Biphenyl properties

Properties have been determined for a series of block copolymers based on poly[3,3-bis(ethoxymethyl)oxetane] and poly [3,3-bis(methoxymethyl)oxetane]- (9-tetrahydrofuran. The block copolymers had properties suggestive of a thermoplastic elastomer (308). POX was a good main chain for a weU-developed smectic Hquid crystalline state when cyano- or fluorine-substituted biphenyls were used as mesogenic groups attached through a four-methylene spacer (309,310). Other side-chain Hquid crystalline polyoxetanes were observed with a spacer-separated azo moiety (311) and with laterally attached mesogenic groups (312). 

Table 7. Properties of Biphenyl and Terphenyls of Environmental Importance...

In earlier editions of the Eniyclopedia there have been articles covering the properties, manufacture, capacities, etc, of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated naphthalenes, benzene hexachloride, and chlorinated derivatives of cyclopentadiene. These materials are no longer in commercial use because of their toxicity. However, they stiU impact on the chemical industry because of residual environmental problems. Their toxicity and environmental impact are discussed (see Cm.OROCARBONSANDCm.OROHYDROCARBONS, TOXIC aromatics). 

Special additives are often included in a carrier formulation to provide specific properties such as foam control, stabiUty, and fiber lubrication during dyeing. Most important are the solvents used to solubilize the soHd carrier-active chemicals. These often contribute to the general carrier activity of the finished product. For example, chlorinated benzenes and aromatic esters are good solvents for biphenyls and phenylphenols. Flammable compounds (flash point below 60°C) should be avoided. 

PCBS (polychlorinated biphenyls) Toxic synthetic chemicals with excellent heat resistance and low electrical conductivity properties. Now little used but considerable quantities remain in old electrical equipment. Produces dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans when burned below 1200°C. PCBs are toxic and bio-accumulative. 

In general, capillary gas chromatography provides enough resolution for most determinations in environmental analysis. Multidimensional gas chromatography has been applied to environmental analysis mainly to solve separation problems for complex groups of compounds. Important applications of GC-GC can therefore be found in the analysis of organic micropollutants, where compounds such as polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) (10), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) (10) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (11-15), on account of their similar properties, present serious separation problems. MDGC has also been used to analyse other pollutants in environmental samples (10, 16, 17). 

Dioxins are prominent members of the class of polychlorinated hydrocarbons that also includes diben-zofuran, biphenyls and others. Dioxins are highly toxic environmental contaminants. Like others small planar xenobiotics, some dioxins bind with high affinity to the arylhydrocarbon (Ah) receptor. Dioxins activate the receptor over a long time period, but are themselves poor substrates for the enzymes which are induced via the Ah-receptor. These properties of the dioxins and related xenobiotics may be important for the toxicity of these compounds. Dioxins like 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-p-dibenzodioxin can cause persistent dermatosis, like chloracne and may have other neurotoxic, immunotoxic and carcinogenic effects. 

The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are indnstrial chemicals that do not occur naturally in the environment. The properties, uses, and toxicology of the PCBs are described in detail in Safe (1984), Robertson and Hansen (2001), and Environmental Health Criteria 140. PBBs are described in Safe (1984) and Environmental Health Criteria 152. 

Furukawa K, N Arimura (1987) Purification and properties of 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl dioxygenase from polychlorinated biphenyl-degrading Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa carrying the cloned bphC gene. J Bacterial 169 924-927. 

Figure 8.5 Thermal properties of gold complexes with isocyanides having a phenyl or a biphenyl core.

Hedstrom, M., Benachenhou, N.S. and Calais, J.L. (1994) Nonlinear optical properties of some substituted biphenyls. Molecular Engineering, 3, 329-342. 

SFE is used mainly for nonpolar compounds [e.g. polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)]. Typically, small aliquots of soil (0.5-10 g) are used for extraction. The extraction solvent is a supercritical fluid, most commonly carbon dioxide, which has properties of both a liquid and gas. The supercritical fluid easily penetrates the small pores of soil and dissolves a variety of nonpolar compounds. Supercritical carbon dioxide extracts compounds from environmental samples at elevated temperature (100-200 °C) and pressure (5000-10 000 psi). High-quality carbon dioxide is required to minimize... 

In the past, mineral oil hydraulic fluids sometimes included additives such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to improve the thermal resistance or other properties of the resulting fluids. These additives may present more toxicity risks than the primary ingredients of the hydraulic fluids. While such uses of PCBs have been discontinued, PCBs may be encountered as components of hydraulic fluids at NPL sites contaminated by hydraulic fluids (ATSDR 1993b). 

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