Which class includes 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T used to make Agent Orange?

Which class includes 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T used to make Agent Orange?

• A. Organophosphates
• B. Phenoxy herbicides
• C. Chlorinated solvents
• D. Triazines

Answer: (B)

Phenoxy herbicides are plant growth regulators that mimic the natural hormone auxin, causing uncontrolled growth and eventual death in broadleaf plants. 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T are classic examples of this class; they are chlorophenoxyacetic acids that disrupt normal plant development, making them effective selective weed killers. These two compounds were even combined to form Agent Orange. The other groups listed refer to different chemical families with distinct modes of action (organophosphates inhibit acetylcholinesterase; chlorinated solvents are not herbicides; triazines inhibit photosystem II), so they don’t describe the class that includes these two compounds.

Phenoxy herbicides are plant growth regulators that mimic the natural hormone auxin, causing uncontrolled growth and eventual death in broadleaf plants. 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T are classic examples of this class; they are chlorophenoxyacetic acids that disrupt normal plant development, making them effective selective weed killers. These two compounds were even combined to form Agent Orange. The other groups listed refer to different chemical families with distinct modes of action (organophosphates inhibit acetylcholinesterase; chlorinated solvents are not herbicides; triazines inhibit photosystem II), so they don’t describe the class that includes these two compounds.