Pentachlorophenol
Synonyms
Pentachlorophenate, Sodium
Phenol, pentachloro-
Sodium Pentachlorophenate
An insecticide and herbicide that has also been used as a wood preservative. Pentachlorphenol is a widespread environmental pollutant. Both chronic and acute pentachlorophenol poisoning are medical concerns. The range of its biological actions is still being actively explored, but it is clearly a potent enzyme inhibitor and has been used as such as an experimental tool.