benzene hexachloride

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. BHC.

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benzene hexachloride British  

noun

1. another name for hexachlorocyclohexane

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benzene hexachloride Scientific  

/ hĕk′sə-klôr′īd′ /

1. A musty-smelling crystalline substance that was once used as an insecticide. It is prepared by adding chlorine to benzene. Also called lindane. Chemical formula: C ₆ H ₆ Cl ₆ .

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Etymology

Origin of benzene hexachloride

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Among the major products of this plant were DDT, benzene hexachloride, chlordane, and toxaphene, as well as smaller quantities of other insecticides.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

By the end of 1951, DDT, methoxychlor, chlordane, heptachlor, and benzene hexachloride had joined the list of cbemicals no longer effective.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Then benzene hexachloride was tried, and for a very short time all seemed to be well.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

The farmer had treated about 60 acres of land with a dust containing DDT and benzene hexachloride.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Yet this chemical, a form of benzene hexachloride, is much used in vaporizers, devices that pour a stream of volatilized insecticide vapor into homes, offices, restaurants.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson