DIELECTRIC CONSTANT AND DIPOLE MOMENT OF DDT

Commercial DDT was purified by recrystalising from absolute alcohol, the melting point of pure compound being 108 5-109°. The dipole moment of \(p\) : \(p\)'-DDT in pure molten state as well as in benzene, carbon tetrachloride and dioxane solutions were determined and explained as due to free rotation of the groups along different bonds The dehydrochlorinated product, \(p\):\(p\)'-(Cl.C₆H4)₂C=CCl₂ being a symmetrical compound is shown to be nonpolar The dipole moments of the compounds related to DDT have also been recalculated by applying the new equation. The toxicity of the \(o\) -\(p\) '-, \(m\): \(p\)'. and \(p\) : \(p\)'-DDT has been calculated by applying the law of mass action and it has been shown that he log of mortality coefficient (K) varies linearly with the dipole moment, \(p\) :\(p\)'-DDT with lowest moment (\(I\).\(I\)\(D\)) being the most toxic compound in this series.