Photolysis of chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole in water and soil: verification of degradation pathways via kinetics modeling.

Photodegradation of [(14)C]-chlorantraniliprole (CLAP) and [(14)C]-cyantraniliprole (CNAP) was investigated in sterile buffer solutions, in natural water, and on soil surfaces. Both compounds displayed rapid degradation in aqueous buffers when exposed to light at concentrations which could result from direct overspray to a shallow water body. While the main products observed had analogous structures, a substantial difference was noted in the rate of degradation of the two compounds despite minimal differences in their structures. Transformations observed were primarily intramolecular rearrangements and degradations resulting from addition of hydroxyl radicals leading to molecular cleavage. Some of the degradation products were transient, and several degradates had isomeric molecular compositions. The sequence of transformations was established definitively with the help of kinetics modeling. Utility of kinetics analysis in verification of the proposed pathways is illustrated.