3578. Endrin

Nomenclature

CAS number: 72-20-8
(1aR,2R,2aR,3R,6S,6aS,7S,7aS)-rel-3,4,5,6,9,9-Hexachloro-1a,2,2a,3,6,6a,7,7a-octahydro-2,7:3,6-dimethanonaphth[2,3-b]oxirene; 1,2,3,4,10,10-hexachloro-6,7-epoxy-1,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-endo,endo-1,4:5,8-dimethanonaphthalene; mendrin; nendrin; hexadrin; experimental insecticide no. 269; compd 269; ENT-17251.
C12H8Cl6O; mol wt 380.91.
C 37.84%, H 2.12%, Cl 55.84%, O 4.20%.

Description and references

Stereoisomer of dieldrin, q.v. Prepn from isodrin: H. Bluestone, US 2676132 (1954 to Shell); Marks, US 2899446 (1959 to Velsicol). Metabolism: M. K. Baldwin et al., Pestic. Sci. 7, 575 (1976). Carcinogenicity studies: M. D. Rueber, Sci. Total Environ. 12, 101 (1979). Toxicity study: T. B. Gaines, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 14, 515 (1969). Review of toxicology and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for Endrin (PB97-121040, 1996) 227 pp.

Chemical structure

Properties

Crystals, dec 245°. Vapor pressure at 25°: 2×10-7 mm Hg. Soly in g/100 ml solvent at 25°: acetone 17, benzene 13.8, carbon tetrachloride 3.3, hexane 7.1, xylene 18.3. LD50 in female, male rats (mg/kg): 7.5, 18 orally (Gaines).

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are epileptiform convulsions; stupor, headache and dizziness; abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting; insomnia; aggressiveness, confusion; lethargy, weakness; anorexia. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 126.

Use

Formerly as insecticide.