Chlorobenzene (CED0002748)

Chlorobenzene belongs to the halobenzenes, a subclass of benzene and substituted derivatives within the organic compounds. This exogenous liquid has the chemical formula C6H5Cl and an average molecular weight of 112.56 g/mol. It is classified as a benzenoid. The compound serves as an industrial chemical solvent (PMC12430145, PMC13047040, PMC6127638, PMC9053168) and is an industrial degradant or impurity. It is used in polycarbonate, polyurethane, and high-density polyethylene, and is present in polyethylene terephthalate. Chlorobenzene is found in or released from 47 recorded sources, including aquatic systems and sediments, drinking water and water supply, wastewater, sanitation and biosolids, food, food processing and cookware, household cleaning and consumer products, and electrical and electronic equipment. Recorded exposure routes include touch, oral, and inhalation. The compound interacts with 32 recorded protein targets. It causes endocrine disruption in humans by binding to and inhibiting the estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) and estrogen receptor (ESR1). It antagonizes the action of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) acting at GABA-A receptors, including GABRA1, GABRA2, GABRA3, and GABRA4, which blocks GABA-induced chloride ion uptake and causes hyperexcitability of the central nervous system. Additionally, it inhibits Ca2+ and Mg2+ ATPase and Na+/K+ ATPase, specifically targeting proteins such as Sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit gamma (FXYD2), Sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 1 (ATP2A1), Sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2 (ATP2A2), and Calcium-transporting ATPase type 2C member 1 (ATP2C1). This inhibition leads to the accumulation of intracellular free calcium ions, promoting the release of neurotransmitters from storage vesicles, depolarization of adjacent neurons, and the propagation of stimuli throughout the central nervous system.