Fenthion
Fenthion is an organophosphate insecticide and acaricide used to control a wide range of pests, including mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. It is known for its effectiveness in agricultural and public health applications.
Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]
Fenthion is a phosphorothioate ester, which means it contains a phosphorus atom bonded to a sulfur atom. Its chemical formula is C10H15O3PS2. It is a colorless to yellow-brown liquid with a faint odor.
Mode of Action[edit | edit source]
Fenthion works by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system in insects. This inhibition leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve synapses, causing continuous nerve impulse transmission, paralysis, and eventually death of the insect.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Fenthion is used in various settings, including:
- Agriculture: To protect crops from pests.
- Public health: To control mosquito populations and reduce the spread of vector-borne diseases.
- Veterinary medicine: To control parasites on livestock.
Environmental Impact[edit | edit source]
Fenthion is highly toxic to non-target organisms, including birds, fish, and bees. Its use is regulated in many countries to minimize environmental contamination and protect wildlife.
Safety and Regulation[edit | edit source]
Due to its toxicity, the use of fenthion is subject to strict regulations. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended for individuals handling the chemical. In some regions, its use has been restricted or banned due to environmental and health concerns.
Related Compounds[edit | edit source]
Fenthion is part of a broader class of organophosphate insecticides, which includes other compounds such as malathion, parathion, and diazinon.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
| IUPAC Name: | O,O-Dimethyl O-[3-methyl-4-(methylthio)phenyl] phosphorothioate |
| Other Names: | Baytex, Lebaycid, Entex |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | |
| PubChem | |
| ChemSpider | |
| SMILES | |
| InChI | |
| InChIKey | |
| StdInChI | |
| StdInChIKey | |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | CHNO |
| Appearance | |
| Density | |
| Melting Point | |
| Boiling Point | |
| Solubility | |
| Hazards | |
| Main Hazards | |
| Flash Point | |
| Autoignition Temperature | |
 | This hospital-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
