Hexachloran: HCCH decoding and instructions for use, what is compatible with

The effectiveness of one or another chemical means of protecting cultivated plants from insect pests depends on the working qualities of the active substance included in the composition. When choosing an insecticide for planting, farmers and owners of small summer cottages pay attention not only to its effect on parasites, but also to safety for crops. Hexachlorane's properties make it one of the strongest poisons to use with care.

Physical and chemical properties of HCH

A substance belonging to the chemical class of organochlorine compounds was first synthesized back in 1825.However, industrial production of hexachlorane began in 1949 in Japan, after the insecticidal effect of one of its isomers was confirmed.

HCCH stands for the γ-isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane and has the following chemical formula - C₆H₆Cl_{6. Despite the fact that the substance contains eight stereoisomers, only one is characterized by insecticidal activity - lindane, which led to the use of hexachlorane to control insect pests.}

The chemical is produced in the form of a white crystalline powder. It is poorly soluble in water, but it is good in acetone, alcohols and fatty oils. Hexachlorane is thermally stable and has low sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. The molecular weight of the substance is 290.8, and the solubility in water (at 20 °C) is 10 mg/l.

Effect on pests

The lindane isomer, which is part of the chemical formula of hexachlorane, is characterized by intestinal and contact action on parasites.In addition, due to the high pressure, lindane also has the properties of a fumigant, so it has a deterrent effect on some pests, preventing them from settling on a cultivated plant.

Contact action appears after a small amount of hexachlorane gets on the parasite. The poison penetrates the cuticle of the pest and enters the nervous system of the insect with the current of the hemolymph, thereby causing paralysis. The first symptoms of exposure are manifested by loss of coordination of movement and increased arousal, then the limbs of the parasite are affected, and death occurs as a result of the fact that the insect cannot eat.

If the chemical is applied to the soil, it penetrates into the tissues of cultivated plants and demonstrates a systemic effect, protecting against pest damage. The duration of such a protective action does not exceed two weeks.

Preparations containing the active ingredient

Hexachloran has been used in insecticidal preparations in the following forms:

Dusty. These powder mixes are designed for pollination.
Aerosols for smoke and mist applications.
Mixtures in powder form to be diluted with water.
Insecticidal sticks and ointments.

The choice of a specific formulation depended on the type of pest and the economic feasibility of the application. Today, the chemical has been discontinued, as it poses a great danger to human he alth. It was replaced by a new generation of insecticidal preparations that are not so toxic to humans, animals and insects.

Application

In the past, hexachlorane-based insecticidal preparations were used to kill cutworm caterpillars and other insect pests that live in the ground at a fairly great depth.Farmers also used similar chemicals to disinfect the premises where the crops will be stored and to repel parasites.

Hexachlorane's popularity in the past is due to its high toxicity to insect pests, however, due to the danger to humans, its use was stopped.

Insecticides based on hexachlorane, provided they are used in the specified norms, do not adversely affect cultivated plants, do not lead to burns and do not stop their growth and development.

When the chemical was used to treat seeds before sowing, germination was stimulated. However, if you exceed the recommended application rate, this will lead to deformation of the sprouts.

Safety precautions

Since the chemical is quite dangerous to human he alth, all work with it must be carried out in protective equipment.Droplets on the skin are prevented with the help of working clothes, and a respirator is put on to prevent the penetration of vapors into the respiratory tract. At the end of work with hexachlorane, it is necessary to take a shower with soap and wash all the clothes in which the processing of cultivated plants was carried out.

Now drugs based on this substance are prohibited for use, and there is an explanation for this:

if the soil is treated with hexachlorane, the planting of tuber plants intended for consumption in it is permissible only after 4 years, otherwise the risk of developing complications for human he alth is high;
release of farm animals for grazing on areas that have been exposed to a chemical is allowed no earlier than one month after application;
carrying out work such as loosening without harm to human he alth is possible after 14 days.

Such long waiting times have made the use of hexachlorane impractical, especially since it has been replaced by new chemicals with improved characteristics.

Compatible with what?

The use of hexachlorane-based preparations is not recommended with alkaline chemicals and lime, as this reduces the working qualities of the insecticide. Otherwise, a test is recommended.

How to store?

Since the substance is characterized by a high degree of toxicity, closed outbuildings are selected for storage, away from residential buildings. They must always be locked, this will prevent access to the chemical by children and pets.