Karsil (also called erlüjixiancaoan) is an acylanilide herbicide, similar to propanil. It is potent against annual grasses and broadleaved weeds in celery, and a strong inhibitor of photosynthesis. It is approved for use in China. When degraded by bacteria, karsil becomes 3,4-dichloroaniline and 3,3',4,4,'-tetrachloroazobenzene. Karsil is theorised to form hydrogen bonds with the protein of an enzyme involved in the oxidation of water, creating its herbicidal potential, similar to diuron and atrazine. Karsil has been manufactured by Niagara Chemical Division. If ingested, activated charcoal absorbs it. Karsil is ten times as active as atrazine at the chloroplast level.
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