Oxyfluorfen (Ref: RH 2915)

Oxyfluorfen (Ref: RH 2915)	Last updated: 26/05/2025
(Also known as: oxyfluorofene; oxyfluorfen)

SUMMARY

Data alerts

The following alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement.

Environmental fate	Ecotoxicity	Human health
Environmental fate High alert: Potential for particle bound transport: High	Ecotoxicity High alert: Daphnia acute ecotoxicity: High	Human health Moderate alert: Possible Carcinogen; Genotoxic

GENERAL INFORMATION

Description

A broad-spectrum, pre- and post-emergent herbicide used to control certain annual weeds in vegetables, fruit and other crops

Example pests controlled

Annual broadleaved weeds; Grassy weeds

Example applications

Sugarcane; Vegetables including alliums, peas, cabbage; Fruit; Nuts including almonds; Cotton; Ornamentals; non-crop areas including landscapes, residential and amenity sites

Efficacy & activity

Availability status

Current

Introduction & key dates

1975, first reported; 1976, first marketed; 2025, withdrawn UK

GB regulatory status

GB COPR regulatory status

Not approved

Date COPR inclusion expires

Not applicable

GB LERAP status

No data

EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414)

EC Regulation 1107/2009 status

Approved

Dossier rapporteur/co-rapporteur

Spain/Hungary

Date EC 1107/2009 inclusion expires

31/05/2027

EU Candidate for substitution (CfS)

Yes - two 'Persistent-Bioaccumulative-Toxic' criteria

Listed in EU database

Yes

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 in the following EU Member States

ATAustria	BEBelgium	BGBulgaria	CYCyprus	CZCzech Republic	DEGermany	DKDenmark	EEEstonia	ELGreece
		✓	✓					✓
ESSpain	FIFinland	FRFrance	HRCroatia	HUHungary	IEIreland	ITItaly	LTLithuania	LULuxembourg
✓			✓
LVLatvia	MTMalta	NLNetherlands	PLPoland	PTPortugal	RORomania	SESweden	SISlovenia	SKSlovakia
	✓		✓	✓	✓

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 by Mutual Recognition of Authorisation and/or national regulations in the following EEA countries

ISIceland	NONorway

Additional information

Also used in

Australia; USA; Morocco

Chemical structure

Isomerism

None

Chemical formula

C₁₅H₁₁ClF₃NO₄

Canonical SMILES

CCOC1=C(C=CC(=C1)OC2=C(C=C(C=C2)C(F)(F)F)Cl)[N+](=O)[O-]

Isomeric SMILES

No data

International Chemical Identifier key (InChIKey)

OQMBBFQZGJFLBU-UHFFFAOYSA-N

International Chemical Identifier (InChI)

InChI=1S/C15H11ClF3NO4/c1-2-23-14-8-10(4-5-12(14)20(21)22)24-13-6-3-9(7-11(13)16)15(17,18)19/h3-8H,2H2,1H3

2D structure diagram/image available?

Yes

Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre diagrams

Common Name	Relationship	Link
oxyfluorfen	-

General status

Pesticide type

Herbicide

Substance groups

Nitrophenol ether herbicide; Diphenyl ether herbicide

Minimum active substance purity

970 g kg⁻¹

Known relevant impurities

EU dossier - N,N-domethylnitrosamine 0.01g kg⁻¹

Substance origin

Synthetic

Mode of action

Selective with contact action. Inhibits protoporphyrinogen oxidase, leading to irreversible cell membrane damage.

