Hexachloroethane (perchloroethane)

is an organochlorine compound with the chemical formula C2Cl6. Its structure is Cl3C−CCl3. It is a white or colorless solid at room temperature with a camphor-like odor.[3] It has been used by the military in smoke compositions, such as base-eject smoke munitions (smoke grenades).

Use as smoke agent

Smoke grenades, called hexachloroethane smoke or HC smoke, utilize a mixture containing roughly equal parts of hexachloroethane and zinc oxide and approximately 6% granular aluminium. These smokes are toxic, which is attributed to the production of zinc chloride (ZnCl2).[8][9] According to Steinritz et al., “Due to its potential pulmonary toxicity,” zinc chloride producing smoke grenades “have been discharged from the armory of most western countries (…).”[10]