Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene is a pale-yellow/lemon-yellow liquid with a characteristic musty or pungent odour (odour threshold – 0.03 ppm). Hexachlorocyclopentadiene does not occur naturally but is a manufactured chemical. It easily evaporates into the air. Hexachlorocyclopentadiene is the key intermediate in the manufacture of some pesticides, including heptachlor, chlordane, aldrin, dieldrin, and endrin. Hexachlorocyclopentadiene is also used in the manufacture of flame retardants and some resins, shock-proof plastics, fluorocarbons, and dyes. Hexachlorocyclopentadiene quickly breaks down by sunlight and reacts with other chemicals in the air.