3061. 1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane

Nomenclature

CAS number: 72-54-8
1,1′-(2,2-Dichloroethylidene)bis[4-chlorobenzene]; tetrachlorodiphenylethane; TDE; dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane; DDD; p,p′-DDD; p,p′-TDE; Rhothane.
C14H10Cl4; mol wt 320.04.
C 52.54%, H 3.15%, Cl 44.31%.

Description and references

Non-degradable pesticide; a component of technical grade DDT, q.v. Prepd by condensing dichloroacetaldehyde with chlorobenzene: Haller et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 67, 1596, 1600 (1945). Toxicity study: T. B. Gaines, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 14, 515 (1969). Review of toxicology and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for DDT, DDE, DDD (PB2003-100137, 2002) 497 pp.

Chemical structure

Properties

Crystals, mp 109-110°. The chemical properties and solys are similar to those of DDT. LD50 orally in rats: >4000 mg/kg (Gaines).

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are similar to DDT.

Use

Insecticide.