Study Guides/Chemistry/BHC Full Form in Chemistry
Study Guide · Chemistry

What is the Full Form of BHC?

In chemistry and agriculture, BHC was once a very famous and widely used synthetic chemical compound. It is frequently studied in Class 12 Organic Chemistry under the chapter of Haloalkanes and Haloarenes.

Question (Click to Flip)

Is BHC the same as DDT?

Answer

No, they are different chemicals. DDT is Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. However, both BHC and DDT are highly toxic, long-lasting organochlorine pesticides that are now largely banned.

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Key Facts

BHC has several isomers (different 3D structures), but only the 'Gamma' isomer (Lindane) has insecticidal properties.

It is technically misnamed; its correct IUPAC name is 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane.

It belongs to a class of chemicals known as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

1. The Full Form

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

2. Chemical Structure and Formula

  • 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).

3. Uses and Hazards

  • 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.

Questions and Answers

Is BHC the same as DDT?+

No, they are different chemicals. DDT is Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. However, both BHC and DDT are highly toxic, long-lasting organochlorine pesticides that are now largely banned.

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