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BHC is also known as Lindane or Gamma with the chemical name hexachlorocyclohexane (𝛾 – HCH). In 1825, renowned scientist Michael Faraday successfully synthesized the compound benzene hexachloride. However, Dutch chemist Teunis van der Linden isolated its first compound in 1912. The compound was named after him.
The IUPAC name of the compound is 1,2,3,4,5,6–hexachlorocyclohexane. Scientists do the chlorination of benzene with light to prepare it. The chemical reaction also uses UV light and heat to prepare lindane or benzene hexachloride. After this reaction, benzene loses its aroma and changes into an alkane. Also, the pi bonds of the benzene rings are replaced.
Full Form of BHC in Chemistry
BHC full form in chemistry is Benzene Hexachloride. It is a chemical used to kill insects. Benzene hexachloride (BHC) is typically a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong, unpleasant odor. It is also very harmful to people, animals, and the environment. Many countries have banned or limited their use for this reason.
BHC belongs to a group of chemicals called polychlorinated compounds. It is used to kill insects like mosquitoes and flies in farms and factories. BHC is also used to make other products like fireproof materials and plastic items.
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What is Benzene Hexachloride?
BHC belongs to a group of chemicals called PCBs. However, it is dangerous for humans, and people experience serious issues after coming in contact with it. Some issues include dizziness, headache, vomiting, and skin rashes. People should avoid breathing it in, eating food with it, or touching it. Prolonged exposure to BHC causes serious health issues like liver or kidney damage and affects the immune system.
What is Benzene Hexachloride used for?
BHC is used for multiple reasons by farmers and people. You can know more about it below:
- BHC is sprayed on crops such as wheat, rice, and vegetables to protect them from harmful insects like grasshoppers, aphids, and beetles. It helps prevent damage to crops and increases food production.
- BHC is used to treat these storage areas where grains are kept. The chemical helps to keep the pests and weevils away that damage the crop.
- BHC is used to kill mosquitoes and flies in places where diseases like malaria and dengue are common. It is sprayed in public areas to reduce the spread of disease.
- Farm animals like cows and sheep can suffer from skin parasites such as lice and mites. BHC is sometimes used on their bodies to kill these parasites and keep the animals healthy.
- BHC is also used as a raw material in factories to make other chemicals. These include flame retardants and plasticizers.
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Characteristics of Benzene Hexachloride (BHC)
- BHC has the formula C₆H₆Cl₆, meaning it contains six carbon, six hydrogen, and six chlorine atoms.
- It is usually a colorless to pale yellow solid or liquid with a strong, unpleasant odor.
- BHC is highly soluble in fats but not very soluble in water, which makes it easily stored in animal tissues.
- It is stable at room temperature and does not evaporate quickly, so it stays in the environment for a long time.
- BHC breaks down very slowly in nature and can remain in soil, water, and living organisms for years.
- BHC is highly toxic to humans and animals, and long-term exposure lead to serious health problems.
- It is dangerous to aquatic life and can accumulate in the food chain. This causes long-term environmental damage.
Structure of Benzene Hexachloride (BHC)
The chemical structure of BHC is made up of six carbon atoms arranged in a ring, which is also called an aromatic ring. Each of these six carbon atoms is bonded to one chlorine atom, making it C₆H₆Cl₆. This means the molecule has six carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and six chlorine atoms.
Scientists and governments now focus on using safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives. BHC should always be handled with extreme care, and people working with such chemicals must follow safety rules to avoid health risks.
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What is the formula of Benzene Hexachloride (BHC)
The chemical formula of Benzene Hexachloride (BHC) is C₆H₆Cl₆. This means that each molecule of BHC contains six carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and six chlorine atoms. BHC is a chlorinated derivative of benzene, formed when benzene reacts with chlorine under exposure to light. The chlorine atoms attach to the benzene ring, forming several isomers, including the most commonly known one called Lindane.
This compound is used mainly as an insecticide. Its structure and chemical properties make it persistent in the environment and harmful to both humans and wildlife. The structure of BHC is based on a benzene ring, where six carbon atoms are joined in a circular shape. Each carbon atom in the ring is bonded to one chlorine atom, making the compound heavily chlorinated.
Risk of Benzene Hexachloride (BHC)
- Benzene Hexachloride (BHC) is a very harmful chemical that can affect both human health and the environment. It is a type of organochlorine compound and is mainly used as an insecticide to kill pests.
- BHC is a chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbon and belongs to a group of dangerous chemicals called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
- People can be exposed to BHC by breathing it in, swallowing it, or touching it with their skin. This can cause health problems like dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes.
- If someone is exposed to large amounts of BHC for a long time, it can cause serious damage to the liver, kidneys, and immune system. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has also said that BHC may cause cancer in humans.
- BHC is also very harmful to the environment. It is toxic to fish and other water animals, and it can build up in the food chain over time.
- BHC stays in the environment for many years and can travel far through air and water.
FAQs on BHC Full Form
What is BHC and DDT?
BHC and DDT are chemical insecticides used to kill pests. Both are harmful to health and the environment.
What is the purpose of BHC?
BHC is mainly used as an insecticide to control pests in agriculture, public health, and household areas.
What is another name for BHC?
Another name for BHC is Lindane, which is one of its most commonly used isomers in pest control.
What is the full form of 2,4-D?
The full form of 2,4-D is 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, a chemical herbicide used to kill unwanted weeds and plants.
Is BHC a fertilizer?
No, BHC is not a fertilizer. It is a pesticide used to kill insects, not to help plants grow.