The formation of 2-chlorobenzamide upon hydrolysis of the benzoylphenylurea insecticide 1-(2-chlorobenzoyl)-3-(4-chlorophenyl) urea in different water systems

It has been reported that 1-(2-chlorobenzoyl)-3-(4-chlorophenyl) urea (CCU) , an insect growth regulator, has no measurable toxicity to nontarget organ isms and is essentially harmless to humans. However, one of its degradation products, 2-chlorobenzamide (CBA), is suspected of being a carcinogen. The refore, the maximum concentration of CBA formed and the dynamics of its for mation need to be given careful attention after CCU is used in the field. T his paper describes the degradation of CCU to form CBA in three different w ater systems (distilled water, spring water, and simulated seawater) and th e effects of temperature on the dynamics of CBA formation. The results indi cate that the maximum level of CBA concentration is different in the differ ent systems (highest in spring water) and that the temperature has a signif icant impact on the process (higher temperature leads to higher and earlier peak of CBA concentration), The maximum concentration of CBA after applica tion of CCU was approximately 3.8% of the, initial concentration of CCU at 35 degreesC in distilled water, and 2.4% in spring water at 25 degreesC.