FLUOROACETATE Meaning and
Definition
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Fluoroacetate is a chemical compound that is formed by the replacement of an oxygen atom in the acetic acid molecule with a fluorine atom. It is also known by its systematic name, trifluoroacetate. The chemical formula for fluoroacetate is CH2FCOO^-, indicating its negatively charged ion state.
Fluoroacetate is a highly toxic substance present in some plants and toxic compounds. It is commonly found in various plant species, such as the Gastrolobium genus, which are native to Australia and parts of Africa and South America. These plants produce fluoroacetate as a defense mechanism against herbivores as ingestion of fluoroacetate by animals can be fatal.
The toxicity of fluoroacetate is due to its ability to inhibit a key enzyme in the citric acid cycle, which is important for energy production in cells. The enzyme inhibition disrupts metabolism, especially in the heart and muscle tissues, leading to a variety of side effects, including tremors, convulsions, and ultimately, cardiac arrest.
Due to its potency as a poison, fluoroacetate has gained attention as a chemical agent for pest control in certain areas. A synthetic version of fluoroacetate, known as sodium fluoroacetate or Compound 1080, is often used as a rodenticide to control populations of rats and wolves, as well as in some insecticides to control pests like locusts and beetles.
It is important to handle fluoroacetate with extreme caution due to its toxic properties and potential harm to humans and animals if ingested or inhaled.
Etymology of FLUOROACETATE
The word "fluoroacetate" is derived from its chemical composition.
The term "fluoro" comes from the element fluorine, which is represented by the symbol "F" in the periodic table. Fluorine is a highly reactive and electronegative element found in compounds with various properties and uses.
The term "acetate" refers to the acetate ion, or ethanoate ion, which is a negatively charged ion comprised of two carbon atoms bonded to three oxygen atoms. Acetate is commonly found in organic chemistry and is the conjugate base of acetic acid.
When these two terms are combined, "fluoroacetate" is formed, indicating a compound or molecule that contains the elements fluorine and acetate. Fluoroacetate is a toxic chemical compound that is used as a pesticide, particularly in rodent control due to its high toxicity to mammals.
