Substance profile
Formothion
Formothion is a yellowish liquid and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Formothion is
Formothion is a yellowish liquid and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C6H12NO4PS2 and its molecular weight is 257.3 g/mol. It melts at 25 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
Other names for Formothion
- formothion (ISO)
- N-formyl-N-methylcarbamoylmethyl O,O-dimethyl 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
Formothion 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 | Decomposes on distillation | decomposes | HSDB |
| Melting point | 25 °C (77 °F) | CAMEO | |
| 25.5 °C (77.9 °F) | DOE PAC | ||
| 25.5 °C (77.9 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB | |
| Density | 1.361 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| Solubility | MISCIBLE WITH ... DIETHYL ETHER | HSDB | |
| In water, 2.6X10+3 mg/L at 24 °C | at 24 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0000085 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
| 8.48e-7 mmHg | at 30 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.0000085 mmHg | at 30 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Corrosivity | Non-corrosive in general, tinplate is an exception | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Source notes
Further notes on Formothion
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
Completely miscible with common organic solvents, e.g. alcohols, ethers, ketones, chloroform, benzene, toluene, xylene; slightly soluble in hexane; very slightly soluble in ligroin and paraffin oil.
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Formothion
Storage conditions
Anthio must be kept in its original labelled container, which should be kept well sealed, and stored in cool, dry and ventilated premises under lock and key. Must be stored at ambient temp not exceeding -15 °C and +30 °C.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatibilities: Alkaline materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Organophosphates, such as FORMOTHION, 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 Formothion in the storage compatibility matrix →