Record Information
Version1.0
Creation Date2009-06-18 17:03:34 UTC
Update Date2026-05-14 19:36:23 UTC
Accession NumberCHEM000884
Identification
Common NamePhenothrin
ClassSmall Molecule
DescriptionPhenothrin, also called sumithrin, is a synthetic pyrethroid (type 1) that kills adult fleas and ticks. It has also been used to kill head lice in humans. d-phenothrin is used as a component of aerosol insecticides for domestic use. Phenothrin is often used with methoprene, an insect growth regulator that interrupts the insect's biological life cycle by killing the eggs. In 2005, the EPA required Hartz Mountain Industries to cancel uses of several flea and tick products containing phenothrin that were linked to a range of adverse reactions, including hair loss, salivation, tremors, and numerous deaths in cats and kittens. In the short term, the agreement called for new warning labels on the products. A pyrethroid is a synthetic chemical compound similar to the natural chemical pyrethrins produced by the flowers of pyrethrums (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium and C. coccineum). Pyrethroids are common in commercial products such as household insecticides and insect repellents. In the concentrations used in such products, they are generally harmless to human beings but can harm sensitive individuals. They are usually broken apart by sunlight and the atmosphere in one or two days, and do not significantly affect groundwater quality except for being toxic to fish. (6, 8)
Contaminant Sources
  • Clean Air Act Chemicals
  • FooDB Chemicals
  • HPV EPA Chemicals
  • My Exposome Chemicals
  • STOFF IDENT Compounds
  • T3DB toxins
  • ToxCast & Tox21 Chemicals
Contaminant Type
  • Ester
  • Ether
  • Household Toxin
  • Organic Compound
  • Pesticide
  • Pyrethroid
  • Synthetic Compound
Chemical Structure
Thumb
Synonyms
ValueSource
2,2-Dimethyl-3-(2-methyl-1-propenyl)cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl esterChEBI
SumithrinChEBI
Hegor antipouxKegg
2,2-Dimethyl-3-(2-methyl-1-propenyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate (3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl esterGenerator
(3-Phenoxyphenyl)methyl cis,trans-(+)-2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-methylpropenyl)cyclopropanecarboxylateMeSH
D-PhenothrinMeSH
Phenothrin, (1R-cis)-isomerMeSH
Phenothrin, (1R-trans)-isomerMeSH
Phenothrin, (1S-cis)-isomerMeSH
Phenothrin, (1S-trans)-isomerMeSH
Phenothrin, (cis-(+-))-isomerMeSH
Phenothrin, (trans-(+-))-isomerMeSH
m-Phenoxybenzyl (1R-cis)-2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-methylprop-1-enyl)cyclopropanecarboxylic acidGenerator
Chemical FormulaC23H26O3
Average Molecular Mass350.451 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass350.188 g/mol
CAS Registry Number26002-80-2
IUPAC Name(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl 2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-methylprop-1-en-1-yl)cyclopropane-1-carboxylate
Traditional Namephenothrin
SMILESCC(C)=CC1C(C(=O)OCC2=CC=CC(OC3=CC=CC=C3)=C2)C1(C)C
InChI IdentifierInChI=1S/C23H26O3/c1-16(2)13-20-21(23(20,3)4)22(24)25-15-17-9-8-12-19(14-17)26-18-10-6-5-7-11-18/h5-14,20-21H,15H2,1-4H3
InChI KeySBNFWQZLDJGRLK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Chemical Taxonomy
Description belongs to the class of organic compounds known as pyrethroids. These are organic compounds similar to the pyrethrins. Some pyrethroids containing a chrysanthemic acid esterified with a cyclopentenone (pyrethrins), or with a phenoxybenzyl group.
