PCB No 149: Properties, Safety & Research Uses FAQ

PCB No 149 is a heptachlorinated polychlorinated biphenyl congener (2,2',3,4',5,5',6-heptachlorobiphenyl) widely used as an analytical reference standard in environmental monitoring, toxicology, and contaminant research.

IUPAC Name

2,2',3,4',5,5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl

PCB Congener Number

PCB No 149 (IUPAC congener #149)

Chlorine Substitution

7 chlorine atoms on the biphenyl scaffold

SKU

P115156

Typical Application

Analytical reference standard for environmental and toxicological studies

Storage Recommendation

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from light; consult SDS for full requirements

What Is PCB No 149 and How Is It Classified?

PCB No 149, systematically named 2,2',3,4',5,5',6-heptachlorobiphenyl, is one of the 209 theoretically possible polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners. It carries seven chlorine substituents distributed across both phenyl rings of the biphenyl core. PCBs are classified by the Ballschmiter–Zell numbering system, and congener 149 belongs to the heptachlorobiphenyl homolog group. Due to the number and positions of chlorine atoms, PCB No 149 exhibits high lipophilicity and environmental persistence, properties characteristic of higher-chlorinated PCB congeners. As a regulated persistent organic pollutant (POP) listed under the Stockholm Convention framework, it is handled exclusively as a research-grade reference material rather than a commercial chemical.

Physical and Chemical Properties

PCB No 149 is a solid or viscous liquid at room temperature, consistent with higher-chlorinated PCB congeners. It is practically insoluble in water but highly soluble in common organic solvents such as hexane, dichloromethane, acetone, and toluene. Its high octanol–water partition coefficient (log K_ow) reflects strong bioaccumulation potential. The compound is chemically stable under normal laboratory conditions but may undergo slow photodegradation under UV irradiation. Molecular weight increases with the seven chlorine substituents relative to the biphenyl parent structure. Specific numerical values for melting point, boiling point, and log K_ow should be confirmed from the product-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or peer-reviewed physicochemical databases, as values can vary between sources.

Research Applications and Analytical Use

PCB No 149 is primarily employed as a certified or neat reference standard in environmental chemistry and toxicology laboratories. Key applications include: (1) calibration and validation of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography–electron capture detection (GC-ECD) methods for PCB analysis in environmental matrices such as soil, sediment, water, and biota; (2) method development for multi-congener PCB profiling in regulatory and research contexts; (3) ecotoxicological studies investigating the effects of higher-chlorinated PCB congeners on aquatic and terrestrial organisms; and (4) studies on PCB metabolism, biotransformation, and pharmacokinetics in vitro and in vivo. Because PCB No 149 is a regulated substance, researchers must comply with applicable national and institutional regulations governing its acquisition, use, and disposal.

Safe Handling, Storage, and Disposal

PCB No 149 is a hazardous substance and must be handled with appropriate precautions. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied with the product before use. General guidelines include: working in a fume hood or other adequately ventilated enclosure; wearing chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile), laboratory coat, and eye protection; avoiding inhalation of dust or vapors; and preventing skin and eye contact. Storage should be in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, dark location, segregated from incompatible materials and foodstuffs. Disposal must comply with local, national, and institutional regulations for halogenated hazardous waste — do not dispose of PCB-containing materials via standard laboratory waste streams without authorization. Spill response should follow SDS instructions and institutional chemical hygiene plans.

Ordering, Purity, and Quality Assurance

Aladdin Scientific supplies PCB No 149 (SKU: P115156) for research and analytical purposes. Each lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) that documents purity, identity confirmation (e.g., by GC or NMR), and lot-specific data. Researchers requiring high-purity reference material for regulatory method validation should verify that the supplied purity grade meets the requirements of their target analytical method (e.g., EPA Methods 8082, ISO standards). For pricing, availability, minimum order quantities, and export licensing requirements, contact Aladdin Scientific customer service or submit an inquiry through the product page. Given the regulated status of PCBs, procurement teams should ensure appropriate import/export permits and institutional approvals are obtained prior to ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What is the chemical structure of PCB No 149?

PCB No 149 is 2,2',3,4',5,5',6-heptachlorobiphenyl, a biphenyl molecule with seven chlorine atoms substituted at the 2, 2', 3, 4', 5, 5', and 6 positions. This substitution pattern gives it characteristic physicochemical properties including high lipophilicity and environmental persistence.

What analytical techniques are most commonly used with PCB No 149 as a reference standard?

PCB No 149 is most commonly used with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or electron capture detection (GC-ECD), which are the standard techniques for PCB congener-specific analysis in environmental matrices. High-resolution GC-MS (HRMS) is preferred for trace-level determinations in regulatory contexts.

How should PCB No 149 (SKU P115156) be stored to maintain stability?

PCB No 149 should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry location away from direct light and heat sources, following the conditions specified in the product SDS and CoA. Organic solvent solutions should be stored under inert atmosphere where possible to prevent degradation. Always verify storage conditions on the lot-specific CoA supplied with the product.

Is PCB No 149 subject to regulatory controls, and what do purchasers need to know?

Yes, PCB No 149 is a polychlorinated biphenyl regulated under frameworks such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and various national hazardous chemical regulations. Purchasers should confirm applicable import/export licensing requirements, institutional biosafety or chemical safety approvals, and proper waste disposal obligations before ordering. Aladdin Scientific customer service can provide guidance on documentation requirements.

What solvents are suitable for preparing stock solutions of PCB No 149?

PCB No 149 is readily soluble in nonpolar to moderately polar organic solvents including hexane, isooctane, dichloromethane, acetone, and toluene. Hexane and isooctane are most frequently used in environmental analysis to maintain compatibility with GC methods. Water solubility is negligible, and aqueous solutions are not recommended.

References

1. Ballschmiter K, Zell M. Analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) by glass capillary gas chromatography. Fresenius Z Anal Chem. 1980;302:20–31. [Established the PCB congener numbering system including congener 149.]
2. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. United Nations Environment Programme. [PCBs listed as Annex A POPs subject to elimination.]
3. US EPA Method 8082A: Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) by Gas Chromatography. US Environmental Protection Agency. [Standard method referencing PCB congener standards including heptachlorobiphenyls.]

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.