PARATHION METHYL Meaning and
Definition
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Parathion methyl is an organophosphorus compound that is widely used as an insecticide and acaricide. It is a derivative of parathion, but with a methyl group attached to the phosphorus atom. It is known for its high toxicity to both insects and mammals.
Parathion methyl functions by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. By disrupting this process, it causes the accumulation of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, leading to excessive stimulation of cholinergic receptors. This results in the overstimulation of the nervous system both in insects and mammals, leading to paralysis and ultimately death.
Due to its highly toxic nature, parathion methyl can cause a range of adverse effects in humans and animals, including respiratory distress, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, seizures, coma, and even death. It can be absorbed into the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, making it a potential hazard for individuals working with or exposed to it.
Because of its potential for causing harm to the environment and human health, the use of parathion methyl has been regulated or banned in many countries. It is important to handle and dispose of this chemical with extreme care, using appropriate protective measures to prevent exposure.
Common Misspellings for PARATHION METHYL
- oarathion methyl
- larathion methyl
- -arathion methyl
- 0arathion methyl
- pzrathion methyl
- psrathion methyl
- pwrathion methyl
- pqrathion methyl
- paeathion methyl
- padathion methyl
- pafathion methyl
- patathion methyl
- pa5athion methyl
- pa4athion methyl
- parzthion methyl
- parsthion methyl
- parwthion methyl
- parqthion methyl
- pararhion methyl
- parafhion methyl
Etymology of PARATHION METHYL
The word "Parathion" is derived from the chemical name "diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate". The "para" in "Parathion" refers to the position of the nitro group (NO2) on the benzene ring, which is attached to the phosphorothioate moiety. The suffix "thion" in "Parathion" comes from the phosphorothioate group, which contains a sulfur (S) atom instead of an oxygen (O) atom.
The term "Methyl" refers to the addition of a methyl (CH3) group to the phosphorothioate, resulting in the specific compound "Parathion Methyl". This addition is done to modify the properties of the initial compound, which is a potent insecticide and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.
