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Insecticides and acaricides

Mirex

Also known as Dechlorane, Perchloropentacyclodecane, Paramex

CAS 2385-85-5Formula C10Cl12Molar mass 545.55 g/molEC 219-196-6
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Harmful or irritant, Serious health hazard, Hazardous to the environment Prohibited, not for trade
Why it is not for trade
Mirex chemical structure, C10Cl12, CAS 2385-85-5
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Snow-white crystals from benzene
Melting point
485 °C
Boiling point
485 °C
Solubility
In water, 0.085 mg/L at 25 °C
HS code
290383
Category
Insecticides and acaricides
UN number
UN 2761

What is Mirex?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Mirex is an organochlorine insecticide and a chlorocarbon. It has a role as a persistent organic pollutant.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
1,2,3,4,5,5,6,7,8,9,10,10-dodecachloropentacyclo[5.3.0.02,6.03,9.04,8]decane
CAS number
2385-85-5 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
219-196-6
Molecular formula
C10Cl12
UNII
Z917AN264P
InChIKey
GVYLCNUFSHDAAW-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C10Cl12/c11-1-2(12)7(17)4(14)3(13,5(1,15)9(7,19)20)6(1,16)10(21,22)8(2,4)18
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C12(C3(C4(C5(C3(C(C1(C5(C2(C4(Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl)(Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl

Synonyms

  • Dechlorane
  • Perchloropentacyclodecane
  • Paramex
  • Bichlorendo
  • Perchlorodihomocubane
  • Ferriamicide
  • Dodecachloropentacyclodecane
  • Perchlordecone
  • Dodecaclor
  • Dechlorane 4070
  • Fire Ant Bait
  • HRS l276
  • Hexachlorocyclopentadiene dimer
  • ENT 25,719
  • GC 1283
  • Cyclopentadiene, hexachloro-, dimer
  • HRS 1276
  • Dechlorane 515
  • 1,1a,2,2,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-Dodecachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-1H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalene
  • Dodecachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-1H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalene
  • 1,2,3,4,5,5-Hexachloro-1,3-cyclopentadiene dimer
  • 1,3-Cyclopentadiene, 1,2,3,4,5,5-hexachloro-, dimer
  • 1,3,4-Metheno-1H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalene, dodecachlorooctahydro-
  • Dodecachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-2H-cyclobuta[cd]pentalene
  • Perchloropentacyclo(5.2.1.0(2,6).0(3,9).0(5,8))decane
Show all 38 synonyms
  • Perchloropentacyclo(5.3.0.0(2,6).0(3,9).0(4,8))decane
  • Dodecachloropentacyclo(5.2.1.0(2,6).0(3,9).0(5,8))decane
  • Perchloropentacyclo(5.2.1.0(sup 2,6).0(sup 3,9).0(sup 5,8))decane
  • Dodecachloropentacyclo(3.2.2.0(sup 2,6),0(sup 3,9),0(sup 5,10))decane
  • 1,3,4-Metheno-1H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalene, 1,1a,2,2,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-dodecachlorooctahydro-
  • 1,3,4-Metheno-1H-cyclobuta[cd]pentalene, 1,1a,2,2,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-dodecachlorooctahydro-
  • perchloropentacyclo[5.2.1.0(2,6).0(3,9).0(5,8)]decane
  • Hexachloropentadiene dimer
  • Dodecachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-2H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalene
  • 1,2,3,4,5,5,6,7,8,9,10,10-Dodecachloropentacyclo(5.3.0.0(2,6).0(3,9).0(4,8))decane
  • 1,2,3,4,5,5,6,7,8,9,10,10-dodecachloropentacyclo[5.3.0.0(2,6).0(3,9).0(4,8)]decane
  • dodecachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-2H-cyclobuta(c,d)pentalene
  • Perchloropentacyclo(5.2.1.02,6.03,9.05,8)decane

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
Snow-white crystals from benzeneexp.
Odour
Odorlessexp.
Melting point
485 °Cexp.
Boiling point
485 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 0.085 mg/L at 25 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
8 × 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
545.55 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
539.6262 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
6.22calc.
Topological polar surface area
0 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
0calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
22calc.
Rings
6calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Fails (2 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, C1C2C3C4CC5C3C1C5C24

C1C2C3C4CC5C3C1C5C24

6 rings, 10 atoms.

