Aldrin

Infrared spectrum of aldrin

Description

A toxic, chlorinated hydrocarbon that occurs as white to brown crystals. Aldrin was first introduced as an insecticide in 1948. The former insecticide was primarily used for cockroaches, subterranean termites, and mothproofing. However, it irreversibly reacts with keratin and other proteins. Because of its toxicity, it is no longer manufactured or used in the US since 1987.

Synonyms and Related Terms

HHDN; Octalene [Hyman & Co.]; Compound 118; 1,2,3,4,10,10-hexachloro- 1,4,4a,5,8,8a-hexahydro-1,4:5,8-dimethanonaphthalene

Chemical structure

Other Properties

Very soluble in most organic solvents. Insoluble in water.

Composition	C12H8Cl6
CAS	309-00-2
Melting Point	104
Molecular Weight	mol. wt. = 364.9
Boiling Point	145

Hazards and Safety

Extremely hazardous. Toxic by inhalation, skin absorption, or ingestion.

LD50=36-60 mg/kg. Suspected teratogen and carcinogen.

International Chemical Safety Card

Authority

• Nancy Odegaard, Alyce Sadongei, and associates, Nancy Odegaard, Alyce Sadongei, and associates, Old Poisons, New Problems, Altimira, Walnut Creek, CA, 2005

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: history of agriculture [Accessed March 26, 2002] for date of introduction

• G.Caneva, M.P.Nugari, O.Salvadori, G.Caneva, M.P.Nugari, O.Salvadori, Biology in the Conservation of Works of Art, ICCROM, Rome, 1991

• Stephen R. Edwards, Bruce M. Bell, Mary Elizabeth King, Stephen R. Edwards, Bruce M. Bell, Mary Elizabeth King, Pest Control in Museums: a Status Report 1980, Association of Sytematics Collections, Washington DC, 1980

• Pam Hatchfield, Pam Hatchfield, Pollutants in the Museum Environment, Archetype Press, London, 2002 Comment: Interior use

• Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, at http://www.wikipedia.com Comment: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldrin (Accessed Mar. 15, 2006)