can someone explain this?

Question

with regards to pesticides can you tell me what an 'active ingrediant' is formulation and a group?

Answer 1

In a typical pesticide, the active ingredient is the actual toxic chemical that will kill the specified type of pest. The group is the type/family of pesticide to which the active ingredient belongs. The formulation is the precise mixture of chemicals -- active ingredients, synergists, propellants, solvents, etc. -- that go into the can.

For example, in a can of Raid Flying Insect Killer, the active ingredients are Tetramethrin and Piperonyl Butoxide: the rest of the stuff in the can -- propane, butane, and isobutane, are propellants.

Tetramethrin is one of the family (group) of pyrethrin insecticides. Pyrethrins were discovered when scientists examined why marigolds repel insects in a garden -- marigolds naturally defend themselves with a small quantity of pyrethrins in the sap. I believe the piperonly butoxide is included to enhance sorption of the tetramethrin into the insect's body.

The propellants are there solely to get the active ingredient out of the can and onto your target bug.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

As far as what I understand the name speaks for itself.

The active ingredient is what does the work, the rest of what is in the bottle is just a simple solution, probably just water, to increase the volume.

It is like weedkiller you by a litre bottle(100cl) but only 7% (7 cl) is Glycosulphate the active ingrediant.

Without the 93% water you would only have enogh to dose half a dozen weeds.