disulfoton disulfoton disulfoton is an organophosphate acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used as an insecticide. it is manufactured under the name di-syston by bayer cropscience. disulfoton in its pure form is a colorless oil but the technical product used in vegetable fields is dark and yellowish with a sulfur odor. disulfoton is processed as a liquid into carrier granules, these granules are mixed with fertilizer and clay to be made into a spike, designed to be driven into the ground. the pesticide is absorbed over time by the roots and translocated to all parts of the plant. the pesticide acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor and gives long lasting control. disulfoton names preferred iupac name o,o′-diethyl s- phosphorodithioate other names o,o-diethyl s-2-(ethylthio)ethyl phosphorodithioate, di-syston, thiodemeton identifiers cas number 298-04-4 y 3d model (jsmol) interactive image chebi chebi:38661 y chembl chembl1332314 n chemspider 3006 y echa infocard 100.005.505 kegg c18400 y pubchem cid 3118 unii 3cy5ekl6mt y comptox dashboard (epa) dtxsid0022018 inchi inchi=1s/c8h19o2ps3/c1-4-9-11(12,10-5-2)14-8-7-13-6-3/h4-8h2,1-3h3 ykey: dofzazxdosgajz-uhfffaoysa-n yinchi=1/c8h19o2ps3/c1-4-9-11(12,10-5-2)14-8-7-13-6-3/h4-8h2,1-3h3key: dofzazxdosgajz-uhfffaoyad smiles s=p(occ)(sccscc)occ properties chemical formula c8h19o2ps3 molar mass 274.404 appearance oily, colorless to yellow liquid odor characteristic, sulfurous density 1.14 g/ml solubility in water 0.03% (22.7°c) vapor pressure 0.0002 mmhg (20°c) hazards occupational safety and health (ohs/osh): main hazards toxic flash point > 82 °c; 180 °f; 355 k niosh (us health exposure limits): pel (permissible) none rel (recommended) twa 0.1 mg/m3 idlh (immediate danger) n.d. except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °c , 100 kpa). n verify (what is yn ?) infobox references the use of the substance has been restricted by the us government. bayer, the manufacturer, exited the us market december 31, 2009. synthesis disulfoton is synthesized by sulfide formation of 2-ethylthioethanol + o,o-diethyl hydrogen phosphorodithioate with beta-chloroethyl thioethyl ether. metabolites oxidation of disulfoton happens rapidly and metabolizes disulfoton into sulfones and sulfoxides, oxidation to oxygen analogs and/or hydrolysis to produce a corresponding phosphorothionate or phosphate. microsomal enzymes are being inhibited during the metabolism. mechanism of action organophosphorus pesticides like disulfoton inhibit esterase enzyme activity like choline esterase. these types of pesticides can also directly interact with the biochemical receptors of acetylcholine. organophosphates in general poisons mammals and insects by phosphorylating the acetylcholinesterase enzyme at nerve endings resulting in loss of function of the enzyme. this allows the accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in cholinergic neuroeffector junctions, skeletal myoneural junctions, and autonomic ganglia. this refers to the type of receptors of acetylcholine, the muscarinic and nicotinic effects respectively. thus organophosphates also impairs nerve impulse transmission. disulfoton can be absorbed via ingestion, inhalation or penetration of the skin as it can be rapidly absorbed via mucous membranes. when disulfoton is absorbed, it will be distributed via the blood circulation and undergo hydrolytic degradation. this mainly happens in the liver or kidneys but in other tissues as well. disulfoton is excreted in different metabolites via the urine. toxicity disulfoton is classified as a super toxic substance. the estimated oral lethal dose in humans is less than 5 mg/kg, which is analog to seven drops for a 70 kg person. not only oral intake, but also skin contact and inhalation are fatal because of acute toxicity. disulfoton is also very toxic to aquatic life and forms an acute hazard with long lasting effects. symptoms signs of disulfoton toxicity includes headaches, cyanosis, weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, blurred vision, mental confusion, loss of muscle coordination and sialorrhea. death can occur when respiratory arrest ensues from failure of the respiratory muscles. other symptoms found in a patient with an unknown quantity of disulfoton were intra-alveolar bleeding, blood in the bronchus, edema of the lungs and swelling of the glomerulus. treatment the treatment of the granular form of disulfoton poisoning should be with repetitive or prolonged gastric and intestinal lavage (washing out of the body cavity). also charcoal and a continuous intravenous infusion of pralidoxime iodide in addition to atropine sulfate.