In the United States approximately 33% is used on alfalfa, 31% in forestry, 29% in industrial areas, 4% on rangeland and pastures, and < 2% on sugarcane.

[5] Triazines like hexazinone can bind to the D-1 quinone protein of the electron transport chain in photosystem II to inhibit the photosynthesis.

One process starts with a reaction of methyl chloroformate with cyanamide, forming hexazinone after a five-step pathway:[7]

It is tolerated by many conifers, and therefore it is a very effective herbicide for the control for annual and perennial broadleaf weeds, some grasses, and some woody species.

Hexazinone works as rain or snowmelt makes it possible for the herbicide to move downward into the soil.

Hexazinone binds to a protein of the photosystem II complex, which blocks the electron transport.

These radicals will oxidize other lipids and proteins, eventually resulting in loss of the membrane integrity of the cells and organelles.