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Insecticides and acaricides

Chlordecone

Also known as Kepone, Clordecone, Decachloroketone

CAS 143-50-0Formula C10Cl10OMolar mass 490.64 g/molEC 205-601-3
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Acute toxicity (severe), Serious health hazard, Hazardous to the environment Prohibited, not for trade
Why it is not for trade
Chlordecone chemical structure, C10Cl10O, CAS 143-50-0
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Crystals
Melting point
350 °C
Boiling point
350 °C
Density
1.64 g/cm³ at 25 °C
Flash point
>100
HS code
291471
Category
Insecticides and acaricides
UN number
UN 2761

What is Chlordecone?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Chlordecone is an organochlorine compound with insecticidal activity. It has a role as an insecticide and a persistent organic pollutant. It is an organochlorine compound and a cyclic ketone.

Chlordecone is a banned organochlorine compound used as pesticide.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10,10-decachloropentacyclo[5.3.0.02,6.03,9.04,8]decan-5-one
CAS number
143-50-0 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
205-601-3
Molecular formula
C10Cl10O
UNII
RG5XJ88UDF
MDL number
MFCD01632280
InChIKey
LHHGDZSESBACKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C10Cl10O/c11-2-1(21)3(12)6(15)4(2,13)8(17)5(2,14)7(3,16)9(6,18)10(8,19)20
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C1(=O)C2(C3(C4(C1(C5(C2(C3(C(C45Cl)(Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl

Synonyms

  • Kepone
  • Clordecone
  • Decachloroketone
  • Merex
  • Compound 1189
  • General chemicals 1189
  • Rcra waste number U142
  • Decachlorotetracyclodecanone
  • GC 1189
  • ENT 16,391
  • Decachlorotetrahydro-4,7-methanoindeneone
  • Decachloro-1,3,4-metheno-2H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalen-2-one
  • 1,1a,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-Decachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-2H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalen-2-one
  • 1,3,4-Metheno-2H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalen-2-one, 1,1a,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-decachlorooctahydro-
  • Perchloropentacyclo(5.3.0.0(2,6).0(3,9).0(4,8))decan-5-one
  • Decachloropentacyclo(5.2.1.0(sup 2,6).0(sup 3,9).0(sup 5,8))decan-4-one
  • Decachloropentacyclo(5.3.0.0(sup 2,6).0(sup 4,10).0(sup 5,9))decan-3-one
  • 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10,10-Decachloro(5.2.1.0(sup 2,6).0(sup 3,9).0(sup 5,8))decano-4-one
  • 1,3,4-Metheno-2H-cyclobuta[cd]pentalen-2-one, 1,1a,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-decachlorooctahydro-
  • Decachloropentacyclo[5.2.1.0(2,6).0(3,9).0(5,8)]decan-4-one
  • decachlorooctahydrokepone-2-one
  • Decachloropentacyclo(5.2.1.0(2,6).0(3,9).0(5,8))decan-4-one
  • perchloropentacyclo[5.3.0.0(2,6).0(3,9).0(4,8)]decan-5-one
  • Decachlorooctahydro-kepone-2-one
  • decachloropentacyclo(5.3.0.02,6.03,9.04,8)decan-5-one
Show all 36 synonyms
  • Decachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-2H-cyclobuta(cd)-pentalen-2-one
  • 1,1a,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-decachloro-octahydro-1,3,4-metheno-2H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalen-2-one
  • Ciba 8514
  • Kepone-2-one, decachlorooctahydro-
  • Decachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-2H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalen-2-one
  • 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10,10-decachloropentacyclo[5.3.0.02,6.03,9.04,8]decan-5-one
  • Chlorodecone
  • 1,1a,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-decachlorooctahydro-2H-1,3,4-(methanetriyl)cyclobuta[cd]pentalen-2-one
  • Chlordecone (kepone)
  • RCRA waste no. U142
  • C10Cl10O

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Crystalsexp.
Odour
Odorlessexp.
Melting point
350 °Cexp.
Boiling point
350 °Cexp.
Density
1.64 g/cm³ at 25 °Cexp.
Flash point
>100exp.
Solubility
Solubility in water: 4000 mg/L at 100 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
2.25 × 10⁻⁷ mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
490.64 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
485.6834 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
4.62calc.
Topological polar surface area
17.07 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
21calc.
Rings
6calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.9calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
4calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, O=C1C2C3C4CC5C3C1C5C42

O=C1C2C3C4CC5C3C1C5C42

6 rings, 11 atoms.

