What is the Full Form of BHC?

In chemistry, BHC stands for Benzene Hexachloride. It is a chlorinated organic compound that was widely used as an insecticide in the mid-20th century. BHC consists of a benzene ring substituted with six chlorine atoms, and it exists in several isomeric forms, among which gamma-BHC, also known as Lindane, is the most biologically active and commonly used.

Overview of BHC (Benzene Hexachloride)

Property	Details
Full Form	Benzene Hexachloride
Chemical Formula	C₆H₆Cl₆
Common Isomer	γ-BHC (Gamma BHC) or Lindane
Appearance	White crystalline solid
Solubility	Slightly soluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
Molecular Weight	~290.83 g/mol
Use	Insecticide (agriculture, public health, veterinary)
Toxicity	Highly toxic; persistent in the environment

Isomers of BHC

BHC has several stereoisomers because the chlorine atoms can occupy different positions around the benzene ring. The main isomers include:

• Alpha (α)
• Beta (β)
• Gamma (γ) – Most active, known as Lindane
• Delta (δ)
• Epsilon (ε)

Among these, gamma-BHC is the only one with significant insecticidal properties and was therefore isolated for use in agriculture and medicine.

Applications of BHC

Field	Application
Agriculture	Used to control pests in crops such as cotton and rice
Public Health	Fumigation for lice and scabies treatment (as Lindane)
Veterinary	Parasite control in livestock
Industrial	Wood preservation and termite control

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