596 B
596 B
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.