CAS RN

42874-03-3

EC number

255-983-0

CIPAC number

538

US EPA chemical code

111601

PubChem CID

39327

CLP index number

No data found

Molecular mass

361.7

PIN (Preferred Identification Name)

IUPAC name

2-chloro-α,α,α-trifluoro-p-tolyl 3-ethoxy-4-nitrophenyl ether

CAS name

2-chloro-1-(3-ethoxy-4-nitrophenoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzene

Other status information

Relevant Environmental Water Quality Standards

Herbicide Resistance Class (HRAC MoA class)

Herbicide Resistance Class (WSSA MoA class)

Insecticide Resistance Class (IRAC MoA class)

Not applicable

Fungicide Resistance Class (FRAC MOA class)

Not applicable

Examples of recorded resistance

Physical state

Orange to brown crystalline powder

Formulations

Property

Value

Example manufacturers & suppliers of products using this active now or historically

Dow AgroSciences
Cequisa SA SPAIN
Makhteshim-Agan
Rohm & Haas
BOC Sciences
Conquest Crop Protection Pty Ltd

Example products using this active

Goal
Scualo 24 EC
Koltar
Conquest Encore

Formulation and application details

Usually supplied as granules or an emulsifiable concentrate

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Solubility - In water at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)

0.116

Low

Solubility - In organic solvents at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)

134000

Acetone

3800

n-Heptane

30000

Methanol

132000

Ethyl acetate

Melting point (°C)

85.3

Boiling point (°C)

Decomposes before boiling

Degradation point (°C)

331

Flashpoint (°C)

Octanol-water partition coefficient at pH 7, 20 °C

7.24 X 10⁰⁴

Calculated

Log P

4.86

High

Fat solubility of residues

Solubility

Data type

Density (g ml⁻¹)

1.53

Dissociation constant pKa) at 25 °C

Not applicable

No dissociation

Vapour pressure at 20 °C (mPa)

0.026

Low volatility

Henry's law constant at 25 °C (Pa m³ mol⁻¹)

0.02382

Non-volatile

Volatilisation as max % of applied dose lost

From plant surface

From soil surface

Maximum UV-vis absorption L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹

Neutral solution: 275nm = 6135, 320nm = 4730
Acidic solution: 273nm = 6276, 320nm = 4730
Basic solution: 273nm = 6445, 320nm = 4828

Surface tension (mN m⁻¹)

72.19

at 19°C

Degradation

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

General biodegradability

Soil degradation (days) (aerobic)

DT₅₀ (typical)

Moderately persistent

DT₅₀ (lab at 20 °C)

138

Persistent

DT₅₀ (field)

Moderately persistent

DT₉₀ (lab at 20 °C)

663

Very persistent

DT₉₀ (field)

417

DT₅₀ modelling endpoint

Note

EU dossier Lab studies DT₅₀ range 62-438 days; DT₉₀ range 231-1771 days, Field data DT₅₀ range 31-172 days, DT₉₀ range 274-571 days; Other literature data DT₅₀ 30-60 days

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ (days) on plant matrix

Value

1.6

Note

Onion leaves, n=1

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ (days) on and in plant matrix

Value

3.6

Note

Published literature RL₅₀ range 1.0-6.0 days, 2 field crops, various matrices, n=2

Aqueous photolysis DT₅₀ (days) at pH 7

Value

5.6

Moderately fast

Note

DT₅₀: 4.3 days at 30 deg N, 5.6 days 40 deg N, 8.9 days 50 deg N, 20.5 days 60 deg N, mean seasonal value

Aqueous hydrolysis DT₅₀ (days) at 20 °C and pH 7

Value

Stable

Note

Stable pH 5 to pH 9

Water-sediment DT₅₀ (days)

Water phase only DT₅₀ (days)

Sediment phase only DT₅₀ (days)

Air degradation

As this parameter is not normally measured directly, a surrogate measure is used: ‘Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀’. Where data is available, this can be found in the Fate Indices section below.

