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Mevinphos (Ref: ENT 22374)
(Also known as: phosdrin; duraphos; mevinox; phosdrine; menite)
SUMMARY
Mevinphos is a highly toxic organophosphate insecticide. Known to cause significant inhibition of cholinesterase (ChE) activity by all routes of exposure. Readily soluble in water, volatile, slow aquatic hydrolysis, rapidly degrades in soil. Whilst the molecule is potentially mobile, it would not be expected to leach into groundwater due to rapid soil degradation. Extremely toxic to aquatic invertebrates, birds and mammals.
Data alerts

The following alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement.

Environmental fate Ecotoxicity Human health
Environmental fate
High alert:
Drainflow: Mobile
Ecotoxicity
High alert:
Birds acute ecotoxicity: High; Fish acute ecotoxicity: High; Daphnia acute ecotoxicity: High; Bees acute contact ecotoxicity: High
Human health
High alert:
Mammals acute toxicity: High; Endocrine distrupter; Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor; Neurotoxicant
GENERAL INFORMATION
Description
An insecticide and acaricide used to control a broad spectrum of sucking and chewing insects
Example pests controlled
Aphids; Grasshoppers; Leafhoppers; Caterpillars; Spider mites; Cutworms
Example applications
Vegetables; Fruit; Field crops
Efficacy & activity
-
Availability status
Considered obsolete but may be available in some countries
Introduction & key dates
circa 1955
UK regulatory status
UK COPR regulatory status
Not approved
Date COPR inclusion expires
Expired
UK LERAP status
No UK approval for use
EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414)
EC Regulation 1107/2009 status
Not approved
Dossier rapporteur/co-rapporteur
Sweden
Date EC 1107/2009 inclusion expires
Expired
EU Candidate for substitution (CfS)
-
Listed in EU database
Yes
Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 in the following EU Member States
ATAustria
BEBelgium
BGBulgaria
CYCyprus
CZCzech Republic
DEGermany
DKDenmark
EEEstonia
ELGreece
                 
ESSpain
FIFinland
FRFrance
HRCroatia
HUHungary
IEIreland
ITItaly
LTLithuania
LULuxembourg
                 
LVLatvia
MTMalta
NLNetherlands
PLPoland
PTPortugal
RORomania
SESweden
SISlovenia
SKSlovakia
                 
Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 by Mutual Recognition of Authorisation and/or national regulations in the following EEA countries
ISIceland
NONorway
                 
