Cyanazine is a herbicide that was previously used in the agricultural industry to control broadleaf and grassy weeds in crops such as corn and sorghum. It is a member of the triazine family of chemicals, which also includes atrazine and simazine. Cyanazine was first registered for use in the United States in 1971, but its use has been phased out due to environmental and health concerns.

Chemical Properties

Cyanazine is a white crystalline solid with a slight amine odor. It is soluble in water and most organic solvents. The chemical formula for cyanazine is C9H13ClN6, and its molecular weight is 240.69 g/mol. It has a melting point of 166-167°C and a boiling point of 160°C at 0.4 mmHg.

Uses

Cyanazine was primarily used as a selective herbicide for the control of broadleaf and grassy weeds in crops such as corn and sorghum. It was applied pre-emergence or early post-emergence. The herbicide was effective against a wide range of weeds, including pigweed, lambsquarters, and foxtail species.

Health Effects

Exposure to cyanazine can cause a variety of health effects. Acute exposure can lead to skin and eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Chronic exposure can result in damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Cyanazine is also a potential carcinogen, as it has been shown to cause tumors in laboratory animals.

Environmental Impact

Cyanazine is highly persistent in the environment and can leach into groundwater. It is toxic to aquatic organisms and can cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments. The use of cyanazine has been linked to the decline of several species of amphibians due to its ability to disrupt endocrine function.

Regulation

Due to its potential health and environmental impacts, the use of cyanazine has been phased out in many countries. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cancelled all registrations for cyanazine in 1996, and its use was completely phased out by 2002.