BHC Full Form

BHC Full form is Benzene hexachloride. Benzene Hexachloride as a compound should be dealt with precautions. It is considered as a hazardous substance that can cause harm such as severe burns and permanent eye damage. It is also considered as a skin irritant. Benzene hexachloride should be handled with proper care and it should not be allowed to come into contact with skin, eyes or clothes. In case of contact, immediately wash affected areas with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention on an urgent basis.

What is BHC Full Form?

The full form of BHC is Benzene hexachloride. Benzene Hexachloride is an important chemical molecule with many uses but widely it is potentially dangerous. Benzene hexachloride (BHC) is made of any of the various stereoisomers of 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane which is subsequently produced by the addition of chlorine to benzene under the influence of light. A pesticide with the name lindane or Gammexane is considered as one of these isomers. As per data, the first preparation of Benzene Hexachloride took place in 1825. Until 1944, BHC was not known and insecticidal qualities were linked to the gamma-isomer which is around 1,000 times more poisonous than the other diastereomers produced.

BHC Overview

Benzene Hexachloride is an organic compound with the chemical formula written as- C?H?Cl?. This colorless solid is considered as one of the most important Chlorinated Hydrocarbons. It has a wide range of applications such as a precursor for pesticides, herbicides and other agrochemicals. Benzene hexachloride was initially prepared in 1825 by the scientist Friedrich Woehler by the process of pyrolysis of calcium chloride and benzene.

The representation of Benzene hexachloride produced by chlorination of benzene is shown as:

C?H? + 36 Cl? → C?H?Cl? + 36 HCl

The process generally employs iron(III) chloride as the catalyst. This colorless solid is considered as one of the most important chlorinated hydrocarbons. Benzene hexachloride is an important chemical compound with a wide range of applications, but it is also hazardous in nature.

Properties of BHC

Alongwith various uses and applications, Benzene Chloride has many properties and characteristics. The chemical properties are a colorless, oily liquid which is slightly soluble in water. The presence of sunlight causes the BMC to break down into other chemical substances such as benzene and chlorine. With strong oxidizing agents, it is incompatible. The nature of BHC is highly inflammable. The various properties of BHC are as follows:

• Molecular Formula : C?H?Cl?
• Molecular Weight: 291 g/mol
• Boiling Point: 323 degree celsius
• Melting Point: 113 degree celsius
• Density: 1.89 at 66 degree celsius

Structure of BHC 

Generally, BHC is an organochloride compound that is used as an insecticide. BHC belongs to the family of compounds known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and is a chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbon. Due to its potentially harmful properties, the compound has been banned or restricted in many countries.

The six carbon atoms of the aromatic ring are bonded to one another in a ring in the chemical structure of BHC. As a structure, the ring is bonded to six chlorine atoms, one at each carbon atom. The chemical formula for BHC is C6H6Cl16. Based on the structure of BHC, the chemical formula of BHC is written.

Formula of Benzene Hexachloride (BHC)
As stated above, the formula for Benzene Hexachloride (BHC) is C6H6Cl6. BHC is used as an insecticide which is an organochlorine compound. It is a chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbon that belongs to the family of compounds known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). As BHC is highly toxic to humans and animals, it can also have certain harmful effects on the environment and biodiversity. 

In the chemical structure of BHC, the six carbon atoms of the atomic ring are bonded to one another in a ring. So, the ring is bonded to six chlorine atoms, one at each carbon atom. The chemical formula of BHC represents the atoms that make up the compound and their ratios. 

Uses of BHC

Benzene hexachloride has a variety of applications based on its usage. It can be applied as a disinfectant agent to clean surfaces and equipment and also in an agricultural pesticide to prevent pests from eating and damaging the crops. Moreover, BHC can be used as a fumigant to restrict the entry of rats and insects in small places. The substance can be used as an insecticide which can be spread to mitigate the damage causing pests in crops, forest or can also be used in the seed treatment. 

In case of medicinal use, it is used by pharmaceutical companies in the production of different medicines. The prominent use of Benzene Hexachloride is in the treatment of head and body lice. In many shampoos and body washes, the ingredient is used. The chemical composition including Benzene Hexachloride is used in the shampoo of animals to treat the problem of lice. It is also used to treat scabies. It is also used in  the second line treatment of various diseases.

Potential Risk of BHC

Benzene Hexachloride usage can harm health to a larger extent. High chemical concentrations of the compound in the air can make one feel dizzy, nauseous and have a tendency to vomit. More severe health and chronic issues like liver damage, skin irritation and nerve damage may result from prolonged exposure to Benzene Hexachloride. Additionally harmful effects of BHC can result in stomach pain, acute diarrhea and even death. Children are more prone and vulnerable to the harmful effects of chemical exposure because of their low immunity which allows them to absorb more of the substance through their skin or mouth. When sprayed over water, plants or soil, BHC degrades into toxic chemicals which can damage the environment.

It is necessary to take certain precautions when using Benzene hexachloride and to always follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer or as instructed. Anyone working with this chemical should wear protective clothing, mask and equipment and avoid breathing in the fumes to a larger extent. If BHC is spilled, it must be cleaned up immediately using and following the appropriate safety gear. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has declared Benzene Hexachloride as carcinogenic in nature. In the US, it is listed as one of the extremely hazardous substances in the list of most hazardous compounds. In India, FDA must issue warnings on the products containing Benzene Hexachloride and must also explain how the product must be used and handled with precautions.