Warfarin

Description

A toxic anticoagulant used in commercial baits to kill rodents. Warfarin, discovered in 1947, is composed of 3(a-acetonylbenzyl)-4-hydroxycoumarin. The chemical is slow-acting material, odorless, tasteless, and works in small doses. The use of warfarin in concentrations above 3% is restricted in the U.S.

Synonyms and Related Terms

3(a-acetonylbenzyl)-4-hydroxycoumarin; d-Con®; RAX; Cov-R-Tox; Kypfarin; Rodex; Tox-Hid

Other Properties

Soluble in water.

Composition	C19H16O4

Hazards and Safety

Toxic to all mammals. Slow-acting; works by inhibitng the clotting of blood.

Authority

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998 Comment: date of discovery and formula

• Website address 1 Comment: http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/rodent/warfarin/rod-prof-warfarin.html