Everything about Dioxins totally explained
Dioxin is a
heterocyclic organic compound with the
chemical formula C
4H
4O
2. There are two
isomers,
1,2-dioxin (or
o-dioxin) and
1,4-dioxin (or
p-dioxin). Their
chemical structures are shown at right. The ortho isomer 1,2-dioxin is very unstable due to its peroxide-like characteristics.
The known properties of 1,4-dioxin are listed in the infobox to the right.
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1,4-dioxin can be prepared by
cycloaddition, namely by the
Diels-Alder reaction.
Other meanings (See other articles)
The word
dioxin can also in a general way refer to compounds whose molecules have a dioxin core skeletal structure with
substituent molecular groups attached to it. For example, dibenzo-
p-dioxin is a compound whose structure consists of two benzo- groups fused onto a
p-dioxin ring as shown
below (see also
Dibenzodioxin).
Because of their extreme importance as environmental pollutants, current scientific literature uses the name
dioxins commonly for simplification to denote the chlorinated derivatives of dibenzo-
p-dioxin, more precisely the
polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs). The
polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, which can also be classified in the family of
halogenated organic compounds, have been shown to
bioaccumulate in humans and
wildlife due to their
lipophilic properties, and are known
teratogens,
mutagens, and
carcinogens. References under the main article on
polychlorinated dibenzodioxins.
Additionally, sometimes with dioxins a similar, but unrelated compound type the polychlorinated
dibenzofurans of like importance are also implied.
Toxicity
Some
Dioxin derivatives are known to increase the likelihood of
cancer (See above under
Other meanings). Scientists are working to establish their exact
toxicity. The job is made difficult because we're not dealing with pure chemicals, but a mixture, and toxicity depends on the particular molecular arrangement of the compound, that of the highest toxicity is the 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-para-dibenzo dioxin (pictured here as well). When people say
dioxins, they often refer to these chlorinated derivatives, not the compound described in this article. These cases are discussed in detail in the article on
Polychlorinated dibenzodioxin or PCDD but the toxicity of even some of these is disputed. The vietnami veterans case, the Soveso case, and Lushchenko's
chloracne case and more are all discussed in that article. Another group of compounds of similar toxicity to that of the PCDD's are the polychlorinated
dibenzofurans, their toxicity is also discussed with Dioxin derivatives, sometimes calling them all erroneously dioxins.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Dioxins'.
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