Decay in stored produce DT₅₀

Soil adsorption and mobility

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Linear

K_d (mL g⁻¹)

K_oc (mL g⁻¹)

Notes and range

Freundlich

K_f (mL g⁻¹)

99.37

Non-mobile

K_foc (mL g⁻¹)

7566

¹/_n

0.92

Notes and range

EU dossier K_f range 8.5-228.6, K_foc range 2891-13711 mL g⁻¹, ¹/_n range 0.787-1.076

pH sensitivity

Fate indices

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

GUS leaching potential index

0.23

Calculated

Low leachability

SCI-GROW groundwater index (μg l⁻¹) for a 1 kg ha⁻¹ or 1 l ha⁻¹ application rate

Value

6.99 X 10^-03

Calculated

Note

Potential for particle bound transport index

High

Calculated

Potential for loss via drain flow

Non-mobile

Calculated

Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀ (hrs) as indicator of long-range air transport risk

11.1

Calculated using the Atkinson method. Assumed 1.5E+06 OH/cm³

Below the level of concern for long-range air transport

Bio-concentration factor

BCF (l kg⁻¹)

1637

Threshold for concern

CT₅₀ (days)

Known soil metabolites

Metabolite

Major/Minor fraction

$Click here for further information on Major/Minor fraction$

Estimated maximum occurrence fraction

Notes

Ref: RH-31689

Minor fraction

Photolysis

Ref: RH-36329

Minor fraction

Photolysis

4-trifluoromethyl-2-chlorophenol (Ref: RH-34800)

Minor fraction

Photolysis

Known groundwater metabolites

None

Other known metabolites

Metabolite name and reference

Aliases

Formation medium / Rate

Estimated maximum occurrence fraction

Ref: RH-45451

Rat (Faeces)

Ref: RH-120832

Rat (Faeces)

Ref: RH-120450

Rat (Faeces)

Ref: RH-120162

Rat (Faeces)

3-Chloro-4-hydroxy benzoic acid (Ref: RH-31680)

Ref: RH-35451
Note: Minor metabolite

Water (Photolysis)

Ref: RH-34670

hydro-oxyfluorfen

Rat (Faeces); Water (Photolysis)

4-trifluoromethyl-2-chlorophenol (Ref: RH-34800)

Rat (Urine); Water (Photolysis)

Ref: RH-45298-C

Rat (Urine)

Ref: RH-45469
Note: Minor metabolite

Water (Photolysis); Rat (Faeces)

Ref: RH-123394
Note: Minor metabolite

Water (Photolysis)

Ref: RH-45298C

Rat (Urine)

ECOTOXICOLOGY

Terrestrial ecotoxicology

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

> 5000

Rat

Low

Mammals - Short term dietary NOEL

(mg kg⁻¹)

Rat

(ppm diet)

> 200

Mammals - Chronic 21d NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Birds - Acute LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

> 947

Colinus virginianus

Moderate

Birds - Short term dietary (LC₅₀/LD₅₀)

> 462 mg kg bw⁻¹ day⁻¹

Colinus virginianus

Birds - Chronic 21d NOEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Earthworms - Acute 14 day LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

> 500

Eisenia foetida corr

Moderate

Earthworms - Chronic NOEC, reproduction (mg kg⁻¹)

12.0

Eisenia foetida corr

Moderate

Soil micro-organisms

Nitrogen mineralisation: No significant adverse effect
Carbon mineralisation: No significant adverse effect

Dose: 1.44 kg ha⁻¹

Collembola

Acute LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Chronic NOEC (mg kg⁻¹)

0.125

Folsomia candida

Non-target plants

14.6

Pomes Vines
Vegetative vigour, ER₅₀
as g ha⁻¹

13.4

Pomes Vines
Seedling emergence, ER₅₀
as g ha⁻¹

Honeybees (Apis spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

> 100

Apis mellifera

Low

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

> 100

Apis mellifera

Low

Unknown mode acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Chronic

Notes

Bumblebees (Bombus spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Mason bees (Osmia spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Other bee species (1)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Other bee species (2)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Beneficial insects (Ladybirds) as Mortality LR₅₀ g ha⁻¹

> 1440

Coccinella septempunctata Larva

Beneficial insects (Lacewings) as Mortality LR₅₀ g ha⁻¹

> 1440

Chrysoperla carnea

Beneficial insects (Parasitic wasps) as Mortality LR₅₀ g ha⁻¹

1440

Aphidius rhopalosiphi

Beneficial insects (Predatory mites) as Mortality LR₅₀ g ha⁻¹

> 1440

Typhlodromus pyri Protonymph

Beneficial insects (Ground beetles)

