Metaldehyde

Chemical properties

White crystalline powder

The Uses of Metaldehyde

META(R) Metaldehyde is a highly effective active ingredient to control slugs and snails (molluscicide) WWW Link

The Uses of Metaldehyde

In compressed form as a fuel instead of alcohol; molluscicide.

Definition

A polymer of acetaldehyde in which n usually is 4–6.

Definition

A solid compound,C₄O₄H₄(CH₃)₄, formed by polymerizationof ethanal (acetaldehyde) in diluteacid solutions below 0°C. Thecompound, a tetramer of ethanal, isused in slug pellets and as a fuel forportable stoves.

Hazard

Flammable, dangerous fire risk. Strong irritant to skin and mucous membranes.

Carcinogenicity

There is no evidence in the literature that metaldehyde has carcinogenic potential.

Environmental Fate

Plant. When applied to citrus rinds, 50% was lost after 4.6 days for the first 33 days and an additional 25% was lost 14 days for the subsequent 26 days (Iwata et al., 1982). Chemical/Physical. Metaldehyde can be converted to acetaldehyde by heating to 150°C for 4–5 hours or by the reaction of concentrated hydrochloric acid (6 M) for a couple of minutes (Booze and Oehme, 1985).