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

Risks

• Toxic to all mammals.
• Slow-acting; works by inhibiting the clotting of blood.
• Cayman Chemical: SDS

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Soluble in water.
• Composition = C19H16O4

Resources and Citations

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

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