According to the range DDT less than DDE less than heptachlor less than heptachlorepoxide, chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides promote the formation of peroxides from cis- and trans-9-octadecenic acid methylesters within the lipid and the water phase of the investigated model system. Compared with DDT and heptachlor the metabolites DDE and heptachlorepoxide proof as more efficient prooxidants; this may be explained by their higher reactivity. According with these observations the amount of insecticides, especially of heptachlor and heptachlorepoxide, that can be extracted from the model system with petroleumether after 72 hrs of autoxidation is markedly diminished. From that it is concluded, that in the investigated lipid-water-system the insecticides not only have a catalytic effect, but also are in part immediately involved in the formation of peroxides from 9-octadecenic acid methyl ester.