Kinetics and mechanism of the hydrolysis of imidacloprid

Abstract

The kinetics of the hydrolysis of imidacloprid were studied at different pH values and under various temperatures. Imidacloprid was found to be stable in acidic and neutral water, but readily hydrolysed in alkaline water. The main hydrolysis product was found to be 1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-2-imidazolidone, and a mechanism for its formation is proposed. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry