Polychlorinated terphenyl

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General chemical structure of polychlorinated triphenyls where 0<=x<=5 and 0<=y<=4 and 0<=z<=5 Polychlorinated terphenyl.png
General chemical structure of polychlorinated triphenyls where 0≤x≤5 and 0≤y≤4 and 0≤z≤5

Polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) are a group of chlorine derivatives of terphenyls. They are chemically related to polychlorinated biphenyls and have similar chemical properties. They have very low electrical conductivity, high heat stability, and high resistance to alkalies and strong acids. [1] They are non-flammable and insoluble in water.

Typically produced and used as mixtures with varying degrees of chlorination, PCTs were once used as heat transfer agents in electric transformers, as plasticizers, as lubricating oils, and as flame retardants. [1] [2] Their production and use has been largely phased out due to environmental and safety concerns. [2]

International trade in PCTs is regulated by the Rotterdam Convention.

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PCT, P.C.T. or pct may refer to:

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Pentachlorophenol Chemical compound

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Polychlorinated naphthalene

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Rotterdam Convention

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Therminol is a synthetic heat transfer fluid produced by Eastman Chemical Company.

Chlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Cl-PAHs) are a group of compounds comprising polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with two or more aromatic rings and one or more chlorine atoms attached to the ring system. Cl-PAHs can be divided into two groups: chloro-substituted PAHs, which have one or more hydrogen atoms substituted by a chlorine atom, and chloro-added Cl-PAHs, which have two or more chlorine atoms added to the molecule. They are products of incomplete combustion of organic materials. They have many congeners, and the occurrences and toxicities of the congeners differ. Cl-PAHs are hydrophobic compounds and their persistence within ecosystems is due to their low water solubility. They are structurally similar to other halogenated hydrocarbons such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Cl-PAHs in the environment are strongly susceptible to the effects of gas/particle partitioning, seasonal sources, and climatic conditions.

Terphenyl Chemical compound

Terphenyls are a group of closely related aromatic hydrocarbons. Also known as diphenylbenzenes or triphenyls, they consist of a central benzene ring substituted with two phenyl groups. There are three substitution patterns: ortho-terphenyl, meta-terphenyl, and para-terphenyl. Commercial grade terphenyl is generally a mixture of the three isomers. This mixture is used in the production of polychlorinated terphenyls, which were formerly used as heat storage and transfer agents.

Pentachlorobenzene Chemical compound

Pentachlorobenzene (PeCB) is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C6HCl5 which is a chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbon. It consists of a benzene ring substituted with five chlorine atoms. PeCB was once used industrially for a variety of uses, but because of environmental concerns there are currently no large scale uses of PeCB. Pentachlorobenzene is a known persistent organic pollutant (POP) and banned globally by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in 2009.

Congener (chemistry)

In chemistry, congeners are related chemical substances "related to each other by origin, structure, or function".

References

  1. 1 2 Filyk, G. (2011-07-01). "Polychlorinated terphenyls" (pdf). United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
  2. 1 2 U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (1984-03-26). "Chlorinated Terphenyl: Submission of Notice of Manufacture or Importation" (pdf). Federal Register. 49 (59): 11181. 40 CFR Part 704 Final rule.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)