Determination of n-octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow) of pesticide critical review and comparison of methods

Octanol/water partition coefficients (log Kow) for 87 chemicals representing the main classes of pesticides have been determined by means of three different estimation methods (RP-HPLC, ClogP, calculation from water solubility), and the results have been compared with experimental values (measured mainly with Slow Stirring or Shake Flask methods), collected through a survey of the literature. On the basis of a critical evalution of all available data, a selected value for each pesticide has been proposed. Values and limitations of the three estimation methods has been discussed.