Question

Benzene hexachloride is used as (a) dye (b) insecticide (c) antimalerial drug (d) antibiotic

Short answer

Benzene hexachloride is used as an insecticide.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Benzene Hexachloride

Benzene hexachloride (BHC) is a chemical compound created by the chlorination of benzene. It contains six chlorine atoms in its molecular structure.

Evaluating the Options

The question asks about the application of benzene hexachloride. Let's evaluate each given option: - (a) Dye: Dyes are colorants used in fabrics and materials, usually organic compounds that allow absorption and reflection of specific light wavelengths. - (b) Insecticide: Insecticides are chemical substances used to kill or deter insects. - (c) Antimalerial drug: These drugs are used to prevent or treat malaria, a disease caused by parasites. - (d) Antibiotic: Antibiotics are substances used to kill or inhibit bacterial growth.

Matching Benzene Hexachloride with Its Use

Benzene hexachloride is commonly known as BHC, a well-known insecticide. It is used to kill insects and protect crops from pests. The other options do not match the common application of BHC.

Key concepts

Insecticide

An insecticide is a type of pesticide specifically designed to target and eliminate insects. These chemical substances play a crucial role in agriculture by protecting crops from pests and ensuring high yield.
Insecticides can come in various forms, such as sprays, powders, or even liquid solutions, making them versatile for use in different environments.

• They help control the infestation of harmful insects that can devastate crops and lead to significant agricultural losses.
• Besides usage in agriculture, insecticides are also applied for vector control, which involves managing insects that spread diseases.
• Overall, they contribute to both the health of humans and the economy by maintaining crop quality and reducing food shortages.

Benzene Hexachloride (BHC) is one such insecticide, well-known for its efficacy in tackling unwanted pests.

Chemical Compound

Chemical compounds consist of two or more different elements chemically bonded together. These compounds are formed from atoms coming together through chemical reactions.
Each compound has its own unique properties that differ from the individual elements that compose it.

• Compounds are classified based on their bonds: Ionic, covalent, and metallic.
• They have specific chemical formulas, which indicate the number and type of atoms present.
• Understanding the formation and properties of these compounds helps chemists create new materials and substances with specific functionalities.

Benzene Hexachloride is a fascinating chemical compound, formed by the chlorination of benzene, which we'll explore next.

Chlorination of Benzene

The chlorination of benzene is a chemical reaction that introduces chlorine atoms into benzene molecules. Benzene, a hydrocarbon with a simplistic hexagonal ring structure, undergoes transformation when exposed to chlorine gas (Cl extsubscript{2}).
This reaction requires a catalyst, usually aluminum chloride (AlCl extsubscript{3}), to proceed efficiently at a desirable rate.

• The process strategically substitutes hydrogen atoms in benzene with chlorine to form a product like Benzene Hexachloride.
• This reaction is significant for producing various chlorine-based organic compounds used in different industries.

Benzene Hexachloride, commonly recognized as BHC, is one of the notable compounds derived from this process, containing six chlorine atoms integrated into its structure.

Molecular Structure of BHC

The molecular structure of Benzene Hexachloride (BHC) features a unique arrangement of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine atoms. By understanding its structure, we can fathom how it functions so effectively as an insecticide.
BHC originates from benzene, which showcases a hexagonal shape consisting of six carbon atoms, with alternating single and double bonds, known as resonance.

• Through chlorination, all hydrogen atoms in benzene are replaced by chlorine, resulting in C extsubscript{6}H extsubscript{6}Cl extsubscript{6}.
• This configuration increases the stability and reactivity of BHC, enabling it to interact with insect physiology effectively.
• The arrangement makes BHC a stereoisomer, where different configurations (isomers) coexist, adding to its efficiency and application.

Understanding the molecular structure further explains why Benzene Hexachloride is potent in its use as an insecticide.