Herbicides were used by the United States in Vietnam to destroy jungle vegetation that was used as cover for Viet Cong activity. The most significant of these herbicides was known as Agent Orange, and was a mixture of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. Unfortunately, the manufacture of these compounds produces dioxins as a byproduct; 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (see right) is an example of this class of compounds. Dioxins are carcinogenic to humans (IARC group 1 classification). Information on the toxicity, handling, and safety of 2,4-D can be found in the
New Jersey Dept of Heath and Senior Services fact sheet on 2,4-D. (pdf).
| Name(s) |
Structure |
Molecular Formula |
Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number |
| 2,4-Dinitrophenol, 2,4-DNP |
|
C 6H 4N 2O 5 |
51-28-5 |
| 2-Methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol, dinitrocresol |
|
C 7H 6N 2O 5 |
534-52-1 |
| (2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid, 2,4-D |
|
C 8H 6Cl 2O 3 |
94-75-7 |
| (2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid, 2,4,5-T |
|
C 8H 5Cl 3O 3 |
93-76-5 |