Kinetics and Mechanism of Amitraz Hydrolysis

Abstract

As a precursor to the development of effective vat management and waste disposal strategies, the kinetics and basic mechanisms of amitraz, N ‘-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)- N -[[(2,4−dimethylphenyl)imino]methyl]- N -methylmethanimidamide, hydrolysis were examined as was the effect of cosolvents and metal ions. Amitraz was readily hydrolyzed at low pH values, forming acid-stable 2,4-dimethylphenylformamide, which can be further hydrolyzed to 2,4-dimethylaniline. The hydrolysis of 2,4-dimethylphenylformamide was faster under basic conditions. Thus, the addition of lime, a management technique used to stabilize the amitraz, will enhance the hydrolysis of its degradation products to aniline. Keywords: Amitraz; hydrolysis; pesticide waste; dip-vats