Additional information
Also used in
Australia
Chemical structure
Isomerism
isomeric mixture of E- and Z- isomeric forms
Chemical formula
C₇H₁₃O₆P
Canonical SMILES
CC(=CC(=O)OC)OP(=O)(OC)OC
Isomeric SMILES
C/C(=C\C(=O)OC)/OP(=O)(OC)OC
International Chemical Identifier key (InChIKey)
GEPDYQSQVLXLEU-UHFFFAOYSA-N
International Chemical Identifier (InChI)
InChI=1S/C7H13O6P/c1-6(5-7(8)10-2)13-14(9,11-3)12-4/h5H,1-4H3/b6-5+
2D structure diagram/image available?
Yes
General status
Pesticide type
Insecticide, Acaricide
Substance groups
Organophosphate insecticide; Organophosphate acaricide
Minimum active substance purity
-
Known relevant impurities
May contain sulfotep, N-nitrosamines, halogenated dibenzo-pi-dioxins, halogenated dibenzofurans & PCBs
Substance origin
Synthetic
Mode of action
Systemic with contact, stomach and respiratory action. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor.
CAS RN
7786-34-7
Alternative/old CAS RN
26718-65-0(E)/338-45-4(Z)
EC number
232-095-1
CIPAC number
45
US EPA chemical code
015801
PubChem CID
5355863
CLP index number
015-020-00-5
Molecular mass
224.1
PIN (Preferred Identification Name)
-
IUPAC name
methyl (EZ)-3-(dimethoxyphosphinoyloxy)but-2-enoate
CAS name
methyl 3-((dimethoxyphosphinyl)oxy)-2-butenoate
Other status information
Severe Marine Pollutant; Subject to the provisions of the UK Poisons Act 1972
Relevant Environmental Water Quality Standards
UK Statutory standard for the protection of aquatic life in freshwaters: 0.02 µg l⁻¹
Herbicide Resistance Classification (HRAC)
Not applicable
Herbicide Resistance Classification (WSSA)
Not applicable
Insecticide Resistance Classification (IRAC)
1B
Fungicide Resistance Classification (FRAC)
Not applicable
Examples of recorded resistance
Musca domestica, Myzus persicae, Panonychus ulmi, Plusia gamma, Tetranychus urticae, many others
Physical state
Colourless to pale yellow liquid
Formulations
Property
Value
Example manufacturers & suppliers of products using this active now or historically
  • AMVAC Chemical Corp
  • Huikwang Corp.
  • Shell
  • Kenogard
Example products using this active
  • Phosdrin
  • Mevidrin
  • Apavinphos
  • Menite
  • Duraphos
Formulation and application details
Usually available as a liquid or emulsifiable concentrate
ENVIRONMENTAL FATE
Property
Value
Source; quality score; and other information
Interpretation
Solubility - In water at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)
600000
M4 M = GLEAMS Model database (Groundwater Loading Effects of Agricultural Management Systems). Dataset no longer available.
4 = Verified data
 High
Solubility - In organic solvents at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)
Miscible
L2 L = Pesticide manuals and hard copy reference books / other sources
2 = Unverified data of unknown source
Acetone		 -
Melting point (°C)
21
Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources
3 = Unverified data of known source
 -
Boiling point (°C)
- - -
Degradation point (°C)
- - -
Flashpoint (°C)
- - -
Octanol-water partition coefficient at pH 7, 20 °C
P
1.34 X 1000 Calculated -
Log P
0.127
L3 L = Pesticide manuals and hard copy reference books / other sources
3 = Unverified data of known source
 Low
Fat solubility of residues
Solubility
- - -
Data type
- - -
Density (g ml⁻¹)
1.24
L3 L = Pesticide manuals and hard copy reference books / other sources
3 = Unverified data of known source
 -
Dissociation constant pKa) at 25 °C
