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Plant growth regulators

Ethephon

Also known as 2-Chloroethylphosphonic acid, (2-Chloroethyl)phosphonic acid, Ethrel

CAS 16672-87-0Formula C2H6ClO3PMolar mass 144.49 g/molEC 240-718-3
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Corrosive, Acute toxicity (severe), Hazardous to the environment 64 suppliers listed
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Ethephon chemical structure, C2H6ClO3P, CAS 16672-87-0
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Needles from benzene
Melting point
74 to 75
Boiling point
265 °C
Density
1.2 g/cm³
Solubility
Freely soluble in ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, practically insoluble in petroleum…
HS code
293159
Category
Plant growth regulators
Illustrative photo, closed white HDPE bottles and amber jars on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Ethephon?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

(2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid is a phosphonic acid compound having a 2-chloroethyl substituent attached to the P-atom. It has a role as a plant growth regulator.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
2-chloroethylphosphonic acid
CAS number
16672-87-0 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
240-718-3
Molecular formula
C2H6ClO3P
UNII
XU5R5VQ87S
MDL number
MFCD00002142
InChIKey
UDPGUMQDCGORJQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C2H6ClO3P/c3-1-2-7(4,5)6/h1-2H2,(H2,4,5,6)
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C(CCl)P(=O)(O)O

Synonyms

  • 2-Chloroethylphosphonic acid
  • (2-Chloroethyl)phosphonic acid
  • Ethrel
  • Bromeflor
  • Camposan
  • Cerone
  • 2-Cepa
  • Ethefon
  • Etheverse
  • Flordimex
  • Kamposan
  • Tomathrel
  • Cepha
  • Ethel
  • Florel
  • 2-Chloroethanephosphonic acid
  • Chloroethylphosphonic acid
  • Roll-Fruct
  • Cepha 10LS
  • Ethrel C
  • Bromoflor
  • Floridex
  • Arvest
  • Ethepon
  • Terpal
Show all 38 synonyms
  • Gagro
  • CEPA
  • PREP
  • Chipco Florel PRO
  • Amchem 68-250
  • Florel Plant Growth
  • 2-Chloraethyl-phosphonsaeure
  • Acide chloro-2-ethyl-phosphonique
  • beta-chloroethylphosphonic acid
  • P(33)-(2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid
  • Chlorethephon
  • Phosphonic acid, (2-chloroethyl)-
  • 2-Cloroethylphosphonic acid

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Needles from benzeneexp.
Melting point
74 to 75exp.
Boiling point
265 °Cexp.
Density
1.2 g/cm³exp.
Solubility
Freely soluble in ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, practically insoluble in petroleum etherexp.
Vapour pressure
< 7.5 × 10⁻⁸ mm Hg at 20 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
144.49 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
143.9743 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
0.4calc.
Topological polar surface area
57.53 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
2calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
2calc.
Heavy atoms
7calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS09: Hazardous to the environment
Hazardous to the environment

Hazard statements

  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H311Toxic in contact with skin.
  • H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
  • H332Harmful if inhaled.
  • H411Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements (23)
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P301 + P330 + P331If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P302 + P361 + P354If on skin: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P361 + P364Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
  • P391Collect spillage.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Ethephon suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 64 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

64 suppliers in 9 countries

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Ethephon price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

A plant-growth regulator that increases rate of ripening of plants by promoting release of ethylene, stimulates rubber latex formation, ripening of sugarcane, flowering agent for pineapple, color enhancer.

In cotton, it is used as a boll opener and defoliant prior to harvesting.

Ethephon is used to promote fruit ripening, abscission, flower induction, breaking of apical dominance (inhibition of the growth of lateral buds by the terminal bud of a shoot), and other plant responses.

Use classes: Pesticides, Plant growth regulators.

Pharmacological actions

  • Plant Growth Regulators

Roles

  • growth regulator
  • plant growth regulator

Functional uses

  • Biocide

How it is made

Cleavage of the bis(2-chloroethyl) ester of 2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid

Ethephon is made from tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphite by rearrangement to bis(2-chloroethyl)2-chloroethyl phosphonate followed by hydrolysis

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 015-154-00-4

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Ethephon is traded under.

HS 2931.59Indicative HS code

Halogenated organo-phosphorous derivatives, other

World exports in 2024
$46.1M
+14.5% vs 2023, imports $88.5M
2022 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China32.9%
  2. United States32.0%
  3. Germany8.4%
Top importers
  1. Brazil32.3%
  2. United States19.2%
  3. South Korea6.4%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Ethephon is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Ethephon, based on the data on this page

What is Ethephon?

(2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid is a phosphonic acid compound having a 2-chloroethyl substituent attached to the P-atom. It has a role as a plant growth regulator.

What is the CAS number of Ethephon?

The CAS registry number of Ethephon is 16672-87-0.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Ethephon?

The molecular formula of Ethephon is C2H6ClO3P and its molar mass is 144.49 g/mol.

What is Ethephon used for?

A plant-growth regulator that increases rate of ripening of plants by promoting release of ethylene, stimulates rubber latex formation, ripening of sugarcane, flowering agent for pineapple, color enhancer. In cotton, it is used as a boll opener and defoliant prior to harvesting.

Is Ethephon hazardous?

Ethephon carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: harmful if swallowed, toxic in contact with skin, causes severe skin burns and eye damage. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Ethephon?

Ethephon is usually classified under HS code 293159 (Halogenated organo-phosphorous derivatives, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Ethephon?

CompoundList lists 64 suppliers of Ethephon in China, United States, Brazil, India and 5 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Ethephon in India?

7 suppliers in India list Ethephon on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Ethephon?

Suppliers quote Ethephon on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Ethephon

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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