Ethephon

Agent Name
Ethephon
CAS Number
16672-87-0
Formula
C2-H6-Cl-O3-P
Major Category
Pesticides
Ethephon formula graphical representation
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

Exposure Assessment

Vapor Pressure
9.8E-08 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 4,520 mg/m3

Adverse Effects

Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Other Poison
Organophosphate

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: