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High-resolution PCB analysis: synthesis and chromatographic properties of all 209 PCB congeners

Journal Article · · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00124a014· OSTI ID:6419998

The synthesis and spectroscopic properties of all the mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, and heptachlorobipheynls are reported and the synthesis of all 209 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is completed. The retention times and molar response factors of the 209 PCBs were determined relative to a reference standard, octachloronaphthalene. The retention times for these compounds generally increased with increasing chlorine content, and it was apparent that within a series of isomers there was an increase in retention time with increasing meta and para and decreasing ortho substitution. By use of a 50-m narrow bore fused silica capillary column coated with SE-54, it was possible to separate 187 PCB congeners, and only 11 pairs of compounds were not fully resolved. With some additional analytical improvements, isomer-specific PCB analysis can be utilized to determine the composition of commercial PCBs and accurately follow the fate and distribution of these pollutants within the global ecosystem.

Research Organization:
Large Lakes Research Station, Grosse Ile, MI
OSTI ID:
6419998
Journal Information:
Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 18:6; ISSN ESTHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English