(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl (1RS)-cis,trans-3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-
dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (CAS) SI units were used where possible. Unless otherwise stated, standard conditions were used.

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Properties

General
Name	3-phenoxybenzyl (1RS)-cis,trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2- dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (IUPAC}
SMILES	c3ccccc3Oc(c2)cccc2COC(=O)C1C(C1(C)C)C=C(Cl)Cl
Chemical formula	C21H20Cl2O3
Appearance	Colourless crystals
Physical
Formula weight	391.28 amu
Melting point	307 K (34 °C)
Boiling point	473 K (200 °C)
Density	1190 k/m3
Crystal structure
Solubility	Insoluble (5.5 x 10-3 ppm
Thermochemistry
ΔfH0gas	kJ/mol
ΔfH0liquid	kJ/mol
ΔfH0solid	kJ/mol
S0gas, 1 bar	J/mol·K
S0liquid, 1 bar	J/mol·K
S0solid	J/mol·K
Safety
Ingestion	Harmless in small quantities
Inhalation	Harmful, potentially damaging to lungs
Skin	Irritation
Eyes	Irritation
More info	Hazardous Chemical Database

Permethrin is a common chemical, widely used as an insecticide and acaricide and as an insect repellent. It belongs to the family of chemicals called pyrethroids and functions as a neurotoxin, affecting neuron membranes by slowing the access of important sodium ions.

In agriculture, Permethrin is mainly used on cotton, wheat, maize, and alfalfa crops, and is also used to kill parasites on chickens and other poultry. Its use is controversial since, as a broad-spectrum chemical, it kills indiscriminately; as well as the intended pests, it can harm beneficial insects including honey bees and small mammals such as mice.

However, permethrin can be used in a targeted manner as well. This is the basis for a method of reducing populations of the deer tick Ixodes scapularis (I. dammini). Biodegradable cardboard tubes stuffed with permethrin-treated cotton, are sold under the brand name Damminix. Mice collect the cotton for lining their nests, and the pesticide on the cotton kills any immature ticks that are feeding on the mice. Protecting Property from Tick Infestation: Damminix ^* University of Maryland Medical Center

Permethrin is also used in healthcare, to eradicate parasites such as head lice and scabies, and in industrial and domestic settings to control pests such as ants and termites.

Permethrin kills ticks on contact with treated clothing. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, it "has low mammalian toxicity, is poorly absorbed through the skin and is rapidly inactivated by the body. Skin reactions have been uncommon"^*.

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