Question

Benzene hexachloride is used as a:
A.Dye
B.Antimalarial drug
C.Antibiotic
D.Insecticide

Answer 1

Benzene hexachloride or BHC is also known as Gammexane commonly and is a stereoisomer of hexachlorocyclohexane. It is formed when benzene undergoes addition of chlorine in presence of light. We need to be familiar with the properties of the given compound in order to answer this question.

Complete answer:
As a result of addition of chlorine to benzene rings, we obtain a mixture of various stereoisomers of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6- hexa- chloro- cyclo- hexane. It is a colorless solid compound having a musty odor.
The gamma stereoisomer of benzene hexachloride has insecticidal properties. It is more volatile than DDT, another insecticide, and thus has a faster and less protracted attack on insects. This stereoisomer is known as Gammexane or lindane.
-It is used in the treatment for scabies and lice.
-It is used in a variety of medicinal shampoos and lotions
-It is used in second line treatment of several diseases.
-It also has common use as an agricultural insecticide. Although its use is banned in many countries due to its hazardous nature.

Thus, the correct answer is D.

Note:
Benzene hexachloride or Gammexane is listed by the World Health Organization as moderately hazardous and its production and transport was restricted about a decade ago. Due to the toxicity, its use in agriculture was banned and this is the same reason why it is used as a second line treatment for various diseases and not as the first- line treatment.