Dodecylguanidine Acetate (DGA) CAS 2439-10-3

Dodecylguanidine Acetate (DGA) – Broad-Spectrum Fungicide and Biocidal Agent

Basic Information

• CAS Number: 2439-10-3

• Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₃₁N₃O₂ (as acetate salt)

• Common Trade Name: Dodine

• Appearance: Typically supplied as a technical concentrate (soluble powder, granules, or liquid formulations)

• Solubility: Soluble in water (as salt) and polar organic solvents

Overview
Dodecylguanidine acetate (DGA), widely known under the trade name Dodine, is a cationic surfactant with potent fungicidal and antimicrobial activity. Initially developed for agricultural use, it has proven effective against a broad spectrum of fungal pathogens affecting crops, fruits, and vegetables. Its mechanism of action involves disruption of microbial cell membranes, leading to leakage of intracellular components and cell death. Beyond agriculture, DGA is being explored for applications in animal hygiene, industrial disinfection, and even as a preservative in certain formulations.

Mechanism of Action
DGA acts primarily by binding to negatively charged components of fungal and bacterial cell membranes, causing membrane disorganization and permeability changes. This leads to rapid loss of essential ions and metabolites, ultimately resulting in cell lysis. The compound also exhibits some enzyme inhibition effects, contributing to its overall antimicrobial efficacy.

Applications in Agriculture

• Fungicide: Used to control diseases caused by Venturia, Alternaria, Botrytis, and other fungal genera on fruits (apples, pears), vegetables, and ornamentals.

• Preventive and curative action: Effective as both a protectant (pre‑infection) and as a eradicant (early stage of infection).

• Synergy with other fungicides: Shows enhanced activity when combined with contact fungicides (e.g., copper oxychloride) or systemic agents (e.g., difenoconazole). Proper compatibility testing is recommended to avoid antagonism.

• Resistance management: Rotating DGA with fungicides of different chemical classes helps reduce the risk of resistant strain development.

Additional Uses

• Animal hygiene: Applied as a disinfectant in poultry and livestock facilities to control fungal and bacterial contamination.

• Food industry: Investigated as a surface disinfectant for equipment and containers, subject to regulatory approval.

• Medical research: Low concentrations are being studied for potential use in topical antiseptic formulations, though clinical trials are required to establish safety and efficacy.

Formulation and Application

• DGA is available as technical concentrate, wettable powders, and water‑dispersible granules.

• Surfactants, dispersants, and stabilizers are often added to improve leaf wetting, spreading, and rainfastness.

• Typical application rates vary from 0.5 to 2 kg/ha depending on crop, disease pressure, and growth stage.

Environmental and Regulatory Aspects

• Biodegradability: DGA is partially biodegradable, but the long alkyl chain and guanidine moiety slow down degradation; environmental persistence is moderate.

• Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms – avoid contamination of water bodies.

• Regulatory status: Approved in many countries for agricultural use under strict maximum residue limits (MRLs) and application guidelines. Evolving regulations demand more stringent environmental risk assessments.

Safety and Handling

• Toxicity: Low acute oral toxicity, but may cause skin and eye irritation upon prolonged contact.

• Personal protective equipment: Wear gloves, protective clothing, and respiratory protection during mixing and application.

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area, away from heat, direct sunlight, and incompatible materials (strong oxidizers, alkalis).

• Spills and disposal: Contain spills with inert absorbents; dispose of according to local regulations. Avoid release into drainage systems.

Future Developments and Research Directions

• Encapsulation: Microencapsulation and nano‑formulations are being explored to provide controlled release, reduce dosage, and minimize environmental impact.

• Genomic studies: Understanding resistance mechanisms at the genetic level may guide the design of next‑generation derivatives with improved efficacy.

• Green formulations: Combining DGA with bio‑based extracts and biodegradable polymers could yield eco‑friendly yet highly effective biocidal systems.

• New application areas: Research continues into veterinary, food safety, and even pharmaceutical uses, expanding the compound's utility beyond traditional crop protection.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for purity, pH, and efficacy against target pathogens to ensure consistent performance. Compliance with international standards (e.g., FAO/WHO specifications) is maintained.