The Radiolytic-chain Dechlorination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Alkaline 2-Propanol Solutions

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Abstract
The radiolysis of solutions of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s) and potassium hydroxide in simple aliphatic alcohols was studied. The major products in alkaline 2-propanol solutions were potassium chloride, acetone, lower chlorinated biphenyls, and biphenyl. Their yields increased and the concentration of the hydroxide ions decreased with the dose. Acetone and potassium chloride were formed in high yields, and their concentrations were almost equal to the diminution in the hydroxide ions. The dechlorination yield was determined as a function of the dose, the dose rate, and the concentrations of PCB’s, potassium hydroxide, and organic solutes. The chain-dechlorination reaction proceeded in the alkaline 2-propanol solution, but not in alkaline methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, and butanols. The 2-propoxide radical anion, which is formed by the electron transfer from the hydroxide ion to the 2-propanol radical, is the chain carrier for the dechlorination reaction of PCB’s in alkaline 2-propanol solutions. The mechanism is discussed in detail.