KingdomOrganic compounds
Super ClassLipids and lipid-like molecules
ClassFatty Acyls
Sub ClassFatty acid esters
Direct ParentPyrethroids
Alternative Parents
Substituents
  • Pyrethroid skeleton
  • Diphenylether
  • Diaryl ether
  • Aromatic monoterpenoid
  • Benzyloxycarbonyl
  • Monocyclic monoterpenoid
  • Monoterpenoid
  • Phenoxy compound
  • Phenol ether
  • Monocyclic benzene moiety
  • Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid or derivatives
  • Benzenoid
  • Carboxylic acid ester
  • Ether
  • Carboxylic acid derivative
  • Monocarboxylic acid or derivatives
  • Hydrocarbon derivative
  • Organic oxygen compound
  • Carbonyl group
  • Organic oxide
  • Organooxygen compound
  • Aromatic homomonocyclic compound
Molecular FrameworkAromatic homomonocyclic compounds
External Descriptors
Biological Properties
StatusDetected and Not Quantified
OriginExogenous
Cellular Locations
  • Membrane
Biofluid LocationsNot Available
Tissue LocationsNot Available
PathwaysNot Available
Applications
Biological Roles
Chemical RolesNot Available
Physical Properties
StateLiquid
AppearanceYellow to yellow-brown liquid (9).
Experimental Properties
PropertyValue
Melting Point< 25°C
Boiling Point>290°C
Solubility9.7e-06 mg/mL at 25°C [TOMLIN,C (1997); <9.7 ug/L]
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
Water Solubility0.002 g/LALOGPS
logP6.42ALOGPS
logP5.57ChemAxon
logS-5.2ALOGPS
pKa (Strongest Basic)-3.7ChemAxon
Physiological Charge0ChemAxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count1ChemAxon
Hydrogen Donor Count0ChemAxon
Polar Surface Area35.53 ŲChemAxon
Rotatable Bond Count7ChemAxon
Refractivity103.84 m³·mol⁻¹ChemAxon
Polarizability39.2 ųChemAxon
Number of Rings3ChemAxon
Bioavailability1ChemAxon
Rule of FiveNoChemAxon
Ghose FilterYesChemAxon
Veber's RuleYesChemAxon
MDDR-like RuleYesChemAxon
Spectra
Spectra
Spectrum TypeDescriptionSplash KeyView
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, PositiveNot AvailableSpectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, PositiveNot AvailableSpectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, PositiveNot AvailableSpectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, PositiveNot AvailableSpectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 45V, Negativesplash10-0a4i-0009000000-40229bc9204047a90696Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 60V, Negativesplash10-0a4i-0009000000-ef289d9b6c43e9ffbab1Spectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 15V, Negativesplash10-0002-0009000000-aaf1dcdf1335b088a86bSpectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 30V, Negativesplash10-0a4i-0009000000-b8fdf60d2da1b9af6defSpectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 90V, Positivesplash10-0a6u-0900000000-c9855a3f9fc537fb0bcfSpectrum
LC-MS/MSLC-MS/MS Spectrum - 45V, Positivesplash10-0a4l-0900000000-efa2e4a7c20189b908eaSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positivesplash10-0udi-0409000000-29f91143368a5e163638Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positivesplash10-0udi-3935000000-1f5ba52cfd1331e3c829Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positivesplash10-0pvi-7900000000-a7c057d4e94614b05bf6Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negativesplash10-0002-0109000000-2146ad06bc95b25bf442Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negativesplash10-0002-2809000000-986cbdb101e42868e61bSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negativesplash10-0006-9400000000-8f041a7fa0db67d9ea24Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positivesplash10-0f7k-2794000000-e3308d4427a553ee9e33Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positivesplash10-001i-2913000000-92692d151e0539f88ca0Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positivesplash10-001i-7900000000-c59f160f7452c1b7d545Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negativesplash10-0002-0309000000-1a857626b5331003790eSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negativesplash10-00di-0901000000-e1b9792b83ff015d64f7Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negativesplash10-0006-9322000000-254c9ac19a5f51b0b4b2Spectrum
MSMass Spectrum (Electron Ionization)splash10-00e9-5900000000-82828ceb9c78ca715405Spectrum
Toxicity Profile
Route of ExposureInhalation (7); oral (7); dermal (7) ; eye contact (7).
