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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. [3] 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. [4]
