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Heptachlor, chemical formula C10H5Cl7, is an organochlorine compound that was used as an insecticide. It is one of the cyclodiene insecticides. [1] Heptachlor is a white to light tan waxy solid with a camphor-like odour. It is insoluble in water and soluble in xylene, hexane, and alcohol. [2] Heptachlor was used extensively in the past for killing insects in homes, buildings, and on food crops. These uses stopped in 1988. Due to its highly stable structure, heptachlor can persist in the environment for decades. [1] It is readily converted to more potent heptachlor epoxide once it enters the environment or the body. [1,2]
