chlorinated hydrocarbon

The chlorinated hydrocarbons were developed beginning in the 1940s after the discovery (1939) of the insecticidal properties of DDT. Other examples of this series are BHC, lindane, Chlorobenzilate, methoxychlor, and the cyclodienes (which include aldrin, dieldrin, chlordane, heptachlor, and endrin). Some of these…

Chlorinated hydrocarbons used as insecticides, such as chlorophenothane (DDT), are larger molecules than the chlorinated hydrocarbons used as organic solvents, such as chloroform. The former stimulate the central nervous system; the latter depress it. The major toxic effect produced by these insecticides is convulsions (Table…

Some chlorinated hydrocarbons are known by common names of long standing. These include CH₂Cl₂ (methylene chloride), CHCl₃ (chloroform), CCl₄ (carbon tetrachloride), CH₂=CHCl (vinyl chloride), and CH₂=CCl₂ (vinylidene chloride).