Chemical Properties
BHC is a white-to-brownish crystalline solid
with a musty, phosgene-like odor.
Uses
ε-1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane is an organochloride which is one of the isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane and is an byproduct of insecticide Lindane (L465990).
Definition
ChEBI: Beta-hexachlorocyclohexane is the beta-isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane. It has a role as a persistent organic pollutant. It is an organochlorine pesticide and a hexachlorocyclohexane.
Potential Exposure
The major commercial usage of BHC
is based upon its insecticidal properties. α-BCH is used as
an Agricultural chemical, pesticide, pharmaceutical, and
veterinary drug. The 7-isomer has the highest acute toxic ity, but the other isomers are not without activity. It is gen erally advantageous to purify the 7-isomer from the less
active isomers. The γ-isomer acts on the nervous system of
insects, principally at the level of the nerve ganglia. As a
result, lindane has been used against insects in a wide range
of applications including treatment of animals, buildings,
humans for ectoparasites, clothes; water for mosquitoes;
living plants; seeds and soils. Some applications have been
abandoned due to excessive residues, e.g., stored food stuffs. By voluntary action, the principal domestic producer
of technical grade BHC requested cancellation of its BHC
registrations on September 1, 1976. As of July 21, 1978, all
registrants of pesticide products containing BHC voluntar ily canceled their registrations or switched their former
BHC products to lindane formulations.
Shipping
UN2761 Organochlorine pesticides, solid, toxic,
Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates,
nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine,
bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explo sions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases,
strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. Decomposes on contact
with powdered iron, aluminum, zinc, and on contact with
strong bases producing trichlorobenzene.
Waste Disposal
A process has been developed
for the destructive pyrolysis of benzene hexachloride @
400 500℃ with a catalyst mixture which contains 5 10%
of either cupric chloride, ferric chloride; zinc chloride; or
aluminum chloride on activated carbon.
