Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
IUPAC name

1,2,3,4,5,5-hexachlorocyclopenta-1,3-diene
Other names

graphlox, perchlorocyclopentadiene
Identifiers
CAS number 77-47-4 Y
PubChem 6478
ChemSpider 6233 Y
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula C5Cl6
Molar mass 272.77 g mol−1
Density 1.702 g/cm3
Melting point

−10 °C
Boiling point

239 °C
Hazards
Main hazards Teratogen
Flash point 100 °C
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Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene is an organochlorine compound that is a precursor to several pesticides. This colourless liquid is an inexpensive reactive diene. Many of its derivatives proved to be highly controversial, as studies showed them to be persistent organic pollutants. Collectively, the pesticides derived from hexachlorocyclopentadiene are called the cyclodienes. An estimated 270,000 tons were produced until 1976, and some are still manufactured by Velsicol in the US and by Jiangsu Anpon Electrochemicals Co. in China. [1]

Contents

Synthesis and applications

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene is prepared by chlorination of cyclopentadiene to give 1,1,2,3,4,5-octachlorocyclopentane, which in a second step undergoes dehydrochlorination:[2]

C5H6 + 6 Cl2 → C5H2Cl8 + 4 HCl
C5H2Cl8 → C5Cl6 + 2 HCl

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene readily undergoes the Diels-Alder reaction to give a variety of adducts that were commercialized as pesticides. The main derivatives are:

Additionally hexachlorocyclopentadiene is the precursor to the pesticides mirex and kepone, although these are not classified as cyclodienes.

Regulation

Almost all derivatives have been banned or are under consideration for banning, according to the deliberations of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.

Insect resistance

In addition to regulatory pressures, these pesticides became less effective owing to genetic mutations of the targeted insects. The number of insects resistant to cyclodienes and lindane approached 300 by 1989.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Robert L. Metcalf “Insect Control” in Ullmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry” Wiley-VCH, Wienheim, 2002. doi:10.1002/14356007.a14_263
  2. ^ Dieter Hönicke, Ringo Födisch, Peter Claus, Michael Olson “Cyclopentadiene and Cyclopentene” Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry 2002, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim. doi:10.1002/14356007.a08_227