Hexachloroethane

Synonyms

Carbon hexachloride; 1,1,1,2,2,2-Hexachloroethane; Avlothane; Distokal; Distopan; Distopin; Egitol; Ethane hexachloride; Ethane, hexachloro-; Ethylene hexachloride; Falkitol; Fasciolin; Fron 110; Hexachlor-aethan [German]; Hexachlorethane; Hexachloroethane; Hexachloroethylene; Mottenhexe; Perchloroethane; Phenohep; [ChemIDplus] HC; HCE; [HSDB] UN3077

Category

Halogenated Aliphatics, Saturated

Description

Colorless crystals that sublime at 185 deg C and have a camphor-like odor; [Hawley]

Sources/Uses

Used by the military to make "smoke bombs" and by industry to remove air bubbles from molten aluminum; no longer produced in the United States; [ATSDR ToxFAQs] Used in metallurgy for refining aluminum alloys, removing impurities from molten metals, recovering metal from ores or smelting products, and as degassing agent for magnesium, to inhibit explosiveness of methane and combustion of ammonium perchlorate, in pyrotechnics, fire extinguishing fluids, organic synthesis, as ignition suppressant, polymer additive, flame-proofing agent, vulcanizing agent, swelling agent and to increase dye affinity for polymer fibers, laboratory chemical, plasticizer for cellulose esters, insecticide, rubber process solvent, camphor substitute in nitrocellulose, retardant in fermentation, to make synthetic diamonds, and as veterinary anthelmintic (flukicide); [HSDB] Has also been used in fungicide and insecticide formulations, extreme-pressure lubricants, moth repellents, and submarine paints; [NTP]

Comments

Animals exposed to 48 ppm show no adverse effects except respiratory irritation. Feeding rats HCE for 16 weeks results in kidney and liver injury. [ACGIH] Has powerful narcotic effects; Also injures the liver and causes lacrimation on eye contact; [CAMEO] May cause unconsciousness; May have CNS effects, causing tremors and ataxia at high exposure levels; May cause liver and kidney injury; Can be absorbed through skin; [ICSC] A skin, eye, mucous membrane, and upper respiratory tract irritant; A CNS depressant; [HSDB] May cause smarting and reddening of skin if spilled and allowed to remain on clothes; An eye irritant and lachrymator; A strong narcotic and hepatotoxin; May cause nervous system disorders; [CHRIS] A strong irritant; May cause liver and kidney injury; Can be absorbed through skin; Carcinogenic effects observed in animal studies; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]

Biomedical References

Yes

1 ppm

1 ppm

1 ppm

300 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Based on the toxicological data relating to potential liver injury [Gleason et al. 1969; Elkins 1959], 300 ppm, the saturated vapor pressure at 20 C [Kirk­Othmer 1964] has been chosen as the IDLH.

0.4 mm Hg

0.15 ppm

LCLo (rat) = 5,900 ppm/8hr

Explanatory Notes

Odor threshold from CHEMIINFO; The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Environmentally hazardous substances, solid, n.o.s." VP from HSDB;

Approximately 2.5 days; [HSDB]

Other CNS neurotoxin

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Possible (2b)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Confirmed Animal

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Aluminum Producing
• Farming (Pesticides)
• Metal Extraction and Refining
• Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing)