AbstractThe behaviour of imazapyr (2‐(4‐isopropyl‐4‐methyl‐5‐oxo‐2‐imidazolin‐2‐yl)nicotinic acid), a broad spectrum herbicide of the imidazolinone family, has been studied under UV radiation in the presence of metal salts. Complexation interactions between imazapyr and metal ions decreased imazapyr photolysis. A chemometric study compared the photodegradation of imazapyr in aqueous solutions in the presence of Na+, Ca2+ or Cu2+ and their concomitant anionic species (Cl−, NO3−) at various pesticide/metal ion molar ratios. The study showed the major role of metal ions in the degradation of imazapyr and its main photoproducts. The molecules were strongly stabilised on complexation with metal ions, leading to an increase in persistence of the pesticide. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry