Molluscicide Metaldehyde5%G

Molluscicide:Metaldehyde 5% G Composition Metaldehyde is a tetramer of acetaldehyde; it is sometimes, incorrectly, referred to as a homopolymer of acetaldehyde. Mol. wt. 176.2 (tetramer) M.f. C8H16O4 (tetramer); (C2H4O)x (homopolymer) Form Crystalline powder. M.p. 246 (sealed tube) B.p. Sublimes at 112-115 (atmospheric pressure), with partial depolymerisation V.p. 6.6 ?103 mPa (25 ) KOW logP = 0.12 Henry 3.5 Pa m3 mol-1 (calc.) S.g./density 1.27 (20 ) Solubility In water 222 mg/l (20 ). In toluene 530, methanol 1730 (both in mg/l, 20 ). Stability Depolymerises and sublimes above 112 . F.p. 50-55 (Abel-Pensky closed cup) Mode of action Molluscicide with contact and stomach action. Metaldehyde-poisoned slugs secrete large quantities of slime, desiccate and die. Their mucus cells are irreversibly destroyed. Uses Control of slugs and snails in agriculture and horticulture. Phytotoxicity Non-phytotoxic when used as recommended.