1,4-Dichlorobenzene

[3] p-DCB is produced by chlorination of benzene using ferric chloride as a catalyst: The chief impurity is the 1,2 isomer.

Its usefulness for these applications arises from p-DCB's low solubility in water and its relatively high volatility: it sublimes readily near room temperature.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have determined that p-DCB may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen.

[8] The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a target maximum contaminant level of 75 micrograms of p-DCB per liter of drinking water (75 μg/L),[9] but publishes no information on the cancer risk.

[14] Due to its carcinogenic nature, use of paradichlorobenzene in the European Union is forbidden as an air freshener (since 2005) and in mothballs (since 2008).

1,4-Dichlorobenzene
1,4-Dichlorobenzene
Ball-and-stick model of 1,4-dichlorobenzene
Ball-and-stick model of 1,4-dichlorobenzene
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. E.g. chloroform Flammability 2: Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperature before ignition can occur. Flash point between 38 and 93 °C (100 and 200 °F). E.g. diesel fuel Instability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogen Special hazards (white): no code
1,4-dichlorobenzene balls sold as urinal disinfectant