Parathion
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Description
A highly toxic organic phosphate Insecticide. Parathion was introduced in 1947. The pale yellow liquid acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor. It interrupts the function of the central nervous system and causes death by respiratory failure.
Synonyms and Related Terms
O,O-diethyl-O,p-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate; ethyl parathion; O,O-diethyl-p-nitrophenyl thiophosphate; AATP; Niran; Penncap-E
Risks
- Highly toxic by skin contact, inhalation or ingestion.
- Flammable. Flash point = 120-160 C.
- NIH: Compound summary
Physical and Chemical Properties
Soluble in ester, alcohols, ketones, ethers, aromatic hydrocarbons, oils. Slightly soluble in water. Insoluble in petroleum ether, kerosene.
| Composition | (C2H5O)2P(S)OC6H4NO2 |
|---|---|
| CAS | 56-38-2 |
| Melting Point | 6 C |
| Density | 1.26 g/ml |
| Molecular Weight | mol. wt. = 291.27 |
| Refractive Index | 1.5367 |
| Boiling Point | 375 C |
Resources and Citations
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment:parathion [Accessed March 26, 2002].
- The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 6897