Wiktionary
n. (context chemistry English) Any organic thiophosphate, many of which are used as insecticides etc
Wikipedia
Organothiophosphates are a subclass of organophosphorus compounds. Many of these compounds are used as pesticides, some have medical applications, and some are used as oil additives. They generally have the chemical formula (RO)PS, [(RO)P(S)O], R(RO)PS, etc.
Oligonucleotide phosphorothioates (OPS) are modified oligonucleotides where one of the oxygen atoms in the phosphate moiety is replaced by sulfur. These compounds are the basis of antisense therapy, e.g., the drugs fomivirsen (Vitravene), Oblimersen, Alicaforsen, and Mipomersen (Kynamro).
Further examples of these include:
- Diazinon
- Fenitrothion
- Fenthion
- ThioTEPA
Variants with P=O double bonds were developed as insecticides because of their reduced mammalian toxicity. The phosphorothioate P=S bond is converted to the toxic P=O bond in the target insect. Similar oxidative conversion in mammals is slower, conferring lower toxicity in mammals.