Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of the Behavior of DDT in Model Membranes

Abstract

DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane] and related compounds have been used extensively as insecticides. More recently these compounds, particularly DDT and DOE [1,1dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethene], have been the center of a heated controversy in relation to their environmental behavior. Both compounds are distributed widely in the environment, tend to be concentrated in food chains and there is evidence that certain wildlife populations may be affected as a consequence. Despite the continued interest in these compounds over a number of years, the molecular basis of their toxic action is not understood.