Thiophanate, pronounced /θaɪ.oʊˈfæn.eɪt/, is a chemical compound used as a fungicide. The word is spelled with the combination of the letters "thio", which refers to the sulfur attached to an organic compound, and "phanate", which is a reference to the compound's fungicidal properties. The phonetic transcription of this word denotes the pronunciation of each syllable, with emphasis placed on the "o" sound in "thio" and the "a" sound in "phanate". Spelling of this word follows typical English pronunciation and orthography rules utilizing the Latin alphabet.
Thiophanate is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of benzimidazole fungicides. It is commonly used in agriculture and horticulture as a broad-spectrum systemic fungicide, primarily for the control of various fungal diseases in crops. Its chemical structure comprises of a benzene ring fused with an imidazole ring, with a sulfur atom added to the benzene ring.
Thiophanate functions by inhibiting the growth of fungi and preventing the formation of their cell membranes. Upon application, it is absorbed by the plant tissues and then translocated to other parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and roots. This systemic action helps in providing long-lasting protection against fungal infections. It is effective against a wide range of fungal pathogens, including powdery mildews, leaf spots, rusts, and blights.
Due to its versatility, Thiophanate has found applications in various crops, such as cereals, fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and turf grasses. It is also used to protect stored grains and seeds from fungal deterioration. However, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage and safety precautions since excessive or improper use can lead to environmental contamination and potential health risks.
Thiophanate is available commercially in various formulations, including wettable powders, emulsifiable concentrates, and granules. It has been approved by regulatory agencies for agricultural use, but it is essential to adhere to local regulations and restrictions regarding its application and residue limits in food products.
The word "thiophanate" is a combination of two parts: "thio" and "phanate".
1. "Thio-" is derived from the Greek word "theion", which means "sulfur". In chemistry, "thio-" is used as a prefix to indicate the presence of a sulfur atom in a compound.
2. "Phanate" is derived from a combination of two terms: "phenyl" and "imide".
- "Phenyl" refers to a chemical group derived from benzene, which consists of a six-membered ring of carbon atoms with alternating double bonds.
- "Imide" is a suffix derived from the Latin word "imido", which means "nitrogen". In chemistry, "imide" refers to a functional group consisting of nitrogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms.