Diuron

Diuron (CAS 330-54-1), also sold under the trade name Karmex and referenced in research contexts as DCMU, is a substituted urea herbicide used for broad-spectrum weed and algae control. It functions by inhibiting photosynthesis in target plants, making it effective across both agricultural and industrial settings. In agriculture, it is applied as a pre- and post-emergent herbicide.

It is used on crops such as cotton, sugarcane, and fruit orchards to suppress grassy and broadleaf weeds. Industrial and non-crop uses include total vegetation control on railways, roadsides, and industrial sites. This chemical is preferred where long-residual activity is required. In antifouling and preservation applications, it acts as a biocide in coatings for marine surfaces, textiles, and paper to inhibit growth.

It is effective at stopping algal and microbial growth in these environments. Polymer and flame-retardant formulations also incorporate this substance as a functional additive for specialty material performance. The photosynthesis-inhibiting mechanism is leveraged for these specific industrial applications. The product is available as a wettable powder (WP), suspension concentrate (SC), and technical-grade solid.

Standard agricultural formulations are supplied at 80% WP and 50% SC concentrations. Technical-grade material is the primary form sourced by formulators and industrial buyers producing downstream products.