Malathion is a chemical substance classified as a pesticide and widely used in agriculture. It is used to kill dangerous insects, ticks, and stored-product pests. It is also used for household, sanitary, and medical pest control. Today, many effective products are made from malathion. It is important to strictly follow the instructions when using them.
History of creation
In the 1930s and 1940s, the American Cyanamide Company began developing convenient methods for producing O,O-dialkyldithiophosphoric acids, which were used as flotation agents. These acids were obtained by reacting 1 mole of phosphorus pentasulfide with 4 moles of alcohol. The insecticide was created by adding dialkyldithiophosphoric acids to substances with a double bond. This occurred in 1953.
At the same time, similar research was being conducted in the USSR. Soviet scientists succeeded in developing a similar product, but they called it malathion. Today, malathion is considered one of the oldest substances used in the production of insecticidal acaricidal chemicals.
What are the physical and chemical properties of
In its pure form, malathion is a clear, oily liquid with a pungent odor. The technical product is produced as a dark brown substance. The main impurity is dimethyldithiophosphoric acid. Xylene may also be present.
The main physical properties of a substance include the following:
- molecular weight – 330.358021;
- density – 1.23 at a temperature of +25 degrees;
- boiling point – +120 degrees at 0.2 millimeters of mercury;
- refractive index – 1.4985.
The product is slowly hydrolyzed by water. It is also thermally and photochemically stable.
How it works
Malathion is considered the active ingredient in many medications. When exposed to oxidizing agents, this element is converted into malaoxon, which has greater physiological activity.
This process occurs in insects. However, it is less common in plants and warm-blooded animals. This property is responsible for malathion's increased toxicity to parasites.
List of drugs
The most well-known insecticides containing this active substance include the following preparations:
- "Fufanon Nova" - 1 liter of insecticide contains 440 grams of malathion.
- "Antikleshch" - 1 liter of the preparation contains 525 grams of the active substance.
- "Aliot" - 1 liter of the product contains 570 grams of the active ingredient.
- "Prophylactin" - 1 liter of the substance contains 13 grams of malathion and 658 grams of vaseline oil.
- "Alatar" - 1 liter contains 225 grams of malathion and 50 grams of cypermethrin.
- "Inta-C-M" - includes 140 grams of malathion and 29 grams of cypermethrin per 1 kilogram.
Instructions for use
To ensure that insecticides based on this substance are effective, it is important to strictly follow the instructions for preparing and using the working solution.
In this case, the specific application features depend on the specific product:
- Fufanon Nova. When using this product, combine the contents of one ampoule with one liter of water and mix thoroughly to obtain a uniform consistency. The resulting stock solution should then be diluted in 10 liters of water and sprayed onto the plants. It is recommended to use 1-5 liters of working solution per square meter. The specific amount depends on the crop variety being treated.
- "Alatar." To make a working solution for treating fruit, vegetable, and ornamental plants, take 5 milliliters of the product and mix it with 6 liters of settled water. It is recommended to treat plants early in the morning or after sunset. The recommended application rate is 0.5-2 liters of solution per square meter. For each tree, 2-5 liters of the solution is required.
- Inta-C-M. This product is effective against Colorado potato beetles. It can also be used to control leaf-eating caterpillars. For the desired effect, it is recommended to mix one tablet with one liter of water. Then, the resulting solution should be combined with 10 liters of water and mixed well. For each tree, 2-5 liters of solution is recommended. For a 100-square-meter garden, 5 liters of the product is required.
- "Antikleshch." To prepare a solution, it is recommended to use 10 milliliters of the chemical. The substance should be mixed with 10 liters of water. It is recommended to use 1-3 liters of the product per square meter of planting. To treat a mature tree or bush, use 2-5 liters of the product.
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Safety precautions
Malathion-based products are classified as hazard class 3-4. This depends on the presence of additional components and the active ingredient content. In any case, strict safety precautions must be observed when working with the solution. It is important to avoid contact with eyes or skin.
When treating plants, be sure to wear gloves and overalls. To prevent chemical vapors from entering your lungs, wear a respirator or mask. Avoid drinking, smoking, or eating while working. This will help prevent contact with mucous membranes.
After treating the plants, take a shower. This will help wash away any remaining chemicals. Be sure to wash all clothing.
What to replace it with
Malathion-based products can be replaced with insectoacaricides whose active ingredients are pyrethroids.
Malathion is a highly effective insecticide that effectively combats a wide variety of parasites. It is a component of many effective products. To ensure effective use, it is important to strictly follow the instructions. Adherence to safety precautions is also crucial.