Piperonyl butoxide

Piperonyl butoxide (CAS 51-03-6), commonly abbreviated as PBO, is a synergist used alongside insecticides to enhance their efficacy by inhibiting the enzymes insects use to break down active ingredients. It does not function as a pesticide on its own but significantly boosts the performance of pyrethrin- and pyrethroid-based formulations, allowing lower active ingredient loadings for various applications.

In agricultural and public health pest control, PBO is incorporated into sprays, dusts, and aerosols to increase knockdown speed and residual activity of pyrethrins against a broad range of insects. Home care products, including household insecticide sprays, mosquito coils, and foggers, rely on PBO to improve cost-efficiency while maintaining label claims for consumer safety and effectiveness.

In personal care, it appears in lice treatment formulations where it enhances the activity of permethrin or pyrethrin against head lice. Professional pest control operators also use PBO-containing concentrates. These concentrates are used for structural treatments where insecticide resistance is a concern. Piperonyl butoxide is supplied as a liquid, typically in bulk drums or intermediate bulk containers.

Technical grade is the standard commercial form, with purity specifications commonly at 90–95% or higher. Refined grades meeting specific purity thresholds are available for pharmaceutical and personal care. These refined grades are used where regulatory compliance requires tighter quality documentation. Our material is handled according to strict industrial protocols to ensure consistent performance in every batch.