Which of the following is an example of a carbamate?

Carbaryl is a well-known example of a carbamate insecticide, which is a class of chemicals used for pest control that are derived from carbamic acid. Carbamates function by inhibiting an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system in insects. When this enzyme is blocked, the nervous system becomes overstimulated, leading to paralysis and ultimately the death of the pest.

Additionally, carbamates are valued for their relatively rapid breakdown in the environment compared to some other pesticide classes, reducing their potential for long-term ecological impact. This characteristic makes them useful for various pest control applications while still maintaining a focus on environmental safety.

In contrast, the other options provided belong to different chemical classes. Pyrethrins are derived from chrysanthemum flowers and are classified as pyrethroids, while DDT is a well-known organochlorine insecticide, and malathion is an organophosphate. Each of these has distinct mechanisms of action and environmental profiles that set them apart from the carbamate category.