What is "hexachlorophene"

n. A disinfectant polyhalogenated compound that occurs as a white to light-tan crystalline powder.

n. antibacterial substance that is a water-soluble powder used in antiseptic soaps and toothpaste

Hexachlorophene, also known as Nabac, is an organochlorine compound that was once widely used as a disinfectant. The compound occurs as a white odorless solid, although commercial samples can be off-white and possess a slightly phenolic odor. It is insoluble in water but dissolves in acetone, ethanol, diethyl ether, and chloroform. In medicine, hexachlorophene is a useful as a topical anti-infective, anti-bacterial agent, often used in soaps and toothpaste. It is also used in agriculture as a soil fungicide, plant bactericide, and acaricide.