[5] The nitrophenyl ethers are a well-known class of herbicides, the oldest member of which was nitrofen, invented by Rohm & Haas and first registered for sale in 1964.

[9] The detailed mechanism of action for nitrofen, acifluorfen and related diphenyl ether herbicides such as fomesafen was unknown at the time they were invented.

[11] The now-accepted explanation for the damage is that these compounds inhibit the enzyme protoporphyrinogen oxidase, which leads to an accumulation of protoporphyrin IX in the plant cells.

It controls or suppresses broadleaf weeds, grasses and sedges and is effective on a very wide range of species including Abutilon theophrasti, Acalypha ostryifolia, Acanthospermum hispidum, Amaranthus palmeri, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Anoda cristata, Barbarea vulgaris, Brassica kaber, Calystegia sepium, Cannabis sativa, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Cassia obtusifolia, Chenopodium album, Citrullus lanatus, Convolvulus arvensis, Croton glandulosus, Cyperus esculentus, Datura stramonium, Digitaria, Echinochloa crus-galli, Eleusine indica, Euphorbia heterophylla, Helianthus annuus, Hibiscus trionum, Ipomoea quamoclit, Melochia corchorifolia, Mollugo verticillata, Polygonum convolvulus, Portulaca oleracea, Richardia scabra, Sesbania exaltata, Setaria faberi, Solanum rostratum, Sorghum halepense, Striga asiatica and Xanthium strumarium.

[15] The estimated annual use of acifluorfen in US agriculture is mapped by the US Geological Service and shows that as of 2018[update] approximately 550,000 pounds (250,000 kg) were applied — mainly in soybean.