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Piperonyl butoxide

Piperonyl butoxide

IUPAC name	Piperonyl butoxide
Identifiers
CAS number	51-03-6
Properties
Molecular formula	C₁₉H₃₀N₅
Molar mass	338.43 g/mol
Density	1.05 g/cm³
Boiling point	155 °C
Hazards
Flash point	171 °C
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) is a pesticide synergist. It does not, by itself have pesticidal properties. However, when added to insecticide mixtures, typically pyrethrin, pyrethroid, and carbamate insecticides, their potency is increased considerably.^[1]

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Piperonyl butoxide is a potent cytochrome P450 inhibitor. This family of enzymes act as the principal detoxification pathway for many pesticides. Inhibiting the detoxification pathway allows higher unmetabolised systemic concentrations of the active insecticide to remain within the target animal for a longer period.

Piperonyl butoxide is moderately stable, and is a semisynthetic derivative of safrole.

It is debatable whether the substance is oncogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic in humans. Its acute oral and dermal toxicity in mammals is low, however it is toxic to fish and potentiates rotenone.^[2]

References

^ National Pesticide Information Center - Piperonyl Butoxide General Fact Sheet
^ National Pesticide Information Center - Piperonyl Butoxide Technical Fact Sheet

Category: Insecticides