Gas-Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Characterization of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (Aroclors) and 36Cl-Labeling of Aroclors 1248 and 1254
Abstract The isomer composition of the Aroclor 1200 series was characterized by GLC-MS, using temperature programming and SE-30 support-coated, open-tubular capillary columns. A method is described for the preparation and purification of 36Cl-labeled Aroclors 1248 and 1254. Neutron irradiation of the commercial material was used to prepare the 36Cl-labeled material. Purification of the irradiated product was accomplished by silicic acid column chromatography. Yields of the purified product were between 63 and 99%, with no detectable alteration of the isomer composition; 10% of the 36C1 produced was associated with the unchanged PCB isomers and the remaining radioactivity was contained in polychlorinated terphenyls. The terphenyls were produced by irradiation polymerization, and they were easily separated from the PCB components. Mass spectrometry, utilizing either temperature programmed GLC or direct probe sample introduction, was used to characterize the irradiation products. The radioactive materials are being utilized in experiments to determine uptake and metabolism of PCB by aquatic organisms.