4 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard
GHS09: Hazardous to the environment
Hazardous to the environment

Hazard statements

  • H301Toxic if swallowed.
  • H311Toxic in contact with skin.
  • H351Suspected of causing cancer.
  • H400Very toxic to aquatic life.
  • H410Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements (16)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P361 + P364Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P391Collect spillage.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 2761
Transport hazard class
6.1
Packing group
II

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Chlordecone suppliers

Trading restrictions apply to this substance

Persistent organic pollutant

Chlordecone is prohibited on CompoundList. Listings, quotes and messages are disabled. This page is kept for information only.

Listing and enquiries are not allowed for this substance.

Reference: Stockholm Convention Annex A persistent organic pollutant

Our policy on controlled substances

Chlordecone price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

Prices are not shown for prohibited substances.

Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Formerly as insecticide, fungicide, miticide.

Insecticide for bananas, non-bearing citrus trees (former use), tobacco (former use), ornamental shrubs, insects in buildings (former use), lawns, turf, & flowers (former use), indoor & outdoor areas (former use).

Base material for the manufacture of kelevan.

Use classes: Pesticides, Insecticides.

Pharmacological actions

  • Insecticides

Roles

  • environmental contaminant
  • insecticide
  • persistent organic pollutant
  • pesticide

Pharmacology

Chlordecone is a very stable, colorless, odorless, synthetic chlorinated polycyclic hydrocarbon that is a degradation product of Mirex. Chlordecone has been used as an insecticide on bananas, non-bearing citrus trees, tobacco, lawns and flowers. Exposure to this substance causes neurological symptoms, such as tremors and slurred speech. Chlordecone is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. (NCI05)

How it is made

Preparation: Gilbert, Giolito, United States of America patent 2616825 and United States of America patent 2616928 (1952 to Allied Chem.), reissued as United States of America patent RE 24435 (1958).

Chlordecone is made by condensation of 2 mol of hexachlorocyclopentadiene in the presence of sulfur trioxide, followed by hydrolysis.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Persistent organic pollutant

Chlordecone is prohibited on CompoundList. Listings, quotes and messages are disabled. This page is kept for information only.

Listing and enquiries are not allowed for this substance.

Reference: Stockholm Convention Annex A persistent organic pollutant

Our policy on controlled substances

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 606-019-00-6

Health and food

  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II, prohibited in cosmetics
    Name: Chlordecone, Ref no: 1022, Annex ref: II/1022

Agriculture and environment

  • Stockholm Convention persistent organic pollutant

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Chlordecone is traded under.

HS 2914.71Exact HS code

Chlordecone (ISO)

World exports in 2024
$68K
−91.7% vs 2023, imports $80K
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. United States86.2%
  2. India * partner reported8.4%
  3. Switzerland * partner reported2.6%
Top importers
  1. India * partner reported33.5%
  2. Latvia20.7%
  3. France * partner reported9.7%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Chlordecone is indicative (it was matched by name in the HS nomenclature). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Chlordecone, based on the data on this page

What is Chlordecone?

Chlordecone is an organochlorine compound with insecticidal activity. It has a role as an insecticide and a persistent organic pollutant. It is an organochlorine compound and a cyclic ketone.

What is the CAS number of Chlordecone?

The CAS registry number of Chlordecone is 143-50-0.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Chlordecone?

The molecular formula of Chlordecone is C10Cl10O and its molar mass is 490.64 g/mol.

What is Chlordecone used for?

Formerly as insecticide, fungicide, miticide. Insecticide for bananas, non-bearing citrus trees (former use), tobacco (former use), ornamental shrubs, insects in buildings (former use), lawns, turf, & flowers (former use), indoor & outdoor areas (former use). Base material for the manufacture of kelevan.

Is Chlordecone hazardous?

Chlordecone carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: toxic if swallowed, toxic in contact with skin, suspected of causing cancer. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Chlordecone?

Chlordecone is usually classified under HS code 291471 (Chlordecone (ISO)). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Can I buy Chlordecone on CompoundList?

No. Chlordecone is on our prohibited list, so listings, quotes and messages for it are disabled. This page is kept for information only.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Chlordecone

Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page

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