Mechanism of ToxicityBoth type I and type II pyrethroids exert their effect by prolonging the open phase of the sodium channel gates when a nerve cell is excited. They appear to bind to the membrane lipid phase in the immediate vicinity of the sodium channel, thus modifying the channel kinetics. This blocks the closing of the sodium gates in the nerves, and thus prolongs the return of the membrane potential to its resting state. The repetitive (sensory, motor) neuronal discharge and a prolonged negative afterpotential produces effects quite similar to those produced by DDT, leading to hyperactivity of the nervous system which can result in paralysis and/or death. Other mechanisms of action of pyrethroids include antagonism of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibition, modulation of nicotinic cholinergic transmission, enhancement of noradrenaline release, and actions on calcium ions. They also inhibit calium channels and Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPase. (10, 11, 7)
Metabolismd-Phenothrin is a fast acting insecticide, effective by contact and stomach action. It is rapidly metabolized and excreted by humans and has low human toxicity. For both cis- and trans- isomers, the product was metabolized by hydrolysis, oxidation and conjugation and a large part of d-Phenothrin is excreted unchanged in the urine and the faeces. Following oral administration of the (1R)- trans - isomer, the urine is the major excretory route. The isomer is extensively metabolized to oxidative and conjugated derivatives of the hydrolysed ester. Oxidative and conjugated derivatives of the (1R)- cis -isomer are also observed but hydrolysis of the ester linkage is a minor metabolic pathway. With this isomer the faeces is the major excretory route. The metabolic profiles aree similar following dermal application, although the rates of excretion for each isomer showed some differences between the two routes of administration. The major metabolite is 3-phenoxybenzyl alcohol (PBalc). Smaller amounts of PBacid and trace amounts of 4'-OH-PBacid are also found. It is stable to storage in the dark; d-Phenothrin is relatively unstable to sunlight or ultra violet irradiation, or in alkaline media. (9, 4)
Toxicity ValuesLD50: > 5000 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) (4) LD50: 10 000 mg/kg (Dermal, Rat) (4)
Lethal DoseNot Available
Carcinogenicity (IARC Classification)No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Uses/SourcesPyrethroids are used as insecticides. (7)
Minimum Risk LevelNot Available
Health EffectsPyrethroid effects typically include rapid onset of aggressive behavior and increased sensitivity to external stimuli, followed by fine tremor, prostration with coarse whole body tremor, elevated body temperature, coma, and death. Paresthesia, severe corneal damage, hypotension and tachycardia, associated with anaphylaxis, can also occur following pyrethriod poisoning. (7)
SymptomsFollowing oral exposure, severe fine tremor, marked reflex hyperexcitability, sympathetic activation can occur. Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain commonly occur and develop following ingestion. Sudden bronchospasm, swelling of oral and laryngeal mucous membranes, and anaphylactoid reactions have been reported after inhalation. Hypersensitivity reactions characterized by pneumonitis, cough, dyspnea, wheezing, chest pain, and bronchospasm may occur too . Dermatitis is the main effect of a dermal exposure to phenothrin. (12)
TreatmentFollowing oral exposure, the treatment is symptomatic and supportive and includes monitoring for the development of hypersensitivity reactions with respiratory distress. Provide adequate airway management when needed. Gastric decontamination is usually not required unless the pyrethrin product is combined with a hydrocarbon. Following inhalation exposure, move patient to fresh air. monitor for respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with inhaled beta2 agonist and oral or parenteral corticosteroids. In case of eye exposure, irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of room temperature water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, the patient should be seen in a health care facility. If the contamination occurs through dermal exposure, Remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. A physician may need to examine the area if irritation or pain persists. Vitamin E topical application is highly effective in relieving parenthesis. (5)
Concentrations
Not Available
DrugBank IDDB13717
HMDB IDHMDB0250789
FooDB IDFDB007353
Phenol Explorer IDNot Available
KNApSAcK IDNot Available
BiGG IDNot Available
BioCyc IDNot Available
METLIN IDNot Available
PDB IDNot Available
Wikipedia LinkPhenothrin
Chemspider ID4603
ChEBI ID34916
PubChem Compound ID4767
Kegg Compound IDC14387
YMDB IDNot Available
ECMDB IDNot Available
References
Synthesis ReferenceNot Available
MSDSNot Available
General ReferencesNot Available