Substance profile
Alpha-Cypermethrin
Alpha-Cypermethrin is a viscous yellowish brown semisolid mass.
01 · Identification
What Alpha-Cypermethrin is
Alpha-Cypermethrin is a viscous yellowish brown semisolid mass. Its molecular formula is C22H19Cl2NO3 and its molecular weight is 416.3 g/mol. It melts at 79.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
Other names for Alpha-Cypermethrin
- α-cypermethrin (ISO)
- racemate comprising (R)-α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl (1S,3S)-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate
- (S)-α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl (1R,3R)-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H373 | May cause damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P273, P301, P310, P314, P330, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Alpha-Cypermethrin properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 200 °C (392 °F) | at 0.07 mmHg (reduced pressure) | HSDB |
| Melting point | 79.5 °C (175.1 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB |
| Density | 1.28 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| Solubility | Soluble in chloroform, methylene chloride, and toluene; slightly soluble in petroleum ether and methanol. | HSDB | |
| In water, 0.01 mg/l @ 25 °C. | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0000173 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 1.7e-7 mmHg | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Source notes
Further notes on Alpha-Cypermethrin
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Solubility
In acetone 620, dichloromethane 550, cyclohexane 515, ethyl acetate 440, chlorobenzene 420, acetophenone 390, o-xylene 350, hexane 7 (all in g/l, 25 °C). In maize oil 19-20, ethylene glycol <1 (both in g/kg at 20 °C).
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Alpha-Cypermethrin
Storage conditions
Pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide topical preparations should be stored in well-closed containers at a temperature less than 40 °C, preferably between 15-30 °C. /Pyrethrins/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatibility: Strong oxidizers. /Pyrethrins/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Alpha-Cypermethrin in the storage compatibility matrix →