Substance profile
Dimethoate
Dimethoate is a white crystalline solid with a camphor-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Dimethoate is
Dimethoate is a white crystalline solid with a camphor-like odor. It melts at 51.7 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as teratogens.
Other names for Dimethoate
- dimethoate (ISO)
- O,O-dimethyl methylcarbamoylmethyl phosphorodithioate
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 |
|---|---|
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
Precautionary statements: P270, P280, P301, P302, P312, P330, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Dimethoate 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 | 107 °C (224.6 °F) | at 0.05 mmHg (reduced pressure) | HSDB |
| 117.22 °C (243 °F) | at 0.1 mmHg (reduced pressure) | CAMEO | |
| 117 °C (242.6 °F) | at 0.0750062 mmHg (reduced pressure) | ICSC | |
| Melting point | 51.67 °C (125 °F) | CAMEO | |
| 52.25 °C (126.1 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB | |
| Density | 1.3 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.277 g/cm³ | at 65 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | More than 5000 mg/L water at 20 plus or minus 1.5 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 2.5X10+4 m/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.00001875 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 0.0000085 mmHg | at 25 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.000007501 mmHg | at 25 °C | ICSC | |
| Flash point | 107 °C (224.6 °F) | closed cup | HSDB |
| 51.11 °C (124 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 107 °C (224.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Corrosivity | Slightly corrosive to iron | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Source notes
Further notes on Dimethoate
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
Readily soluble in most organic solvents, e.g. alcohols, ketones, benzene, toluene, chloroform, dichloromethane >300 g/kg at 20 °C; carbon tetrachloride, saturated hydrocarbons, n-octanol >50 g/kg at 20 °C
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Dimethoate
Storage conditions
The biological activity remains practically unvaried for 2 yr under environmental conditions, provided stored in unopened and undamaged original containers, in shaded, cool, well-aired places, inaccessible to animals & unauthorized persons. Recommended temp < 25 °C/77 °F. Crystals may form in formulations stored at < 32 °F/0 °C. Stable a minimum of 1 yr at < 25-30 °C/77-86 °F. Stack containers to permit air circulation at bottom & inside of piles. Do not contaminate food, feed products.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Dimethoate may decompose violently at temperatures >60 °C due to catalytic effects. However, it is not considered to be an explosive.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
DIMETHOATE is incompatible with alkaline preparations. It is slightly corrosive to iron. It is incompatible with sulfur based formulations. (NTP, 1992). Organophosphates are susceptible to formation of highly toxic and flammable phosphine gas in the presence of strong reducing agents such as hydrides. Partial oxidation by oxidizing agents may result in the release of toxic phosphorus oxides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Dimethoate in the storage compatibility matrix →