Ethephon

Synonyms

(2-Chloroethyl)phosphonic acid; 2-CEPA; 2-Chloraethyl-phosphonsaeure [German]; 2-Chloroethanephosphonic acid; 2-Chloroethylphosphonic acid; Acide chloro-2-ethyl-phosphonique [French]; Amchem 68-250; Bromeflor; Bromoflor; CEP; CEPA; Camposan; Cepha; Cepha 10LS; Cerone; Chipco Florel PRO; Chlorethephon; Chloroethylphosphonic acid; Ethefon; Ethel; Ethephon [ANSI]; Ethepon; Etheverse; Ethrel; Ethrel C; Flordimex; Florel; Florel Plant Growth; Floridex; G 996; Gagro; Kamposan; Prep; Roll-Fruct; Terpal; Tomathrel; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Plant Growth Regulators

Description

Very hygroscopic solid; [Merck Index] Light beige powder; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used as plant growth regulator to promote ripening in fruits, nuts, and other crops and to stimulate latex flow in rubber; [HSDB] Used primarily on cotton; [Reference #1]

Comments

May cause irritation; [HSDB] May cause burns; [eChemPortal: ESIS] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis; A cholinesterase inhibitor; May be absorbed through skin; [MSDSonline]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

9.8E-08 mm Hg

LC50 (rat) = 4,520 mg/m3

Yes

Skin burns

Other Poison

Organophosphate

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Organophosphates & carbamates, acute poisoning

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)