- - -
-
Vapour pressure at 20 °C (mPa)
17
L3 L = Pesticide manuals and hard copy reference books / other sources
3 = Unverified data of known source
 Highly volatile
Henry's law constant at 25 °C (Pa m³ mol⁻¹)
6.30 X 10-06
H4 H = The US ARS pesticide properties database. Dataset is no longer available.
4 = Verified data
 Non-volatile
Maximum UV-vis absorption L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹
- - -
Surface tension (mN m⁻¹)
- - -
Degradation
Property
Value
Source; quality score; and other information
Interpretation
General biodegradability
-
Soil degradation (days) (aerobic)
DT₅₀ (typical)
1.2
K4 K = Research datasets (e.g. Pandora, Demetra; these datasets no longer available). Norman Ecotoxicology database. (click here )
4 = Verified data
 Non-persistent
DT₅₀ (lab at 20 °C)
3
DW4 DW = Don Wauchope personal database for Pka data: Wauchope, R. D. and Edwards, J. Dissociation constants for pesticide active ingredients: a database and comparison with predicted values. Dataset is no longer available.
4 = Verified data
 Non-persistent
DT₅₀ (field)
- - -
DT₉₀ (lab at 20 °C)
- - -
DT₉₀ (field)
- - -
DT₅₀ modelling endpoint
- - -
Note
General studies: DT₅₀ 1-4 hrs aerobic conditions, 1-12 days anaerobic conditions (R3)
Dissipation rate RL₅₀ on plant matrix
Value
0.77
R4 R = Peer reviewed scientific publications
4 = Verified data
 -
Note
Published literature RL₅₀ range 0.38-1.4 days, 6 field & undercover grown crops, various matrices, n=6
Dissipation rate RL₅₀ on and in plant matrix
Value
0.6
R4 R = Peer reviewed scientific publications
4 = Verified data
 -
Note
Published literature RL₅₀ range 0.5-0.7 days, 2 field crops, various matrices, n=2
Aqueous photolysis DT₅₀ (days) at pH 7
Value
27
R3 R = Peer reviewed scientific publications
3 = Unverified data of known source
 Slow
Note
-
Aqueous hydrolysis DT₅₀ (days) at 20 °C and pH 7
Value
17
K4 K = Research datasets (e.g. Pandora, Demetra; these datasets no longer available). Norman Ecotoxicology database. (click here )
4 = Verified data
 Non-persistent
Note
-
Water-sediment DT₅₀ (days)
21
K4 K = Research datasets (e.g. Pandora, Demetra; these datasets no longer available). Norman Ecotoxicology database. (click here )
4 = Verified data
 Fast
Water phase only DT₅₀ (days)
5
K4 K = Research datasets (e.g. Pandora, Demetra; these datasets no longer available). Norman Ecotoxicology database. (click here )
4 = Verified data
 Moderately fast
Soil adsorption and mobility
Property
Value
Source; quality score; and other information
Interpretation
Linear
Kd
-
G3 G = Extension Toxicology network database EXTOXNET. Available online but no longer updated. (click here )
3 = Unverified data of known source
 Mobile
Koc
44
Notes and range
Other studies: 50.5-86.2 mL g⁻¹ (R3)
Freundlich
Kf
- - -
Kfoc
-
1/n
-
Notes and range
-
pH sensitivity
-
Fate indices
Property
Value
Source; quality score; and other information
Interpretation
GUS leaching potential index
1.12 Calculated Low leachability
SCI-GROW groundwater index (μg l⁻¹) for a 1 kg ha⁻¹ or 1 l ha⁻¹ application rate
Value
2.51 X 10-03 Calculated -
Note
-
Potential for particle bound transport index
Low Calculated -
Potential for loss via drain flow
Mobile Calculated -
Bio-concentration factor
BCF (l kg⁻¹)
Low risk
Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources
3 = Unverified data of known source
Based on LogP < 3		 Low risk
CT₅₀ (days)
- -
Known metabolites

