DIMETHOATE Meaning and
Definition
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Dimethoate is an organophosphate insecticide that belongs to the chemical class of compounds known as organothiophosphates. It is widely used in agriculture and horticulture to control various insect pests on crops such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and ornamental plants.
Dimethoate acts as a contact and systemic insecticide, meaning it can penetrate the leaves and other tissues of plants, as well as remain on the surface, to provide control against a broad spectrum of chewing and sucking insects. It works by inhibiting the activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme involved in the transmission of nerve impulses in the insects' nervous systems.
The chemical formula for dimethoate is C5H12NO3PS2, and it typically appears as a yellow to brown liquid with a slightly garlic-like odor. It is soluble in most organic solvents but has low solubility in water. The compound is highly toxic to insects and other arthropods, but it can also pose a risk to humans and animals if not used according to safety guidelines.
Due to its effectiveness and versatility, dimethoate has been widely used in agricultural practices. However, its use has become a topic of debate due to its adverse effects on non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, birds, and mammals. Consequently, regulatory measures have been implemented in many countries to restrict its usage and enforce strict safety guidelines.
Common Misspellings for DIMETHOATE
- simethoate
- ximethoate
- cimethoate
- fimethoate
- rimethoate
- eimethoate
- dumethoate
- djmethoate
- dkmethoate
- domethoate
- d9methoate
- d8methoate
- dinethoate
- dikethoate
- dijethoate
- dimwthoate
- dimsthoate
- dimdthoate
- dimrthoate
- dim4thoate
Etymology of DIMETHOATE
The word "dimethoate" has its etymology rooted in the chemical composition and naming conventions of organophosphorus insecticides.
"Di" indicates that the compound contains two methyl groups (CH3) attached to a central atom or molecule.
"Methyl" comes from the root "meth-" which indicates a single carbon group with three hydrogen atoms.
The second part of the word, "thoate", is derived from "thionyl group", which represents a sulfur-oxygen double bond (S=O) connected to the central carbon group. The "-ate" suffix indicates that the compound is an ester derivative of the parent acid.
The complete etymology of "dimethoate" signifies a derivative of a compound with two methyl groups attached to a central atom or molecule, which includes a thionyl group as part of its chemical structure.
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