The Organochlorine Insecticides

DDT is the common name given to the technical mixture of compounds in which the major component is p, p′-DDT [dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane; 2, 2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)- 1, 1, 1 -trichloroethane). Pure p, p′-DDT is a white, tasteless, almost odorless crystalline solid. It is practically insoluble in water but soluble in many organic solvents such as acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, kerosene, diesel oil, etc. It is slightly soluble in alcohol (about 2%) . For field application, DDT has been formulated as solutions, emulsifiable concentrates, wettable powders, dusts, and aerosols.