MCPA

MCPA or 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid is a powerful, selective, widely-used phenoxy herbicide. The pure compound is a brown-colored powder. In 1936 investigations began at ICIs Jealott's Hill research centre into the effects of synthetic hormones on plant growth looking specifically for a way to kill weeds without harming crops such as corn. Synthesis of MCPA was first reported by Synerholme and Zimmerman in 1945 and by Templeman and Foste... More

MCPA or 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid is a powerful, selective, widely-used phenoxy herbicide. The pure compound is a brown-colored powder. In 1936 investigations began at ICIs Jealott's Hill research centre into the effects of synthetic hormones on plant growth looking specifically for a way to kill weeds without harming crops such as corn. Synthesis of MCPA was first reported by Synerholme and Zimmerman in 1945 and by Templeman and Foster in 1946. Templeman and Foster were searching for compounds with similar or greater selective activity than 1-naphthaleneacetic acid in inhibiting the growth of weeds while not adversely affecting the growth of cereal grains. They synthesized MCPA from the corresponding phenol by exposing it to chloroacetic acid and dilute base in a straightforward substitution reaction: MCPA is used as an herbicide, generally as its salt or esterified forms. Used thus, it controls broadleaf weeds, including thistle and dock, in cereal crops and pasture. It...

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