Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO): Synergist Ratios, Quality Specs and 2026 Supply
TL;DR — PBO buyer's guide — how the synergist works, correct active:PBO ratios for aerosols and EC/SC formulations, purity and colour specifications, and 2026 ex-China supply terms.
In this article
Quick answers
Piperonyl butoxide (PBO, CAS 51-03-6) has no insecticidal activity of its own, yet almost every household aerosol, coil and mosquito-net treatment on the market contains it. It is the cheapest performance multiplier available to a formulator — and the one most often under-specified on a purchase order.
How PBO works
Insects survive pyrethroid exposure largely by metabolising the active through cytochrome P450 monooxygenases. PBO reversibly inhibits those enzymes, so the active stays intact inside the insect for longer. The practical effect is a three- to ten-fold efficacy gain at the same active dose, or an equivalent kill at a materially lower active loading — which is where the cost case comes from. Technical detail sits on our PBO product page.
The ratios that matter
Aerosols and space sprays typically run 1:5 to 1:10 active:PBO. An aerosol at 0.1% prallethrin therefore carries 0.5–1.0% PBO. EC and SC formulations run tighter, 1:4 to 1:8. Pushing beyond 1:10 adds cost without a proportional efficacy gain, and can create solvent-load and can-corrosion problems in aerosols.
Where PBO helps — and where it does not
PBO restores performance against metabolic resistance, which is the dominant mechanism in many Culex and Blattella populations. It does little against target-site (kdr) resistance, where the sodium channel itself is altered. A programme that leans on PBO alone will eventually fail; rotate IRAC groups and pair with a residual active such as bifenthrin or cyphenothrin.
Quality specification
Technical PBO is supplied at 90% and 94% minimum purity. Specify colour (pale yellow), viscosity and residual dihydrosafrole on the COA. Dark or high-residual lots create odour and stability problems in finished aerosols and will be rejected by discerning brand owners. Ask for a GC chromatogram with every batch, not just a summary certificate.
2026 supply and price basis
PBO trades on a volume logic closer to a solvent than a specialty active. Q3 2026 ex-China FOB pricing for 94% technical sits in the USD 8–10/kg range, with 90% material below that. It ships in 200 L HDPE drums and 1000 L IBCs; MOQ for direct-from-plant pricing is 1 MT. Related sourcing terms for the rest of the public-health portfolio are covered in our public health insecticide actives guide.
WECON's PBO supply
We ship 90% and 94% technical PBO with batch GC chromatograms, GHS-compliant SDS in English, Turkish and Arabic, and drum or IBC packing to CIF Istanbul, Mersin, Jeddah, Alexandria and Karachi. Send your purity grade, annual volume and destination port through the public health insecticides page for a 24-hour quotation.
Frequently asked questions
What is piperonyl butoxide used for?
PBO is a synergist added to pyrethrin and pyrethroid formulations. It blocks the insect enzymes that would otherwise break the active down, multiplying efficacy several-fold at the same dose.
What is the correct PBO ratio?
Aerosols and space sprays typically use 1:5 to 1:10 active:PBO. EC and SC formulations run 1:4 to 1:8. Higher ratios add cost without proportional efficacy gains.
Does PBO overcome all pyrethroid resistance?
No. It is effective against metabolic resistance driven by cytochrome P450 enzymes, but contributes little against target-site (kdr) resistance. Rotation across IRAC groups is still required.
What purity of PBO should I buy?
90% technical is the baseline; 94% is preferred for premium aerosols and export-registered products. Always request a GC chromatogram, colour and residual dihydrosafrole data with each batch.
What is the minimum order quantity for PBO?
1 MT for direct-from-plant pricing, supplied in 200 L drums or 1000 L IBCs, with break-points at 5 MT and full-container volumes.
