Which pesticide is described as a carbamate?

• A. Mexacarbate
• B. Carbaryl
• C. Sevin
• D. Aldicarb

Answer: (B)

Carbamates are pesticides built around the carbamate functional group and they inhibit acetylcholinesterase in a reversible way, causing a buildup of acetylcholine and nerve overstimulation. The pesticide whose active ingredient is Carbaryl is a classic example of this class, with the chemical name N-methyl-1-naphthyl carbamate. Sevin is the common brand name for Carbaryl, so when a pesticide is described as a carbamate, Carbaryl is the specific chemical most people think of. While other carbamates exist (such as Aldicarb and Mexacarbate), the test typically points to Carbaryl because it is the well-known, widely discussed carbamate insecticide associated with the term Carbaryl.