MSI_000053231

Methyl parathion is an insecticide that does not occur naturally in the environment. Pure methyl parathion exists as white crystals. Impure methyl parathion is a brownish liquid that smells like rotten eggs.Methyl parathion is used to kill insects on farm crops, especially cotton. The EPA now restricts how methyl parathion can be used and applied; only trained people are allowed to spray it. Methyl parathion can no longer be used on food crops commonly consumed by children. Methyl parathion is a white crystalline solid which is often dissolved in a liquid solvent carrier. The commercial product is a tan liquid (xylene solution) with a pungent odor. It is slightly soluble to insoluble in water. Usually with the liquid solvent it is a combustible liquid. It is toxic by inhalation, ingestion and skin absorption. It is used as an insecticide. Parathion-methyl is a C-nitro compound that is 4-nitrophenol substituted by a (dimethoxyphosphorothioyl)oxy group at position 4. It has a role as an EC 3.1.1.7 (acetylcholinesterase) inhibitor, an EC 3.1.1.8 (cholinesterase) inhibitor, an acaricide, an agrochemical, a genotoxin, an environmental contaminant and an antifungal agent. It is an organic thiophosphate, an organothiophosphate insecticide and a C-nitro compound. It is functionally related to a 4-nitrophenol.