2,4-Dichlorophenoxybutyric acid

Synonym(s):2,4-DB;4-(2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid

CAS NO.：94-82-6
Empirical Formula: C10H10Cl2O3
Molecular Weight: 249.09
MDL number: MFCD00002819
EINECS: 202-366-9
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-07-31 15:25:16

2,4-Dichlorophenoxybutyric acid Structural

What is 2,4-Dichlorophenoxybutyric acid?

Chemical properties

White to light-brown crystalline solid. May be shipped as a concentrate to be mixed with water and used as a spray. Slight phenolic odor.

The Uses of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxybutyric acid

4-(2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)butanoic Acid is a herbicide.

Definition

ChEBI: A monocarboxylic acid that is butyric acid in which one of the hydrogens at position 4 is replaced by a 2,4-dichlorophenoxy group. A selective post-emergence herbicide.

General Description

Colorless crystals. Slightly corrosive to iron. A chlorinated phenoxy herbicide. Soluble in organic solvents.

Reactivity Profile

2,4-Dichlorophenoxybutyric acid is an organic acid. Neutralizes bases in exothermic reactions. Forms water soluble metal and amine salts. Hard water precipitates the calcium and magnesium salts from aqueous solutions of such salts.

Potential Exposure

2,4-DB is a chlorophenoxy/arylox- yalkanoic acid selective systemic herbicide used to control annual and perennial broadleaf weeds in many field crops such as alfalfa, peanuts, cereals and soybeans; used as a defoliant. In the plant, the compound changes to 2,4-D and inhibits growth at the tips of stems and roots.

Shipping

UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substances, solid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous haz- ardous material, Technical Name Required.

Incompatibilities

2,4-DB is a weak organic acid. Keep away from oxidizers, sulfuric acid, caustics, ammonia, aliphatic amines, alkanolamines, isocyanates, alkylene oxides, and epichlorohydrin. Corrosive to iron, aluminum, zinc, and possibly other metals, especially in the presence of moisture.

Waste Disposal

Do not discharge into drains or sewers. Dispose of waste material as hazardous waste using a licensed disposal contractor to an approved landfill. Consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guid- ance on acceptable disposal practices. Incineration with effluent gas scrubbing is recommended. Containers must be disposed of properly by following package label directions or by contacting your local or federal environmental control agency, or by contacting your regional EPA office

Properties of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxybutyric acid

Melting point:	118-120 °C(lit.)
Boiling point:	324.35 °C
Density	1.3342 (estimate)
storage temp.	0-6°C
form	Amorphous Powder
pka	4.56±0.10(Predicted)
color	Off-white
Water Solubility	53mg/L(room temperature)
Merck	13,2855
BRN	1976809
CAS DataBase Reference	94-82-6(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference	Butanoic acid, 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-(94-82-6)
EPA Substance Registry System	2,4-DB (94-82-6)

Safety information for 2,4-Dichlorophenoxybutyric acid

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07 Environment GHS09
GHS Hazard Statements	H302:Acute toxicity,oral H411:Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard
Precautionary Statement Codes	P273:Avoid release to the environment.