Question

Write the structure of DDT and list its environmental effects.

Answer 1

Hint:We know that DDT stands for Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. It is used by farmers to kill pests and insects. It is also very harmful to the environment. It is harmful to human beings and animals as well.

Complete step-by-step answer:We know that DDT has full form Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. It is an organic compound used in agriculture to kill pests and insects and is mainly used for crop protection. We can imagine how difficult it will be for farmers with large agricultural land to keep an eye on all pests and insects, therefore they used DDT. It is odorless and can be highly poisonous to all human beings. DDT has the following structure:

The chemical name of DDT is $1,1,1 - trichloro - 2,2 - bis(p - chlorophenyl)ethane$. Its molecular formula is ${C_{14}}{H_9}C{l_5}$. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane is prepared by the reaction of chloral and chlorobenzene in the ratio $1:2$. DDT is obtained by Friedel-Crafts reaction.
As we know that DDT is very harmful to the environment, some of its effects are
When the pests and insects die by using DDT, they die on the same soil. This is how DDT enters plants and animals.
DDT also enters the human body because when it is sprayed on plants, it remains on edible plants. When we consume these plants, it enters our body.
It results in thinning of eggshells and killing of the embryo in animals.

Note:It is important to note that DDT is a hydrophobic compound and is soluble in fats and oils. There are some alternatives to DDT, for example: Pyrethroids such as deltamethrin can be used. Insecticides such as Organophosphate and carbamate can be used.