Azinphos-ethyl (CAS 2642-71-9)

Azinphos-ethyl belongs to the organophosphorus family of insecticides and is characterized by colorless crystals. It is utilized as a non-systemic insecticide. This insecticide finds application in various crops. However, it is important to note that Azinphos-ethyl is not approved for use in the United States, as stated by the EPA in 1998. Azinphos-ethyl is an organothiophosphate insecticide and an organic thiophosphate compound. It functions as an acaricide, an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7), and an agrochemical. Its chemical structure derives from a hydride of a 1,2,3-benzotriazine. Azinphos-ethyl exerts its inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase activity in plasma, erythrocytes, brain, and submaxillary gland. Organophosphates and their potent sulfoxidation derivatives (′-oxon′ derivatives) act as inhibitors of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to the accumulation of excessive acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors (cholinergic effector cells), nicotinic receptors (skeletal neuromuscular junctions and autonomic ganglia), and in the central nervous system. Organophosphorus derivatives function by combining with and deactivating acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the enzyme responsible for hydrolyzing acetylcholine. The inhibition of cholinesterase by these pesticides leads to the accumulation of significant amounts of acetylcholine.