Polybromodiphenyl ethers

The methoxy-polybromodiphenyl ethers (MeO-PBDEs) were analyzed together with PBDEs by GC-MS. The GC-MS methodology is optimized for the detection and quantification of eight different congeners including the 5-MeO-tetra-BDE-47, 6-MeO-tetra-BDE-47, 4-MeO-tetra-BDE-49, 2-MeO-tetra-BDE-68, 5-MeO-penta-BDE-99, 5 -MeO-penta-BDE-100, 4 -MeO-penta-BDE-101 and 4 -MeO-penta-BDE-103. 

In the past, polyethylenes were generally flame-retarded with chloroparaffins and antimony trioxide. Frequently PVC or chlorinated polyethylene was also added. Nowadays cycloaliphatic (hexabromocyclododecane) and aromatic bromine compoimds such as polybromodiphenyl ethers, and in particular decabromodiphenyl ether are used. Antimony trioxide is also used here as a synergist. 

Decabromodiphenylethane (1,2-Bis[pentabromophenyl]ethane) [84852-53-9]. This solid additive, Albemarle SAYTEX 8010, is an alternative to the polybromodiphenyl ethers. It has 80% Br, a very high melting point (above 350°C), excellent thermal stability (good recyclability), fair UV stability, and gives performance similar to decabromodiphenyl ether in polyolefins and styrenics. An important use is in HIPS for TV and other electrical or electronic enclosures. 

Polybromodiphenyl ethers are currently analyzed by dereplication techniques using APCI-LC/MS/MS and NMR (Calcul et al, 2009 Kato et al, 2009). 

Figure 19.107 Examples of polybromophenols and polybromodiphenyl ethers isolated from Dysidea species.

Polybromodiphenyl Ethers and other Halogenated Aromatic Derivatives... 

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