dioxin (redirected from Polychlorinated dioxins)

dioxin

Aromatic compound, any of a group of contaminants produced in making herbicides (e.g., Agent Orange), disinfectants, and other agents. Their basic chemical structure consists of two benzene rings connected by a pair of oxygen atoms; when substituents on the rings are chlorine atoms, the molecules are particularly toxic. The best-known, usually called simply dioxin, is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD). It is extremely stable chemically; it does not dissolve in water but dissolves in oils (and thus accumulates in body fat). The extent of its human toxicity is disputed and the subject of continuing research.

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dioxin [dī′äk·sən]

(organic chemistry)

A member of a family of highly toxic chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons; found in a number of chemical products as lipophilic contaminants. Also known as polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxin.