## Hexachlorobenzene

**Formula**

$C6Cl6$

**Pyrotechnics use**

Chlorine donor

**Synonyms**
 
HCB

**Description**

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) has been used as a powerful chlorine donor in colour compositions. It is soluble in diethyl ether, benzene, ethanol and chloroform. It can not serve as a binder.

**Sources** 

The use of HCB must be avoided.

**Hazards**

HCB is very toxic to aquatic organisms and it may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. Hexachlorobenzene has a half life in the soil of between 3 and 6 years. Biomagnification up the food chain does occur.