 |
|
Ethephon
Physical-chemical properties: 1) Appearance: colorless solid. 2) Melting point: 74-75oC. 3) Vapor pressure: c. 265oC (decomp.). 4) Boiling point range: <0.01MPa (20oC). 5) Solubility: readily soluble in water, readily soluble in methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, diethyl ether, and other polar organic solvents. Sparingly soluble in non-polar organic solvents such as benzene and toluene. Insoluble in kerosene and diesel oil. 6) Stability: Stable in aqueous solutions having pH <5. At higher pH, decomposition occurs with the liberation of ethylene. 9) Analysis: GC (HG 2311-92) or analysis by measuring ethylene produced on treatment with concentrated alkali. Applications: 1) Action: plant growth regulator with systemic properties. It penetrates into plant tissue, and is decomposed to ethylene; which affects growth processes. 2) Uses: widely used to accelerate ripening of fruits, tomato, sugar beet, coffee, etc; to increase the tillering of wheat and rice; to prevent lodging in rice, maize and flax; to accelerate boll opening and defoliation in cotton; to hasten the yellowing of mature tobacco leaves; to stimulate latex flow in rubber trees, and resin flow in pine trees; to stimulate early uniform hull split in walnuts; etc. Product Group: Ethephon |