Hexachloroethane, also known as perchloroethane, is a compound that is formed when all hydrogen atoms in an ethane molecule are replaced by chlorine, with a molecular formula of CCl3CCl3. Hexachloroethane can be mixed in a certain ratio with zinc powder, zinc chloride, ammonium chloride, ammonium perchlorate, etc., to be used as a smoke-generating agent. It is also used as a raw material for manufacturing trifluorochloroethylene, as well as a substitute for camphor and a rubber vulcanization accelerator.
Hexachloroethane was generated to some extent in the process of chlorinating dichloroethane to synthesize pentachloroethane. In the later separation process, hexachloroethane remains in the kettle residues. Since hexachloroethane contains chlorine atoms, direct incineration may produce phosgene. Hexachloroethane is the most toxic type of chlorinated hydrocarbons, with toxic effects on the central nervous system of humans. The highest allowable concentration in the air is 1×10-6. Therefore, it must be comprehensively utilized or environmentally treated, otherwise it can cause significant harm to the environment. Researchers have proposed a method of reduction and dechlorination for the treatment of chlorinated wastewater, and the treated wastewater can meet the discharge standard.
1. As a lubricating oil additive, it can also be used to manufacture insecticides, insect repellents, and smoke generators.
2. As a solvent and preservative, it is used to produce Freon-113, pesticides, medicine, veterinary medicine, smoke agents, defoamers, dehydrating agents (for aluminum, magnesium, copper and their alloys), cutting oil additives, as well as PVC plasticizers and organic synthetic intermediates. Hexachloroethane mixed with zinc powder, ammonium chloride, ammonium perchlorate, etc. can be used as a smoke-generating agent. Hexachloroethane is also used as a substitute for camphor and a rubber vulcanization accelerator. Hexachloroethane is also a veterinary anthelmintic mainly used to treat liver fluke and stomach fluke in ruminants, as well as nematodiasis and trematodiasis, etc.
3. As a raw material for organic synthesis and as a dehydrating agent for aluminum and its alloys.
Hexachloroethane, as a raw material for organic synthesis, is the most toxic type of chlorinated hydrocarbons, with toxic effects on the central nervous system of humans. It is classified as a 2B carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization. This substance has a tendency to accumulate in water and can easily be bioaccumulated in the important human food chain, making the study of hexachloroethane in water increasingly important.
