It's important to understand that "666" is a common, albeit incorrect, way of referring to benzene hexachloride (BHC), which is also known as lindane or gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane.
Understanding the Terminology
| Term | Chemical Formula | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Benzene hexachloride (BHC) | C6H6Cl6 | The general term for a group of isomers produced by chlorinating benzene. Sometimes also referred to as "666" or HCH. |
| Lindane | C6H6Cl6 | Specifically, the gamma isomer of BHC, also known as gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (𝛾 - HCH). It is the isomer with insecticidal properties. |
Why "666"?
The term "666" has been colloquially used to refer to BHC because the chemical formula, C6H6Cl6, has six carbon, six hydrogen and six chlorine atoms. Though this is a popular name, Lindane is the correct name for the specific gamma isomer that is most well known for being used as an insecticide.
Key Takeaways:
- BHC (Benzene hexachloride) is a family of chemical compounds, not just one substance.
- Lindane is a specific isomer of BHC (the gamma isomer).
- The common term "666" refers to BHC, and by extension, the gamma isomer lindane.
- When referring to the insecticide, it's more accurate to use the name lindane or gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane.
Therefore, the answer is that "666" is a colloquial, incorrect way of referring to BHC, and more specifically, its gamma isomer, which is correctly called lindane.
