Amicarbazone (Amicarbazone)

Amicarbazone (amicarbazone) is a molecule used as a selective herbicide in the agricultural context, mainly for the control of annual broadleaf and grass weeds in crops such as corn, lawns and conifers.

Common name (ISO): Amicarbazone

Synonyms: MKH 3586, BAY 314666, BAY-MKH 3586 (development codes); Dinamic, Metz, Micarbazone (commercial product names) and others.

Gross chemical formula: C10H19N5O2

Number CAS: 129909-90-6

Chemical class: herbicide of the triazolone (or triazolinone) class, also classified as an amide herbicide. It belongs to the triazole family and acts as a photosystem II inhibitor.

Development history: was discovered in 1988 by Bayer AG in Germany as part of a program to develop selective herbicides for weed control in agricultural crops. The initial synthesis process was patented by the company, and the compound was submitted for regulatory registration in the following years. In 2002, Bayer negotiated the technology with Arvesta Corporation (a Belgian company) as part of an antitrust settlement with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission), facilitating commercialization. The herbicide was approved by the EPA in 2005 for initial use in corn, later expanding to turfgrasses and conifers.

Mode of action: Amicarbazone acts by contact, being absorbed primarily through the leaves, and inhibits photosynthesis in photosystem II (PSII), blocking electron transport and causing chlorosis and necrosis in susceptible plants. It is selective for annual broadleaf weeds and grasses, with low persistence in the soil and a high risk of leaching into groundwater.

Patent numbers: US 5,194,085; US 20150336906A1; US 8716184 and others.