Tetraethyl pyrophosphate

Tetraethyl pyrophosphate, abbreviated TEPP, is an organophosphate compound, which is used as an insecticide. This compound is a clear, colorless liquid, which is soluble in water, but hydrolyzes rapidly. There are several mechanism by which TEPP can be synthesized and it was first synthesized by Philippe de Clermont and Muscovite Wladimir Moschnin in 1854. It is a toxic compound, due to its anticholinesterase activity, which not only applies to insects, but also to other animals. TEPP is metabolized with the assistance of many different enzymes en the metabolistes are excreted via the urine.