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Rodenticides, nematicides and other pesticides

Metaldehyde

Also known as Metacetaldehyde, Slug-Tox, 2,4,6,8-Tetramethyl-1,3,5,7-tetraoxocane

CAS 108-62-3Formula C8H16O4Molar mass 176.21 g/molEC 203-600-2
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Flammable, Acute toxicity (severe), Serious health hazard 37 suppliers listed
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Metaldehyde chemical structure, C8H16O4, CAS 108-62-3
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Crystalline powder
Melting point
246.2 °C
Boiling point
115 °C
Density
1.27 at 20 °C
Flash point
36 °C
HS code
293299
Category
Rodenticides, nematicides and other pesticides
UN number
UN 1332
Illustrative photo, closed blue fibre drums on a pallet in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Metaldehyde?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Metaldehyde is a member of the class of tetroxocanes that is 1,3,5,7-tetroxocane which carries four methyl groups at positions 2,4,6 and 8. It is a potent molluscicide and the active ingredient in most slug pellets used for crop protection. It has a role as a fuel and a molluscicide.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-1,3,5,7-tetraoxocane
CAS number
108-62-3 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 37273-91-9
EC number
203-600-2
Molecular formula
C8H16O4
UNII
4CI033VJYG
MDL number
MFCD00134115
InChIKey
GKKDCARASOJPNG-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C8H16O4/c1-5-9-6(2)11-8(4)12-7(3)10-5/h5-8H,1-4H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CC1OC(OC(OC(O1)C)C)C

Synonyms

  • Metacetaldehyde
  • Slug-Tox
  • 2,4,6,8-Tetramethyl-1,3,5,7-tetraoxocane
  • Cekumeta
  • Acetaldehyde, tetramer
  • Ariotox
  • Halizan
  • Metason
  • 1,3,5,7-Tetroxocane, 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-
  • Metaldehyd
  • Corry's Slug Death
  • Metaldeide
  • Acetaldehyde Tetramer
  • 2,4,6,8-Tetramethyl-1,3,5,7-tetraoxacyclooctane
  • 2,4,6,8-Tetramethyl-1,3,5,7-tetroxocane
  • Slugfest
  • r-2,c-4,c-6,c-8-Tetramethyl-1,3,5,7-tetroxocane
  • Antimilace
  • Schneckokorn
  • Limovet
  • Namekil
  • Limax
  • Slugit
  • Schnex-schneckentod
  • Suprasnail
Show all 34 synonyms
  • Agrimort
  • Helarion
  • Puzomor
  • Terrasan-schneckentod gekoernt
  • Lumacrusk5
  • Snail-Kil
  • Antimilice
  • Metacetaldehyd
  • Blitzem

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
Crystalline powderexp.
Odour
Menthol odorexp.
Melting point
246.2 °Cexp.
Boiling point
115 °Cexp.
Density
1.27 at 20 °Cexp.
Flash point
36 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 200 mg/L at 17 °C /Polymer/exp.
Vapour pressure
Vapor pressure is negligible at room temperature.exp.

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
176.21 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
176.1049 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.45calc.
Topological polar surface area
36.92 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
4calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
12calc.
Rings
1calc.
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.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, C1OCOCOCO1

C1OCOCOCO1

1 ring, 8 atoms, the 1,3,5,7-Tetroxocane ring system.

4 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard
331NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H228Flammable solid.
  • H301Toxic if swallowed.
  • H361fSuspected of damaging fertility.
  • H412Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements (15)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1332
Transport hazard class
4.1
Packing group
III

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

Metaldehyde suppliers

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

All 37 suppliers
30 of 30 offers

Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

37 suppliers in 8 countries

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Metaldehyde 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

Metaldehyde is a molluscicide used to control snails and slugs on a wide variety of sites, including turf, ornamentals, berries, citrus, and vegetables.

In compressed form as a fuel instead of alcohol, molluscicide. (Polymer).

Use classes: Molluscicides, Pesticides.

Pharmacological actions

  • Molluscacides

Roles

  • fuel
  • molluscicide
  • pesticide

Functional uses

  • Biocide

How it is made

Metaldehyde is obtained in addition to large amounts of paraldehyde during polymerization of acetaldehyde in the presence of HBr and alkaline earth metal bromides, such as CaBr2, at temperatures below 0 °C. However, yields are scarcely higher than 8%. Yields of 14 - 20% have been reported when working in the presence of 7 - 15% of an aliphatic or cyclic ether at 0 - 20 °C. Insoluble metaldehyde is filtered out. Acetaldehyde is then distilled from the filtrate following depolymerization of the paraldehyde and is returned to the polymerization.

Read more

Recycling of the large amounts of acetaldehyde results in losses that increase the process costs.

Prepd by polymerization of acetaldehyde in presence of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid @ low temp: Kekule, Zincke, Ann 162, 125 (1872), in presence of pyridine and hydrogen bromide: Wilder, US patent 2,426,961 (1947 to Publicker Ind).

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 605-005-00-7

Health and food

  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II, prohibited in cosmetics
    Name: Metaldehyde, Ref no: 223, Annex ref: II/223

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

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

HS 2932.99Indicative HS code

Heterocyclic compounds with oxygen hetero-atom(s) only, other

World exports in 2024
$3.81B
+10.3% vs 2023, imports $7.05B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China28.9%
  2. Switzerland * partner reported12.7%
  3. Germany7.8%
Top importers
  1. United States49.7%
  2. China11.9%
  3. India * partner reported3.3%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

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

Frequently asked questions

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

What is Metaldehyde?

Metaldehyde is a member of the class of tetroxocanes that is 1,3,5,7-tetroxocane which carries four methyl groups at positions 2,4,6 and 8. It is a potent molluscicide and the active ingredient in most slug pellets used for crop protection. It has a role as a fuel and a molluscicide.

What is the CAS number of Metaldehyde?

The CAS registry number of Metaldehyde is 108-62-3. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 37273-91-9.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Metaldehyde?

The molecular formula of Metaldehyde is C8H16O4 and its molar mass is 176.21 g/mol.

What is Metaldehyde used for?

Metaldehyde is a molluscicide used to control snails and slugs on a wide variety of sites, including turf, ornamentals, berries, citrus, and vegetables. In compressed form as a fuel instead of alcohol, molluscicide. (Polymer). Use classes: Molluscicides, Pesticides.

Is Metaldehyde hazardous?

Metaldehyde carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: flammable solid, toxic if swallowed, suspected of damaging fertility. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Metaldehyde?

Metaldehyde is usually classified under HS code 293299 (Heterocyclic compounds with oxygen hetero-atom(s) only, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Metaldehyde?

CompoundList lists 37 suppliers of Metaldehyde in China, France, India, Spain and 4 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Metaldehyde in India?

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

What is the price of Metaldehyde?

Suppliers quote Metaldehyde 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 Metaldehyde

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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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