None
ECOTOXICOLOGY
Terrestrial ecotoxicology
Property
Value
Source; quality score; and other information
Interpretation
Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)
3.5
G4 G = Extension Toxicology network database EXTOXNET. Available online but no longer updated. (click here )
4 = Verified data
Rat		 High
Mammals - Short term dietary NOEL
(mg kg⁻¹)
4
L2 L = Pesticide manuals and hard copy reference books / other sources
2 = Unverified data of unknown source
Rat 2 year		 High
(ppm diet)
- -
Mammals - Chronic 21d NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)
- - -
Birds - Acute LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)
> 4.63
G4 G = Extension Toxicology network database EXTOXNET. Available online but no longer updated. (click here )
4 = Verified data
Anas platyrhynchos		 High
Birds - Short term dietary (LC₅₀/LD₅₀)
- - -
Birds - Chronic 21d NOEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)
- - -
Earthworms - Acute 14 day LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)
- - -
Earthworms - Chronic NOEC, reproduction (mg kg⁻¹)
- - -
Soil micro-organisms
- - -
Collembola
Acute LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)
- - -
Chronic NOEC (mg kg⁻¹)
- - -
Non-target plants
- - -
- - -
Honeybees (Apis spp.)
Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)
0.094
K3 K = Research datasets (e.g. Pandora, Demetra; these datasets no longer available). Norman Ecotoxicology database. (click here )
3 = Unverified data of known source
Apis mellifera		 High
Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)
- - -
Unknown mode acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)
- - -
Chronic
- - -
Bumblebees (Bombus spp.)
Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)
- - -
-
Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)
- - -
-
Mason bees (Osmia spp.)
Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)
- - -
Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)
- - -
Other bee species (1)
Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)
0.146
R4 R = Peer reviewed scientific publications
4 = Verified data
Megachile rotundata		 High
Mode of exposure
Contact
Other bee species (2)
Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)
0.002
R4 R = Peer reviewed scientific publications
4 = Verified data
Nomia melanderi		 High
Mode of exposure
Contact
Beneficial insects (Ladybirds)
- - -
Beneficial insects (Lacewings)
Moderately harmful
AA2 AA = IOBC Database on classification of side effects to beneficial organisms, 2005
2 = Unverified data of unknown source
Chrysoperla carnea		 -
Beneficial insects (Parasitic wasps)
- - -
Beneficial insects (Predatory mites)
Harmful
AA2 AA = IOBC Database on classification of side effects to beneficial organisms, 2005
2 = Unverified data of unknown source
Typhlodromus pyri		 -
Beneficial insects (Ground beetles)
- - -
Aquatic ecotoxicology
Property
Value
Source; quality score; and other information
Interpretation
Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)
0.012
G4 G = Extension Toxicology network database EXTOXNET. Available online but no longer updated. (click here )
4 = Verified data
Oncorhynchus mykiss		 High
Fish - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)
- - -
Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)
0.00016
F4 F = U.S. EPA ECOTOX database / U.S. EPA pesticide fate database / Miscellaneous WHO documents / FAO data, IPCS INCHEM data (US EPA Databases Related to Pesticide Risk Assessment )
4 = Verified data
Daphnia pulex		 High
Aquatic invertebrates - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)
- - -
Aquatic crustaceans - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)
- - -
Sediment dwelling organisms - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)
- - -
Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, static, water (mg l⁻¹)
- - -
Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, sediment (mg kg⁻¹)
- - -
Aquatic plants - Acute 7 day EC₅₀, biomass (mg l⁻¹)
- - -
Algae - Acute 72 hour EC₅₀, growth (mg l⁻¹)
> 71
W2 W = French database provided by ARVALIS-Institut du Végétal. Dataset no longer available.
2 = Unverified data of unknown source
Unknown species		 Low
Algae - Chronic 96 hour NOEC, growth (mg l⁻¹)
- - -
Mesocosm study data
NOEAEC mg l⁻¹
- - -
NOEAEC mg l⁻¹
- - -
HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION
General
Property
Value
Source; quality score; and other information
Interpretation
Threshold of Toxicological Concern (Cramer Class)
High (class III) - -
Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)
3.5
G4 G = Extension Toxicology network database EXTOXNET. Available online but no longer updated. (click here )
4 = Verified data
Rat		 High
Mammals - Dermal LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ body weight)
4.0
L3 L = Pesticide manuals and hard copy reference books / other sources
3 = Unverified data of known source
Rat		 -
Mammals - Inhalation LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)
7.3
R3 R = Peer reviewed scientific publications
3 = Unverified data of known source
Rat		 -
Other Mammal toxicity endpoints
- - -
ADI - Acceptable Daily Intake (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)
- - -
ARfD - Acute Reference Dose (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)
- - -
AAOEL - Acute Acceptable Operator Exposure Level (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)
- - -
AOEL - Acceptable Operator Exposure Level - Systemic (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)
- - -
Dermal penetration studies (%)
- - -
Dangerous Substances Directive 76/464
List II - -
Exposure Routes
Public
No unacceptable risks to bystanders identified
Occupational
Absorbed by the skin, inhalation and via the gastrointestinal tract - PPE/PPC essential
MRLs
European
EU MRL pesticide database 
Great Britain
GB MRL Register 
Notes
-
Drinking Water Standards
- - -
Drinking Water MAC (μg l⁻¹)
- - -
Mammalian dose elimination route and rate
- - -
Health issues
Specific human health issues
Carcinogen
Genotoxic
Endocrine disruptor
XNo, known not to cause a problem
A3 A = Chromosome aberration (EFSA database)
3 = Negative
;
B0 B = DNA damage/repair (EFSA database)
0 = No data
;
C0 C = Gene mutation (EFSA database)
0 = No data
;
D0 D = Genome mutation (EFSA database)
0 = No data
;
E0 E = Unspecified genotoxicity type (miscellaneous data source)
0 = No data
✓Yes, known to cause a problem
Reproduction / development effects Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor Neurotoxicant
No data found
✓Yes, known to cause a problem
✓Yes, known to cause a problem
Respiratory tract irritant Skin irritant Skin sensitiser
✓Yes, known to cause a problem
✓Yes, known to cause a problem
 No data found
Eye irritant Phototoxicant  
✓Yes, known to cause a problem
 No data found  
General human health issues
No further information available
Handling issues
Property
Value and interpretation
General
Hygroscopic
IMDG Transport Hazard Class 6.1
CLP classification 2013
Health: H300, H310
Environment: H400, H410
WHO Classification
Ia (Extremely hazardous)
UN Number
UN3278
Waste disposal & packaging
-
Shelf-life, storage, stability and reactivity
Chemically stable under standard ambient conditions when stored appropriately
TRANSLATIONS
Language
Name
English
mevinphos
French
mévinphos
German
Mevinphos
Danish
mevinphos
Italian
mevinfos
Spanish
mevinfos
Greek
mevinphos
Polish
mewinfos
Swedish
mevinfos
Hungarian
-
Dutch
mevinfos
Norwegian
-
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