Oxyfluorfen is a chemical compound used as an herbicide. It is manufactured by Dow AgroSciences, Adama Agricultural Solutions and 4Farmers under the trade names Goal, Galigan, and Oxyfluorfen 240. Chemically it is a diphenyl ether derivative with the IUPAC name 2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl 3-ethoxy-2,6-dinitrobenzoate and acts primarily as a protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor, causing rapid production of reactive oxygen species in target plants that leads to membrane lipid peroxidation and necrosis. Technical-grade material is processed into formulations such as emulsifiable concentrates, suspension concentrates and granules for pre-emergence and early post-emergence control of broadleaf and grass weeds in crops including soybean, tree crops and ornamentals. Oxyfluorfen has low water solubility and a tendency to adsorb to soil organic matter, which influences mobility and environmental fate, and it is handled under regulated label directions because of acute toxicity potential on inhalation and ingestion and ecological concerns for aquatic organisms and non-target vegetation.
Typical technical-grade oxyfluorfen is supplied with an assay specification commonly in the 95 to 98 percent range by weight; total related compounds and unspecified impurities are generally controlled to low single-digit percentages. Representative impurity limits used in quality specifications are: 3-ethoxy-2,6-dinitrobenzoic acid (EDNBA) up to 0.3 to 0.8 percent, 2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenol (CTFP) up to 0.1 to 0.3 percent, and other process-related chlorinated or nitroaromatic esters collectively up to about 1.0 to 2.0 percent, with total impurities typically not exceeding 3 to 5 percent depending on manufacturer and grade. Analytical control is performed by GC or HPLC with certified reference standards, and firms provide certificates of analysis listing individual related compounds and their measured amounts for each batch.
Oxyfluorfen is used as a selective herbicide for pre-emergence and early post-emergence control of broadleaf weeds and some grasses in a range of crops and non-crop sites; it is commonly applied in soybeans, tree fruit, nuts, vineyards, ornamentals and industrial vegetation management to prevent weed establishment and reduce competition.
There is no specific chemical antidote for oxyfluorfen poisoning; medical management is symptomatic and supportive. Immediate steps include removing contaminated clothing, thorough washing of skin or eyes if exposed, decontamination and activated charcoal for recent ingestions when indicated, respiratory and circulatory support as required, and consultation with a regional poison control center or medical toxicologist for case-specific guidance.
Paraquat dichloride and oxyfluorfen are distinct herbicidal active ingredients with different chemistries and modes of action; the term paraquat dichloride oxyfluorfen typically refers to either a tank mix of the two herbicides or separate use of both actives in a weed control program. There is no single chemical combining paraquat dichloride and oxyfluorfen into one molecule. Users must follow label instructions for each product and check compatibility and legal restrictions before mixing.
Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC Syngenta denotes an emulsifiable concentrate formulation containing 23.5 percent weight by weight oxyfluorfen marketed by Syngenta or under license; such a product is formulated for dilution in water and foliar or soil application according to the product label, providing a specified active concentration for calibrated application rates, and users should consult the Syngenta label for crop-specific rates, safety precautions and legal use patterns.
