Bifenazate is a water-soluble compound with a very low vapor-phase reaction rate. However, its cation nature prevents it from volatilizing in moist soils. Since it has a short vapor-phase reaction time, bifenazate is not likely to be a biodegradable organic compound in soils. The toxicity of bifenazate is unknown. Its half-life in a lab environment is six hours. At 25 ppm, it controls 100% of mites. In some instances, bifenazate may cause adverse effects in humans, including eye irritation. As a result, it is best to use a product that is proven to be safe and effective. Soil-based bifenazate products are the most common ones used to treat pests.
The weight-to-molar mass ratio of bifenazate and hexythiazox is 0.0413, 0.2, and 0.01, respectively. The molar masses of bifenazate and diazene compounds are similar, with bifenazate having the lowest molar mass. Its molar mass is also lower than that of hexythiazox and diazene, which is an important factor for evaluating its toxicity.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that bifenazate undergoes direct photolysis in water. Its half-life is about 16 hours at 25 degrees Celsius and less than 30 minutes when deposited on soil. It has very low acute toxicity and is not expected to contaminate groundwater. Since it is so safe, it is often used in the garden for ornamental plants. For instance, in February 2021, Nufarm Americas submitted the application for the approval of its Engulf GHN Greenhouse and Ornamental Miticide, a bifenazate-based insecticide for ornamental crops, to the EPA.
As a cation, bifenazate has a relatively short vapor-phase reaction time. This is why it is not likely to volatilize in moist soils. Further, its cation nature means that it is not likely to be metabolized easily in the environment. Moreover, its low toxicity makes it difficult to detect in the environment. The chemical is relatively slow to break down in soil, resulting in a long-lasting, environmentally friendly residual. Its water- and soil-deposition vapor-phase behavior suggests that it will be inactive in moist soils for a long period of time. It is also unlikely to be biodegradable, as its cationic nature and low vapor pressure make it inert in the environment.
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