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tetraethyl pyrophosphate
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Related Topics:
insecticide
phosphate
organic phosphorus compound
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tetraethyl pyrophosphate

chemical compound
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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

tetraethyl pyrophosphate, an organic phosphorus compound used as an insecticide, particularly for the control of aphids and red spider mites. Tetraethyl pyrophosphate is extremely poisonous to humans, the toxic effects being similar to those of parathion. It decomposes in water to nontoxic esters of phosphoric acids.