What is the Full Form of BHC?

The full form of BHC is Benzene Hexachloride. It is also commonly known by its commercial trade names: Gammexane or Lindane.

• Formula: $C_6H_6Cl_6$
• Preparation: It is prepared by reacting Benzene ($C_6H_6$) with Chlorine gas ($Cl_2$) in the presence of strong ultraviolet (UV) sunlight.
• Despite its name, it is not a true benzene ring anymore, because the addition of chlorine breaks the double bonds, turning it into a saturated cyclic compound (Cyclohexane derivative).

• Use: It is a powerful insecticide and pesticide. It was heavily used in agriculture to kill crop-eating insects and was used medically to treat lice and scabies.
• Hazard: It is highly toxic, breaks down very slowly in the environment, and accumulates in the food chain (bioaccumulation). Due to its harmful effects on human health and the environment, its agricultural use is now banned in most countries.