Polychlorinated biphenyls: Progress and problems
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are industrial chemical products which are synthesized by the direct chlorination of biphenyl. The degree of biphenyl ring chlorination determines the physical properties and applications of commercial PCBs and, therefore, it is not surprising that these compounds were marketed and sold according to their chlorine content. For example, Aroclors 1221, 1232, 1242 and 1254 were produced by the Monsanto Chemical Co. and contain 21, 32, 42, and 54% (by weight) chlorine content. Commercial PCBs are distinguished by their stability and resistance to breakdown by acids, bases, oxidation and reduction, their miscibility with numerous organic solvents, their non-flammability and their excellent electrical insulation properties. Because of these highly desirable physical properties PCBs have enjoyed widespread use as industrial fluids, flame retardants, diluents, hydraulic fluids and as dielectric fluids for capacitors and transformers. Although the total world production of commercial PCBs is unknown, the figure is well in excess of 10{sup 9} lbs.
- Research Organization:
- Texas A and M Univ., College Station, TX (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 7140773
- Report Number(s):
- PB-90-181280/XAB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
400201* -- Chemical & Physicochemical Properties
AROMATICS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHLORINATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
CHROMATOGRAPHY
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
HALOGENATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SEPARATION PROCESSES