Azoxystrobin stands out as a well-known broad-spectrum fungicide, widely used in agriculture for its reliable performance against a diverse range of fungal diseases. The molecular formula, C22H17N3O5, lays the foundation for both its efficacy and various forms. The compound, with a molecular weight of 403.39 g/mol, supports control of several plant pathogens. The structural formula features an aromatic system along with nitrile and methoxyacrylate groups, providing the foundation for azoxystrobin’s activity within crops. Its International Harmonized System Code (HS Code) sits at 29339990, covering heterocyclic compounds. Familiarity with these facts builds comfort in recognizing authentic material and understanding its roles in the supply chain.
In practice, azoxystrobin shows up most often as an off-white to beige solid, available in powder and granular forms. Some suppliers deliver it as microcrystalline powder, while others offer larger flakes or fine pearls. Under routine conditions, the solid’s density runs about 1.33 g/cm³. Unlike many agricultural products that bring a strong chemical odor, azoxystrobin holds a mild scent, recognizable in the materials section of any chemical catalog. At room temperature, it stays stable, showing little sign of degradation. The melting point of azoxystrobin averages between 116 to 117 degrees Celsius. This physical resilience supports reliable shelf storage and safe handling before dilution or mixing for final use.
Crystalline and powder forms remain the most common choices in manufacturing and field use, with particles dispersing well in liquid formulations. Although azoxystrobin dissolves only sparingly in water at 6.7 mg/L (20°C), it dissolves far more easily in organic solvents, including acetone and methanol. The wettable powder or water-dispersible granule choices help operators mix it efficiently with water, giving rise to suspensions or solutions for direct spraying. The slightly waxy, moderate-to-dense feel of the material in the hand signals professional-grade quality. Measuring out the required mass for field application becomes simple with such consistent material.
Industry safety data sheets identify azoxystrobin as a low-to-moderate-risk chemical when compared to older fungicide families. Globally, it carries a regulatory status as “not classified as hazardous for supply.” Still, like any crop protection agent, attention to the raw material’s handling and exposure standards keeps workers and the environment from unnecessary risk. Direct skin or eye contact can cause minor irritation, motivating a steady practice of gloves and goggles in the chemical shed. The compound shows low volatility, meaning little risk of vapor formation when weighed or poured. Once mixed in solution, azoxystrobin remains stable and doesn’t break down quickly in sunlight or typical field conditions. Its half-life in soil hovers around two weeks to a month, depending on local climate and microbial activity, which limits long-term residue build-up while still allowing for effective control of crop diseases.
Assessments of toxicity confirm that azoxystrobin doesn’t pose a high risk to mammals or birds under standard use conditions. This helps support its continued approval in most global regulatory regimes. Nonetheless, like any agricultural chemical, water safety matters, so users must prevent runoff or contamination of surface waters, as it can cause harm to aquatic life in higher concentrations. Any chemical that enters large-scale use gets both praise and scrutiny. In personal experience, correct measurement and awareness of surroundings have always prevented accidental overuse or mishandling in the field.
As both an active ingredient and as a raw material for various agricultural formulations, azoxystrobin sits at the center of many spray programs. Blended with carriers or other fungicides, it protects cereals, fruits, and vegetables against powdery mildew, rusts, and leaf spots. The granular, solid, or powder forms are weighed out and typically dissolved or suspended in water before application, at rates aligning with the specific disease and crop target. Storage conditions call for cool, dry, well-ventilated areas, with stable temperatures and sealed containers to prevent clumping or accidental spills. Based on my time working in agricultural supply distribution, I have seen well-packaged, moisture-free azoxystrobin last for long seasons without losing activity or changing color.
Experience shows that clear labeling of the HS Code and molecular details helps downstream producers and regulators track the compound’s use and movement. Certificates of analysis and batch traceability enhance confidence across the supply chain. Producers selecting the right particle size and density prevent measurement errors and ensure field workers get easily dispersible material without caking or dusting. Large-scale buyers—especially those responsible for formulation, packaging, or branded products—depend on granules and flakes of consistent shape and mechanical strength. On the safety front, training warehouse and field teams to identify labels and handle powder with simple respirators prevents unnecessary inhalation or irritation, minimizing workplace incidents.
Knowing these product specifics bridges the gap between chemistry lab and functional farm use. Precise knowledge of particle size, density, and chemical structure supports manufacturing, packaging, shipping, and mixing. This matters both for protecting worker safety and for making sure every field application gets the dose intended. Past mistakes stemmed from poor labelling or inconsistent particles, causing overdosing or clogging of sprayers. Clear instructions on density, form, and storage, supported by reliable batch certification, solve the bulk of those problems.
Farmers and suppliers benefit most when clear, jargon-free guidelines back every delivery, especially for raw materials like azoxystrobin. Structured record-keeping for properties, the HS Code, molecular weight, chemical formula, and handling instructions brings transparency and confidence for the field. Efforts to create packaging that resists moisture and accidental puncture help avoid both product loss and environmental spills. Molecular innovations—like designing new forms with even lower water solubility or reducing aquatic toxicity—can add safety margin for future use. Sustainable handling practices, better container recycling, and clear identification of hazardous properties allow the industry to manage risks and maximize the benefits of azoxystrobin for years to come.
