2,4,5-T
2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (pronounced two-four-five-T) is a synthetic herbicide used in the mid-20th century, primarily in the United States and Australia. It is often referred to by its abbreviation, 2,4,5-T.
Etymology
The name 2,4,5-T is derived from the chemical structure of the compound, which includes two atoms of chlorine at the 2nd and 4th positions and one atom of oxygen at the 5th position on the benzene ring.
Chemical Structure
2,4,5-T is a chlorinated phenoxy compound, which refers to its chemical structure. It consists of a benzene ring with two chlorine atoms and one oxygen atom attached, along with a two-carbon chain ending in a carboxylic acid group.
Usage
2,4,5-T was used extensively as a herbicide and defoliant from the 1940s through the 1970s. It was a component of Agent Orange, a defoliant used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War.
Health Effects
Exposure to 2,4,5-T can lead to a variety of health effects, including chloracne, a severe skin disease, and various types of cancer. It is also associated with birth defects and reproductive problems.
Regulation
Due to its toxicity and the health risks associated with its use, 2,4,5-T has been banned in many countries, including the United States and Australia. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the use of 2,4,5-T in the U.S. in 1985.
See Also
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