Chemical Properties
Vap press 3 mm Hg (20C). Soluble
in acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, fuel oil,
toluene, xylene.
Uses
Isobenzan (telodrin) is a highly toxic organochloride insecticide. It was produced only in the period from 1958 to 1965 and its use has been since discontinued.[1] It is a persistent organic pollutant that can remain in soil for 2 to 7 years, and the biological half-life of isobenzan in human blood is estimated to be about 2.8 years.
Definition
ChEBI: Isobenzan is a member of oxolanes.
Production Methods
Isobenzan is commercially synthesised through a multi-step chlorination and cyclization process. The production begins with hexachlorocyclopentadiene, which undergoes a Diels-Alder reaction with a furan-based compound to form a bridged polycyclic intermediate. This intermediate is then subjected to extensive chlorination under controlled conditions to introduce eight chlorine atoms, resulting in the final compound.
General Description
Crystals. The technical product is a whitish to light-brown crystalline powder with a mild chemical odor. Used as an insecticide. Not registered as a pesticide in the U.S.
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Chlorine is evolved when ISOBENZAN(297-78-9) is heated above 410F. Avoid acids, certain metal salts, and catalytically active carriers. [EPA, 1998].
Health Hazard
ISOBENZAN is highly toxic. It is absorbed by the skin as well as by the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may last for a long time because the material is eliminated slowly; its half-life in human blood is 2.77 years.
Fire Hazard
Chlorine is evolved when ISOBENZAN is heated above 410F. Avoid acids, certain metal salts, and catalytically active carriers.
Mechanism of action
Broad-spectrum with contact and stomach activity. Thought to over stimulate the nervous system. GABA-gated chloride channel antagonist.
Safety Profile
Poison by ingestion, skin contact,intraperitoneal, and intravenous routes. Questionablecarcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data. Used asan insecticide. When heated to decomposition it emitstoxic fumes of Clí.
Pesticide Type
Insecticide