12 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard
GHS09: Hazardous to the environment
Hazardous to the environment

Hazard statements

  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H312Harmful in contact with skin.
  • H351Suspected of causing cancer.
  • H361fdSuspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
  • H362May cause harm to breast-fed children.
  • H400Very toxic to aquatic life.
  • H410Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements (17)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P263Avoid contact during pregnancy and while nursing.
  • 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 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P362 + P364Take off 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

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

Mirex suppliers

Trading restrictions apply to this substance

Persistent organic pollutant

Mirex 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 on Persistent Organic Pollutants, HS 2022 subheading 2903.83 (mirex)

Our policy on controlled substances

Mirex 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

Mirex (is) ... no longer made or used in the United States. Mirex (was) ... most commonly used in the 1960s and 1970s. Mirex was used as a pesticide to control fire ants mostly in the southeastern part of the United States. It was also used extensively as a flame retardant additive under the trade name Dechlorane in plastics, rubber, paint, paper, and electrical goods from 1959 to 1972 because it does burn easily. ... All registered products containing mirex ... were canceled in the United States between 1977 and 1978.

Fire retardant for plastics, rubber, paint, paper, electrical goods. Formerly as insecticide for fire ants.

Mirex was most commonly used as an insecticide to control the imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta and S.

Read more

richteri) in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.

Insecticide used to control western harvester ants, yellow jackets, & imported fire ants (Former Use).

Mirex is a stomach insecticide with little contact activity and has found its widest use against ants, for imported fire ant, baits containing 0.075% are used, for harvester ant bait is 0.15%. (Former Use).

Use classes: Insecticides.

Roles

  • environmental contaminant
  • persistent organic pollutant

Functional uses

  • Biocide

Pharmacology

Mirex is a white, stable, odorless, synthetic, crystalline solid chlorinated hydrocarbon. Mirex was used as an insecticide against ants and as a fire-retardant for plastics, paint, rubber, paper and electrical appliances, but it is no longer produced or used in the US. Exposure to Mirex irritates the skin and eyes and causes a headache as well as dizziness, nausea and vomiting and affects the central nervous system, lungs, liver and kidneys. Mirex is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)

How it is made

Mirex may be made by the dimerization of hexachlorocyclopentadiene in the presence of an aluminum chloride catalyst.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Persistent organic pollutant

Mirex 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 on Persistent Organic Pollutants, HS 2022 subheading 2903.83 (mirex)

Our policy on controlled substances

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 602-077-00-1

Health and food

  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II, prohibited in cosmetics
    Name: Dodecachloropentacyclo[5.2.1.02,6.03,9.05,8]decane (Mirex), Ref no: 1048, Annex ref: II/1048

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 Mirex is traded under.

HS 2903.83Exact HS code

Mirex (ISO)

World exports in 2024
$11.2K
−45.1% vs 2023, imports $149K
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. Germany79.2%
  2. Switzerland * partner reported10.4%
  3. Brazil8.5%
Top importers
  1. Denmark86.4%
  2. Portugal9.9%
  3. India * partner reported0.9%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

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

The HS code shown for Mirex 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 Mirex, based on the data on this page

What is Mirex?

Mirex is an organochlorine insecticide and a chlorocarbon. It has a role as a persistent organic pollutant.

What is the CAS number of Mirex?

The CAS registry number of Mirex is 2385-85-5.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Mirex?

The molecular formula of Mirex is C10Cl12 and its molar mass is 545.55 g/mol.

What is Mirex used for?

Mirex (is) ... no longer made or used in the United States. Mirex (was) ... most commonly used in the 1960s and 1970s. Mirex was used as a pesticide to control fire ants mostly in the southeastern part of the United States.

Is Mirex hazardous?

Mirex carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: harmful if swallowed, harmful 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 Mirex?

Mirex is usually classified under HS code 290383 (Mirex (ISO)). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Can I buy Mirex on CompoundList?

No. Mirex 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 Mirex

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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