Aquatic ecotoxicology

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Temperate Freshwater Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

0.25

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Moderate

Temperate Freshwater Fish - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

0.038

Pimephales promelas

Moderate

Tropical Freshwater Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

4.34

Danio rerio EC₅₀ Embryo

Moderate

Temperate Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

0.072

Daphnia magna

High

Temperate Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

0.013

Daphnia magna

Moderate

Tropical Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Aquatic crustaceans - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, static, water (mg l⁻¹)

0.08

Chironomus riparius

Moderate

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, sediment (mg kg⁻¹)

312

Chironomus dilutus Growth

Low

Aquatic plants (free-floating, growth) - Acute 7 day EC₅₀, biomass (mg l⁻¹)

0.0014

Lemna gibba

High

Aquatic plants (rooted, growth) - Acute 14 day EC₅₀, biomass (mg l⁻¹)

Algae - Acute 72 hour EC₅₀, growth (mg l⁻¹)

> 2.0

Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata

Moderate

Algae - Chronic 96 hour NOEC, growth (mg l⁻¹)

2.0

Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata

Low

Mesocosm study data

NOEAEC mg l⁻¹

Marine bivalves

HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION

General

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Threshold of Toxicological Concern (Cramer Class)

High (class III)

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

> 5000

Rat

Low

Mammals - Dermal LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ body weight)

5000

Rat

Mammals - Inhalation LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

> 3.71

Rat (nose only aerosol)

Other Mammal toxicity endpoints

ADI - Acceptable Daily Intake (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

0.003

Rat SF=100

ARfD - Acute Reference Dose (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

0.30

Rabbit SF=100

AAOEL - Acute Acceptable Operator Exposure Level (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

AOEL - Acceptable Operator Exposure Level - Systemic (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

0.013

Dog SF=100

Dermal penetration studies (%)

Dangerous Substances Directive 76/464

Exposure Routes

Public

No unacceptable risks to bystanders identified

Occupational

Acceptable risk to operator for intended uses
Risks identified for workers re-entering sprayed ruit/wine areas - clsoed re-entry periods must be imposed

MRLs

European

EU MRL pesticide database

Great Britain

GB MRL Register

Notes

Drinking Water Standards

Drinking Water MAC (μg l⁻¹)

Mammalian dose elimination route and rate

Health issues

Specific human health issues

Carcinogen

Genotoxic

Endocrine disruptor

; ; ; ;

No data found

Reproduction / development effects

Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor

Neurotoxicant

No data found

Respiratory tract irritant

Skin irritant

Skin sensitiser

No data found

Eye irritant

Phototoxicant

No data found

General human health issues

Liver and spleen toxicant
US EPA - possible human carcinogen; CLP data - suspected carcingen

Handling issues

Property

Value and interpretation

General

Not explosive
IMDG Transport Hazard Class 9
Not expected to auto-ignite; Not highly flammable

CLP classification 2013

Health: H315, H319, H332, H335, H351
Environment: H400, H410

WHO Classification

U (Unlikely to present an acute hazard)

UN Number

UN3077

Waste disposal & packaging

Packaging Group III (minor danger)

Shelf-life, storage, stability and reactivity

Limited shelf-life. Store at around 4 DegC

TRANSLATIONS

Language

Name

English

oxyfluorfen

French

oxyfluorfene

German

Oxyfluorfen

Danish

oxyfluorfen

Italian

oxifluorfen

Spanish

oxifluorfen

Greek

Polish

oksyfluorfen

Swedish

Hungarian

oxifluorfen

Dutch

Norwegian

Record last updated:	26/05/2025
Contact:	aeru@herts.ac.uk
Please cite as:	Lewis, K.A., Tzilivakis, J., Warner, D. and Green, A. (2016) An international database for pesticide risk assessments and management. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 22(4), 1050-1064. DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2015.1133242