Formula C12H20N4O2 Melting point 116 °C | Density 1.25 g/cm³ Appearance White crystalline solid | |
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Hexazinone is an organic compound that is used as a broad spectrum herbicide. It is a colorless solid. It exhibits some solubility in water but is highly soluble in most organic solvents except alkanes. A member of the triazine class herbicides, it is manufactured by DuPont and sold under the trade name Velpar.
It functions by inhibiting photosynthesis and thus is a nonselective herbicide. It is used to control grasses, broadleaf, and woody plants. Approximately 33% is used on alfalfa, 31% in forestry, 29% in industrial areas, 4% on rangeland and pastures, and < 2% on sugarcane.
In 1989, hexazinone was deliberately used in an act of vandalism to poison the Treaty Oak in Austin, Texas.
Hexazinone is a pervasive groundwater contaminant, due to its high water solubility.