Pentachlorophenol: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:44, 15 February 2025

Overview[edit]

Structural formula of pentachlorophenol

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a synthetic organohalogen compound that has been used as a pesticide and a disinfectant. It is a chlorinated aromatic compound that is highly effective in controlling a wide range of microorganisms, fungi, and insects.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Pentachlorophenol is a chlorinated phenol with the chemical formula C_HCl_O. It is a white crystalline solid that is sparingly soluble in water but highly soluble in organic solvents. The compound is known for its stability and persistence in the environment.

Uses[edit]

Historically, pentachlorophenol has been used extensively as a wood preservative to protect timber from decay and insect damage. It has also been employed in the treatment of utility poles, railroad ties, and fence posts.

Health Effects[edit]

Exposure to pentachlorophenol can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact. It is known to be toxic to humans, with potential effects including respiratory irritation, liver damage, and neurological effects. Long-term exposure has been associated with an increased risk of cancer.

Environmental Impact[edit]

Pentachlorophenol is persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the food chain. It poses a risk to aquatic life and can contaminate soil and water sources. Due to its environmental and health risks, the use of pentachlorophenol has been restricted or banned in many countries.

Regulation[edit]

In the United States, the use of pentachlorophenol is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is classified as a restricted-use pesticide, meaning it can only be used by certified applicators.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Pentachlorophenol''' (PCP) is a [[chemical compound]] that was widely used in the past, particularly in the United States, as a [[pesticide]] and [[wood preservative]]. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water. Its chemical formula is C6Cl5OH.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Pentachlorophenol}}
-== History ==
+== Overview ==
-PCP was first synthesized in the early 20th century. It was initially used as a [[disinfectant]] but its use expanded significantly after World War II when it was found to be an effective pesticide and wood preservative. However, due to its toxicity and persistence in the environment, its use has been restricted in many countries.
+[[File:Pentachlorophenol.svg|thumb|right|Structural formula of pentachlorophenol]]
+'''Pentachlorophenol''' (PCP) is a synthetic [[organohalogen compound]] that has been used as a [[pesticide]] and a [[disinfectant]]. It is a chlorinated aromatic compound that is highly effective in controlling a wide range of [[microorganisms]], [[fungi]], and [[insects]].
-== Production and use ==
+== Chemical Properties ==
-PCP is produced by the chlorination of phenol in the presence of a catalyst such as sulfuric acid. It was widely used as a wood preservative for utility poles, railroad ties, and other outdoor wood products. It was also used as a pesticide for control of termites, ants, and other pests.
+Pentachlorophenol is a [[chlorinated phenol]] with the chemical formula C_HCl_O. It is a white crystalline solid that is sparingly soluble in water but highly soluble in organic solvents. The compound is known for its stability and persistence in the environment.
-== Health effects ==
+== Uses ==
-Exposure to PCP can cause a variety of health effects. Short-term exposure can cause eye and skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, blood, lungs, nervous system, immune system, and gastrointestinal tract. It is also a probable human carcinogen.
+Historically, pentachlorophenol has been used extensively as a [[wood preservative]] to protect [[timber]] from [[decay]] and [[insect]] damage. It has also been employed in the treatment of [[utility poles]], [[railroad ties]], and [[fence posts]].
-== Environmental effects ==
+== Health Effects ==
-PCP is very persistent in the environment and can remain in soil and water for many years. It can also bioaccumulate in fish and other aquatic organisms. It is toxic to a wide range of organisms including fish, birds, and mammals.
+Exposure to pentachlorophenol can occur through [[inhalation]], [[ingestion]], or [[dermal contact]]. It is known to be toxic to humans, with potential effects including [[respiratory irritation]], [[liver damage]], and [[neurological effects]]. Long-term exposure has been associated with an increased risk of [[cancer]].
+== Environmental Impact ==
+Pentachlorophenol is persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the [[food chain]]. It poses a risk to [[aquatic life]] and can contaminate [[soil]] and [[water]] sources. Due to its environmental and health risks, the use of pentachlorophenol has been restricted or banned in many countries.
 == Regulation ==
-Due to its toxicity and persistence in the environment, the use of PCP has been restricted in many countries. In the United States, it is classified as a restricted use pesticide and its use is limited to certified applicators.
+In the United States, the use of pentachlorophenol is regulated by the [[Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA). It is classified as a [[restricted-use pesticide]], meaning it can only be used by certified applicators.
-== See also ==
+== Related Pages ==
-* [[Chlorophenol]]
+* [[Chlorinated phenols]]
+* [[Pesticides]]
 * [[Wood preservation]]
-* [[Pesticide toxicity to bees]]
+* [[Environmental impact of pesticides]]
-[[Category:Chloroarenes]]
+[[Category:Chlorinated compounds]]
-[[Category:Phenols]]
-[[Category:Wood preservation]]
 [[Category:Pesticides]]
+[[Category:Environmental chemistry]]
-{{stub}}