Ethephon

• Ethephon
• Ethrel

Hygroscopic solid

Fixed

74-75 ° C ( decomposition)

• Slightly soluble in water: 1239 g · l-1
• Easily soluble in polar organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and acetone

Risk

1560 mg · kg -1 ( LD50, rat, oral)

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

2- chloroethyl phosphonic acid is a well known under the name of ethephon chemical compound from the group of organic chlorine compounds and phosphonic acid derivatives.

Production and representation

2- chloroethylphosphonic acid may be derived from ethylene oxide with phosphorus trichloride, which react to form tris -2- Chlorethylphosphit. This is converted to bis-2- chloroethyl -2- chlorphosphonat and this is then further reacted with hydrogen chloride to ethephon.

Properties

2- chloroethyl phosphonic acid is a flammable hygroscopic solid which is readily soluble in water. It decomposes above a temperature above 74-75 ° C. Its aqueous solution is acidic.

Use

2- chloroethyl phosphonic acid is used as an active ingredient in pesticides. It is a plant growth regulator with systemic properties. The effect is due to the release of ethylene is absorbed by the plants and engages growth processes. Either the maturation process of, for example Pineapple, apple, red pepper or tomato accelerated, caused an induction of flowering or it acts as a growth inhibitor in barley and rye, the upper internodes are shortened. The drug was introduced by Directive 2006/85/EC of the European Commission of 23 October 2006 in the Annex I of Directive 91/414/EEC. In January 2011, it came to recall Spanish peppers in German supermarkets because of significantly higher than the limits ethephon - loads.

In the U.S., ethephon is to a large extent (more than 4,500 tons per year ) for the opening of cotton bolls (English boll opening) used.

Safety

The vapors of 2- chloroethyl phosphonic acid can combine with air to form an explosive mixture.

Trade names

2- chloroethyl phosphonic acid is marketed under the trade names Arvest, Bromeflor, Etheverse, Flordimex, Flordimex T- Extra, Cerone, Etherel, Chipco Florel Pro and Prep.