Which of these chemicals is categorized as a chlorinated hydrocarbon?

Lindane is categorized as a chlorinated hydrocarbon, known for its effectiveness in controlling a variety of pests, including insects. Chlorinated hydrocarbons are organic compounds that contain chlorine and carbon, and they have been used in various applications, including insecticides due to their persistent nature and efficacy.

Lindane, specifically, has been widely used in agriculture and for treating lice, as it disrupts the insect’s nervous system. Its structure contains multiple chlorine atoms bonded to a hydrocarbon backbone, which characterizes it within the chlorinated hydrocarbon category.

In contrast, boric acid is a mineral compound with a different mode of action and classification. Deltamethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid and operates differently, affecting the nervous system of insects through different pathways than chlorinated hydrocarbons. Propoxur is a carbamate insecticide, which also has a distinct chemical composition and mode of action involving inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, differentiating it from chlorinated hydrocarbons. Therefore, understanding the chemical structure and classification of these compounds helps clarify why lindane fits the description of a chlorinated hydrocarbon.