5-(2-Chloro-4-(trifluoro-methyl)phenoxy)-2-nitro-benzoic acid sodium salt

Sodium acifluorfen was first registered in the United States in 1980 as the herbicide Blazer, by the Rohm and Haas Company. In 1987, the BASF Corporation purchased the registration and supporting data. In 2003, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted an assessment to determine if pesticide products containing the active ingredient sodium acifluorfen were eligible for pesticide reregistration. Results of the US EPA assessment were explained in the Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) of sodium acifluorfen. The RED document determined pesticides with the active ingredient of sodium acifluorfen were eligible for reregistration provided certain stipulations listed in the RED document were met, which included additional label requirements to limit the potential for drift. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Section 3, all new pesticides used in the United States must be registered by the Administrator of the US EPA. There are 12 registrations for sodium acifluorfen.

A diphenyl ether, is a combustible, off-white, light tan or brown solid.

Sodium acifluorfen is a member of a diphenyl ether group of light-dependent peroxidizing herbicides. Sodium acifluorfen is also a member of the nitrophenyl ether class of herbicides. This class of herbicides can cause rapid disruption of cell membranes in plants. Acifluorfen penetrates into the cytoplasm and causes the formation of peroxides and free electrons (requires light), ultimately destroying the cell membrane. Destruction of the cell membrane prevents translocation to other regions of the plant. In the environment, sodium acifluorfen degrades to acifluorfen (or acifluorfen acid). Additionally, acifluorfen acid is a degradation product of lactofen, another herbicide used on agricultural crops and in forestry. Sodium acifluorfen can be used alone or formulated with similar herbicides. Various formulation types include liquid, ready-to-use, and soluble concentrates. Agricultural crop applications are conducted by aircraft and by broadcast and band treatment using ground equipment. A trigger spray bottle for spot treatment is used by both agricultural and residential applicators. Sodium acifluorfen is primarily used on agricultural crops as a nonselective herbicide for pre- and postemergent control of annual broadleaf weeds and grasses. From 2001 to 2007, the annual US agricultural consumption of sodium acifluorfen was estimated at 300 000 pounds. An estimated 200 000 pounds of the agricultural consumption was applied to soybean crops. Sodium acifluorfen is also used on the agricultural crops peanuts, rice, peas, and strawberries. Sodium acifluorfen is registered for residential use; however, it is limited to spot treatment with ready-to-use formulations. Residential application of sodium acifluorfen is minor compared to agricultural, since it is a nonselective herbicide that kills both weeds and grasses.

White powder. Melting point 255- 257°F (124-125°C). Irritates skin and eyes. Used as a herbicide.

Water soluble.

A potential danger to those involved in the manufacture, formulation and application of this selective preemergence and postemergence herbicide used to control weeds and grass in soybean and peanut crops

Acifluorfen inhibits the enzyme protoporphyrinogen oxidase, which catalyzes the dehydrogenation of protoporphyrinogen IX to protoporphyrin IX. In the presence of light, accumulated protoporphyrin can generate highly reactive oxygen species and induce membrane lipid peroxidation. The peroxidation of the lipid can result in a chain reaction and cause fragmentation and destruction of the lipid. The consequence of lipid peroxidation for a cell is loss of the membrane function. The primary target organs for sodium acifluorfen are the liver and kidneys. However, there are limited data that suggest cells can synthesize cytochrome P450 for detoxification of sodium acifluorfen. Further study is needed to confirm this.

UN2588 Pesticides, solid, toxic, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required. UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substancessolid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material, Technical Name Required

Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. Avoid contact with all sources of ignition.

In accordance with 40CFR165, follow recommendations for the disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers.