Chlorinated Diphenyl Ethers

Polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PCDPEs) resemble polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); and they exhibit physiochemical properties similar to the PCBs, dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs).

The numbering system for the congeners is consistent with the PCBs but the two compound classes are essentially different due to the oxygen atom connection between the two phenyl groups.

There was considerable interest in the environmental impact and possible human health effects of these compounds in the 1980s and 1990s. Their widespread occurrence in the environment was mainly due to the fact that they are impurities in chlorophenoxy acid herbicides and chlorophenol products such as wood preservatives. Another source resulted from the formation of these compounds in PCB transformer oil.

Since the 1990s, most countries have banned the use of PCBs and the chlorophenol products associated with PCDPEs which has resulted in a concurrent decline in their accumulation.

However, their persistence in the environment has led to the study of possible human health effects through dietary intake; and has initiated renewed interest in the analysis of these compounds.

AccuStandard offers a variety of PCDPEs. The congeners in the product line have been chosen based on the potential toxicity of the corresponding PCBs.

All Solutions in 50 μg/mL in Isooctane