Physico-chemical, mutagenic and carcinogenic properties of nitrosated urea herbicide metabolites.

Alkylating activities, rates of decomposition, partition coefficients (octanol/water) and sister chromatid exchanges of several N-nitroso compounds, formed by nitrosation of pesticide metabolites or closely related substances, were determined. The carcinogenic activity of two compounds was investigated in rats. The measured parameters were compared in a search for possible correlations.