Tembotrione Herbicide

Name: Tembotrione

CAS No.: 335104-84-2

Molecular Formula: C₁₇H₁₆ClF₃O₆S

Molecular Weight: 440.82

Chemical Type: β-Triketone Herbicide (HPPD Inhibitor)

Appearance: Light yellow to off-white crystalline powder

Chemical Properties

Purity (Tech Grade): ≥ 95%

Melting Point: 168–172 °C

Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in acetone, methanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide

Stability: Stable under normal storage; avoid direct sunlight and moisture

Odor: Nearly odorless

Mode of Action

Tembotrione inhibits the enzyme 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), essential for plastoquinone biosynthesis.By blocking this pathway, it disrupts chlorophyll formation, causing sensitive weeds to bleach (lose color), necrotize, and die within 1–2 weeks.

Selectivity Principle:

Corn plants rapidly metabolize Tembotrione, providing excellent crop safety. This makes it widely used for post-emergence weed control in corn fields.

Formulations Available

• Tembotrione 95% TC (Technical Concentrate) – used as raw material for formulations

• Tembotrione 42% SC (Suspension Concentrate) – widely used post-emergence in corn

• Tembotrione + Atrazine / Isoxaflutole / Nicosulfuron combinations – for extended control spectrum

Applications and Target Weeds

Application Crop: Corn (maize); also studied for use in sugarcane.

Application Timing: Early to mid-post-emergence stage of corn.

Weeds Controlled:

A broad-spectrum herbicide effective against annual broadleaf and grassy weeds.

Excellent control of thistle, bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), veronica (Veronica persica), galinsoga (Galinsoga parviflora), and chickweed (Stellaria media).

Toxicity and Environmental Safety

• Acute Oral LD₅₀ (rat): > 2000 mg/kg

• Dermal LD₅₀ (rat): > 2000 mg/kg

• Toxicity Class: Low toxicity pesticide

• Irritation: Moderate eye irritation in rabbits

• Environmental Hazard: Toxic to aquatic organisms; avoid contamination of waterways and drainage systems.

Storage and Handling

• Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area (2–8 °C recommended).

• Keep container tightly closed and protected from light and moisture.

• Wear protective gloves, masks, and safety glasses when handling the product.