Product Description
Piperonyl Butoxide 95%, commonly abbreviated as PBO, is an insecticide synergist identified by CAS number 51-03-6. It is also known as butylcarbityl 6-propylpiperonyl ether. The pure compound has the molecular formula C₁₉H₃₀O₅ and a molecular weight of approximately 338.44 g/mol.
Unlike a conventional insecticide designed to act directly on target pests, Piperonyl Butoxide is primarily used alongside certain insecticidal active ingredients. It can inhibit parts of the insect's metabolic enzyme system that would otherwise break down some insecticides, potentially increasing their effectiveness. This synergistic effect is particularly relevant to formulations based on pyrethrins and selected synthetic pyrethroids. The result depends on the insect species, active ingredient, concentration, and formulation conditions.
The 95% grade is intended for applications where a concentrated technical material is required as a formulation ingredient. PBO is generally described as a pale-yellow to light-brown liquid with very low water solubility. Its compatibility with other ingredients and its behavior in a finished product depend on the solvent system, emulsifiers, and other formulation components.
For manufacturers and formulation developers, the key purchasing considerations include the actual PBO assay, the composition of related compounds, appearance, batch consistency, and packaging suitability. Because the product is intended for use in pest-control formulations, buyers should also confirm that the material meets the specifications and regulatory requirements of the intended market.
Piperonyl Butoxide Chemical Properties
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Piperonyl Butoxide 95% |
| Common Abbreviation | PBO |
| CAS Number | 51-03-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₉H₃₀O₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 338.44 g/mol |
| Chemical Name | Butylcarbityl 6-propylpiperonyl ether |
| Chemical Class | Insecticide synergist |
| Assay | 95% nominal grade; verify against the current batch COA |
| Appearance | Typically pale-yellow to light-brown liquid |
| Water Solubility | Very low |
| Density | Approximately 1.04–1.07 g/mL at around 20°C, depending on grade and source |
| Boiling Behavior | High-boiling material; reported values depend on pressure and test conditions |
| Flash Point | Reported values vary by source and test method; consult the product-specific SDS |
| Primary Functional Role | Synergist for selected insecticides |
| Storage | Store in tightly closed, compatible packaging under the conditions specified in the supplier's SDS; protect from unsuitable heat and environmental exposure |
Technical note: The 95% designation refers to the commercial grade, not necessarily to a single pure-compound specification that can be inferred from general reference data. Some technical PBO materials contain related compounds, so the COA should be checked for the assay method and how the result is expressed. For formulation work, confirm the supplied material's viscosity, density, impurity profile, and compatibility with the selected solvent and active ingredients rather than relying on generic values alone.
Product Applications
1. Agricultural Insecticide Formulations
Piperonyl Butoxide is used as a synergist in selected agricultural pest-control formulations. Its suitability depends on the paired insecticide, target pest, crop, application method, and applicable product registration.
2. Pyrethrin-Based Products
PBO is commonly used with pyrethrins to reduce the impact of certain insect detoxification processes and enhance the performance of the formulated product. The appropriate ratio must be established for the specific formulation and supported by efficacy and regulatory data.
3. Synthetic Pyrethroid Formulations
Certain synthetic pyrethroid products incorporate PBO to improve insect-control performance. Compatibility, target-species response, and the approved label directions should be assessed for each combination.
4. Household and Public-Health Pest Control
PBO is included in selected formulations designed for household pest management and public-health vector-control applications. The permitted uses vary by jurisdiction and by the registration of the finished product.
5. Veterinary and Livestock Pest-Control Products
Some registered products for animal or livestock pest control use PBO as a synergist. Buyers must verify that the proposed formulation, target animal, application route, and use conditions are specifically permitted.
FAQ
Q1: What is Piperonyl Butoxide 95%?
It is a concentrated grade of Piperonyl Butoxide, commonly called PBO, with CAS number 51-03-6. It is primarily used as a synergist in selected insecticide formulations.
Q2: Is Piperonyl Butoxide an insecticide on its own?
PBO is principally a synergist rather than a conventional insecticide used alone. It can enhance the activity of certain insecticides by inhibiting specific insect metabolic enzymes.
Q3: Which insecticides are commonly combined with PBO?
PBO is commonly used with pyrethrins and certain synthetic pyrethroids. The suitability and performance of a combination depend on the formulation and target pest.
Q4: Is Piperonyl Butoxide soluble in water?
PBO has very low water solubility. Formulators generally need to evaluate an appropriate solvent, emulsifier, or other delivery system for the intended product.
Q5: What should buyers verify before purchasing PBO 95%?
Check the assay, related-compound profile, appearance, batch COA, SDS, packaging, and intended application. Also confirm that the planned finished product complies with the pesticide registration and labeling requirements in the destination market.
