Butamifos

Butamifos is an herbicide that is used to control weeds.

Production
The production of butamifos is based on N-[chloro(ethoxy)phosphinothioyl]butan-2-amine and 5-methyl-2-nitrophenol and is described in the following reaction sequence:

Properties
Butamifos is a chiral molecule. The technical product uses a mixture of the (R)- and (S)-isomers.

In a study, the level of pesticide contamination in soil and water of an agriculturally intensive area in Nepal was investigated. Endosulfan, Iprobefos, monocrotophos, mevinphos, and butamifos were detected in water samples, while cypermethrin, dichlorvos, and cyfluthrin were detected in soil samples. The increased concentration of butamifos in water may be due to higher water solubility and lower affinity for adsorption in soil.

Application and mode of action
Butamifos is used on beans, turf and various vegetables. The active ingredient is a non-systemic, selective herbicide. Its effect is based on inhibition of microtubule formation. It also acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, making it moderately toxic to mammals.

Trade name
A crop protection product containing the active ingredient butamifos is marketed under the trade name Cremart.

Registration
No plant protection products containing butamifos are registered in the European Union or Switzerland.