1,4-Dichlorobenzene (
p-
DCB or
para-
dichlorobenzene, sometimes abbreviated as
PDB or
para) is an
organic compound with the
formula C
6H
4Cl
2. This colorless solid has a strong
odor. In terms of its structure, the molecule consists of two
chlorine atoms substituted for hydrogen at opposing sites on a
benzene ring.
p-DCB is used as a pesticide and a deodorant, most familiarly in
mothballs in which it is a replacement for the more traditional
naphthalene due to its flammability.
p-DCB is also used as a precursor in the production of the polymer
poly(p-phenylene sulfide).