DICHLORODIPHENYLTRICHLOROETHANE Meaning and
Definition
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Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a highly controversial organochlorine insecticide initially developed to combat malaria and other vector-borne diseases. Its chemical formula is C14H9Cl5, indicating the presence of fourteen carbon atoms, nine hydrogen atoms, and five chlorine atoms. DDT is an odorless, crystalline, white powder that is insoluble in water but soluble in most organic solvents.
Historically, DDT gained prominence during the mid-20th century when it was widely used for agricultural purposes, particularly pest control. It effectively eliminates a broad range of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, and lice, by disrupting their nervous systems. The compound works as a contact poison and a stomach poison, making it an effective and potent force against disease-carrying insects.
However, due to its persistent nature in the environment and its negative impact on non-target species, especially birds and fish, the use of DDT has become highly controversial. Studies have shown that DDT accumulates in the fatty tissues of animals and magnifies up the food chain, resulting in detrimental effects on higher predators.
To address these concerns, DDT was banned or severely restricted in many countries starting in the 1970s. Despite this, its persistence in the environment means that residues can still be found today. The use of DDT continues to be a topic of debate, with proponents arguing for its necessity in disease control, while opponents emphasize its ecological and human health risks.
Common Misspellings for DICHLORODIPHENYLTRICHLOROETHANE
- sichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- xichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- cichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- fichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- richlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- eichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- duchlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- djchlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- dkchlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- dochlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- d9chlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- d8chlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- dixhlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- divhlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- difhlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- didhlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- dicglorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- dicblorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- dicnlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
Etymology of DICHLORODIPHENYLTRICHLOROETHANE
The word "dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane" is commonly abbreviated as DDT. Its etymology can be broken down as follows:
- "Di" comes from the Greek prefix "di-", meaning two or double, indicating the presence of two chlorine atoms in the compound.
- "Chloro" comes from the Greek word "khloros", meaning greenish-yellow, referring to the greenish-yellow color of chlorine.
- "Diphenyl" consists of two parts: "di-" (as mentioned above) and "phenyl". "Phenyl" is derived from the word "phenol" or "pheno", meaning aromatic organic compound. In this context, it refers to a benzene ring with an attached hydrogen molecule.
- "Tri" is derived from the Greek prefix "tri-", meaning three, indicating the presence of three chlorine atoms in the compound.
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