| |
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
5-[2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethoxymethyl] -6-propyl-1,3-benzodioxole | |
| Identifiers | |
| |
3D model (JSmol) |
|
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.000.070 
|
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
|
| |
| Properties | |
| C19H30O5 | |
| Molar mass | 338.438 g/mol |
| Density | 1.05 g/cm3 |
| Boiling point | 155 °C |
| Hazards | |
| Flash point | 170 °C |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) is a pesticide synergist, especially for pyrethroids and rotenone. 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]
Piperonyl butoxide is a potent cytochrome P450 and non-specific esterase inhibitor. These enzyme families act as the principal detoxification pathways for many pests, and so inhibiting them allows higher unmetabolised systemic concentrations of the active insecticide to remain within the target animal for a longer period.[2]
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 [3]
A 2011 study found a significant association between piperonyl butoxide measured in personal air collected during the third trimester of pregnancy, and delayed mental development at 36 months. Children who were more highly exposed in personal air samples (≥4.34 ng/m3) scored 3.9 points lower on the Mental Developmental Index than those with lower exposures. The lead researcher stated, "This drop in IQ points is similar to that observed in lead exposure. While perhaps not impacting an individual's overall function, it is educationally meaningful and could shift the distribution of children in the society who would be in need of early intervention services."[4]
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