Basic Info

Common NameParaquat Dichloride(F03899)
2D Structure
Description

Paraquat dichloride is a constituent of numerous proprietary herbicides. A large majority (93%) of fatalities from paraquat poisoning are cases of intentional self-administration, ie, suicides. In third world countries, paraquat is a major suicide agent. For instance, in Samoa from 1979-2001, 70% of suicides were by Paraquat poisoning. In Southern Trinidad from 1996-1997, 76% of suicides were by paraquat. However, independent bodies have studied paraquat in this use. Jenny Pronczuk de Garbino, stated: no lung or other injury in marijuana users has ever been attributed to paraquat contamination. Also a United States Environmental Protection Agency manual states: … toxic effects caused by this mechanism have been either very rare or nonexistent. Most paraquat that contaminates marijuana is pyrolyzed during smoking to dipyridyl, which is a product of combustion of the leaf material itself (including marijuana) and presents little toxic hazard. Paraquat is the trade name for N,N -dimethyl-4,4 -bipyridinium dichloride, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. Paraquat, a viologen, is quick-acting and non-selective, killing green plant tissue on contact. It is also toxic to human beings when swallowed. Paraquat is used as a quaternary ammonium herbicide; one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. It is quick-acting, non-selective, and kills green plant tissue on contact. It is redistributed within the plant but does not harm mature bark. Being a herbicide, paraquat protects crops by controlling a wide range of annual and certain perennial weeds that reduce crop yield and quality by competing with the crop for water, nutrients, and light. Pure paraquat ingested is highly toxic to mammals and humans potentially leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and there are no specific antidotes. However, fuller's earth or activated charcoal is an effective treatment, if taken in time. Death may occur up to 30 days after ingestion. Diluted paraquat used for spraying is less so, thus the greatest risk of accidental poisoning is during mixing and loading Paraquat for use.

FRCD IDF03899
CAS Number1910-42-5
PubChem CID15938
FormulaC12H14Cl2N2
IUPAC Name

1-methyl-4-(1-methylpyridin-1-ium-4-yl)pyridin-1-ium;dichloride

InChI Key

FIKAKWIAUPDISJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L

InChI

InChI=1S/C12H14N2.2ClH/c1-13-7-3-11(4-8-13)12-5-9-14(2)10-6-12;;/h3-10H,1-2H3;2*1H/q+2;;/p-2

Canonical SMILES

C[N+]1=CC=C(C=C1)C2=CC=[N+](C=C2)C.[Cl-].[Cl-]

Isomeric SMILES

C[N+]1=CC=C(C=C1)C2=CC=[N+](C=C2)C.[Cl-].[Cl-]

WikipediaParaquat Dichloride
Synonyms
        
            Gramixel
        
            Paraquat dichloride
        
            Methyl viologen
        
            1910-42-5
        
            Pathclear
        
            Pillarxone
        
            Crisquat
        
            Dexuron
        
            Gramoxone
        
            Gramuron
        
Classifies
                

                  
                    Pesticide
                  

                
        
Update DateNov 13, 2018 17:07

Chemical Taxonomy

KingdomOrganic compounds
SuperclassOrganoheterocyclic compounds
ClassPyridines and derivatives
SubclassBipyridines and oligopyridines
Intermediate Tree NodesNot available
Direct ParentBipyridines and oligopyridines
Alternative Parents
Molecular FrameworkAromatic heteromonocyclic compounds
SubstituentsBipyridine - 4,4p-bipyridinium - N-methylpyridinium - Pyridinium - Heteroaromatic compound - Azacycle - Organic nitrogen compound - Organopnictogen compound - Hydrocarbon derivative - Organic chloride salt - Organic salt - Organonitrogen compound - Aromatic heteromonocyclic compound
DescriptionThis compound belongs to the class of organic compounds known as bipyridines and oligopyridines. These are organic compounds containing two pyridine rings linked to each other.

Properties

Property NameProperty Value
Molecular Weight257.158
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count2
Rotatable Bond Count1
Complexity145
Monoisotopic Mass256.053
Exact Mass256.053
Formal Charge0
Heavy Atom Count16
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Isotope Atom Count0
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count3

MRLs

FoodProduct CodeCountryMRLsApplication DateNotes
PotatoIndia0. 2mg/kg
Cotton SeedIndia0. 2mg/kg
Cottonseed OilIndia0.05mg/kg
FruitIndia0.05mg/kg

References

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