(wiseGEEK, February 27, 2015)
General Information:
1,4 - Dichlorobenzene is commonly referred to as: benzene, paradichloro, paradichlorobenzene, pDCB, and 1,4 DCB. 1,4 - Dichlorobenzene is man - made and thus, does not occur in nature. The chemical formula of paradichlorobenzene is C6H4Cl2 and there are 12 atoms present. 1,4 DCB is a benzene ring with two chlorine atoms attached at the 1 and 4 carbon atoms. (PubChem, 2015)
Despite popular belief, naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene are different compounds. In the past both compounds were active ingredients in moth balls depending on the manufacturer. However, due to naphthalene's flammability, paradichlorobenzene is currently the primary ingredient in moth balls. (Health Canada, 2015) Physical properties of paradichlorobenzene is that it is a colourless to white solid, and a sweet taste. Furthermore, 1,4 dichlorobenzene possesses a penetrating moth ball-like odour. The boiling point of 1,4 - DCB is 174°C. The melting point of 1,4 Dichlorobenzene is 53.09°C. Paradichlorobenzene is denser and insoluble to water however, is soluble in acetone, alcohol, benzene, chloroforms and ether. (PubChem, 2015) |
(Sophia Luong, 2015)
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Chemical properties of paradichlorobenzene is that it is combustible, as well as it is stable under ordinary conditions. Paradichloro's LocKOC (Ratio that chemical: 1,4 DCB, is absorbed into the soil per unit mass of organic carbon in soil) is 2.79. (Visit Alternatives for 1,4 DCB contribution to the environment.) (EPA, 2015)