2,2',3,4',5',6-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 151): Key Facts & FAQs

2,2',3,4',5',6-Hexachlorobiphenyl is a six-chlorine polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener, designated PCB 151, widely used as an analytical reference standard in environmental monitoring, toxicological research, and method validation studies.

IUPAC Name

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

PCB Congener Number

PCB 151

Molecular Formula

C₁₂H₄Cl₆

Molecular Weight

360.87 g/mol

SKU

H1539775

Alternate Reference Code

PT71049U (谱同生物)

Primary Application

Analytical reference standard for environmental and toxicological studies

What Is 2,2',3,4',5',6-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 151)?

2,2',3,4',5',6-Hexachlorobiphenyl, commonly identified as PCB 151, is a member of the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of compounds. PCBs are a group of synthetic organic chemicals consisting of a biphenyl backbone substituted with one to ten chlorine atoms. PCB 151 carries six chlorine substituents positioned at the 2, 2', 3, 4', 5', and 6 carbon positions of the biphenyl ring system, giving it a molecular formula of C₁₂H₄Cl₆ and a molecular weight of approximately 360.87 g/mol.

As a higher-chlorinated congener, PCB 151 is characterised by high lipophilicity and environmental persistence. It is classified as a persistent organic pollutant (POP) under international frameworks. In a research context, it is employed primarily as a certified or neat analytical reference standard for the quantification and identification of PCB congeners in complex environmental matrices such as sediment, biota, and human tissue samples.

Chemical Properties and Structural Characteristics

PCB 151 belongs to the hexachlorobiphenyl subclass, which encompasses all PCB congeners bearing exactly six chlorine atoms. Key physicochemical properties relevant to laboratory handling include:

• Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₄Cl₆
• Molecular Weight: ~360.87 g/mol
• Chlorine Substitution Pattern: 2,2',3,4',5',6-positions
• Lipophilicity: High (log K_ow values for hexachlorobiphenyls are generally reported in the range of 6–7; specific value for PCB 151 should be confirmed against a primary reference)
• Vapour Pressure: Low; consistent with semi-volatile behaviour
• Water Solubility: Very low; PCB 151 is essentially hydrophobic

The specific chlorination pattern at the ortho positions (2, 2', 6) introduces steric hindrance that influences the dihedral angle between the two phenyl rings, which in turn affects the compound's physicochemical behaviour and biological interactions compared to non-ortho substituted congeners.

Storage, Handling, and Safety Considerations

As a PCB compound, 2,2',3,4',5',6-Hexachlorobiphenyl is subject to strict regulatory controls in many jurisdictions and requires careful handling in compliance with applicable environmental health and safety regulations. Researchers should observe the following general guidelines:

• Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat, ignition sources, and incompatible materials. Low-temperature storage (e.g., 2–8 °C or as specified on the product Certificate of Analysis) in a dedicated chemical storage area is recommended. Specific storage conditions should always be confirmed from the product CoA supplied with SKU H1539775.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Appropriate gloves (chemically resistant), lab coat, and eye protection should be worn at all times when handling this compound.
• Waste Disposal: Dispose of all waste in accordance with local, national, and international regulations governing PCB-containing materials. PCBs are regulated as hazardous waste in most jurisdictions.
• Regulatory Status: PCBs are regulated under frameworks such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations in their jurisdiction.

Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Aladdin Scientific for SKU H1539775 for complete hazard, first-aid, and disposal information prior to use.

Typical Applications in Research

2,2',3,4',5',6-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 151) is used across a range of research and analytical disciplines:

• Environmental Monitoring: As a reference standard for the quantification of PCB 151 in environmental samples including soil, sediment, water, and biological tissues using gas chromatography (GC) coupled with electron-capture detection (ECD) or mass spectrometry (MS).
• Method Validation and Quality Control: Used to validate analytical methods, prepare calibration standards, and assess laboratory performance in proficiency testing schemes focused on persistent organic pollutants.
• Toxicological Research: Employed in in vitro and in vivo studies examining the toxicological mechanisms of PCB congeners, including endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity.
• Fate and Transport Studies: Used to investigate the environmental fate, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification behaviour of higher-chlorinated PCB congeners in food webs and ecosystems.

For any application, researchers should verify that the purity grade of SKU H1539775 meets the requirements of their specific assay or regulatory method.

Ordering and Product Information

2,2',3,4',5',6-Hexachlorobiphenyl is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU H1539775. This product is also cross-referenced to alternate supplier code PT71049U (谱同生物). When placing an order or making enquiries, please quote the SKU H1539775 to ensure accurate fulfilment.

For questions regarding current pricing, available pack sizes, lead times, bulk quantities, or Certificate of Analysis documentation, please contact Aladdin Scientific customer service or visit the product page directly. Procurement teams requiring Safety Data Sheets (SDS), export documentation, or regulatory compliance information should also reach out to customer service.

Note: PCB standards may be subject to import/export restrictions in certain countries. Buyers are responsible for verifying and complying with all applicable regulations prior to purchase.

Frequently asked questions

What is the PCB congener number for 2,2',3,4',5',6-Hexachlorobiphenyl?

2,2',3,4',5',6-Hexachlorobiphenyl is designated PCB 151 in the Ballschmiter and Zell numbering system, which is the internationally accepted system for identifying individual PCB congeners. This designation reflects its specific chlorination pattern across the biphenyl ring system.

What analytical techniques are typically used to analyse PCB 151 in environmental samples?

PCB 151 is most commonly quantified using gas chromatography coupled with electron-capture detection (GC-ECD) or gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), including high-resolution GC-MS (HRGC-HRMS) for ultra-trace level determinations. These methods require validated reference standards such as SKU H1539775 for accurate calibration and confirmation.

How should SKU H1539775 be stored to maintain its integrity?

General guidance for PCB reference standards recommends storage in tightly sealed containers at low temperatures (typically 2–8 °C or below), away from light, heat, and incompatible materials. However, specific storage conditions for H1539775 should always be confirmed from the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) accompanying the product, as Aladdin Scientific's CoA provides the authoritative storage instructions for each lot.

Is 2,2',3,4',5',6-Hexachlorobiphenyl regulated as a hazardous substance?

Yes. As a PCB compound, PCB 151 is classified as a persistent organic pollutant (POP) and is subject to regulation under international agreements such as the Stockholm Convention, as well as national environmental and occupational health legislation in most countries. Researchers must consult the product SDS and comply with all applicable local, national, and international regulations when purchasing, handling, using, and disposing of this compound.

What is the alternate supplier reference code for H1539775?

The product listed under Aladdin Scientific SKU H1539775 is cross-referenced to the code PT71049U from 谱同生物 (Putong Biotechnology). When sourcing or cross-referencing this compound across suppliers, both codes may be used to confirm product identity.

References

1. Ballschmiter K, Zell M. Analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) by glass capillary gas chromatography. Fresenius Z Anal Chem. 1980;302:20–31. [Establishes the IUPAC/Ballschmiter-Zell numbering system for PCB congeners including PCB 151]
2. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). [Regulatory framework governing PCBs as POPs]
3. Aladdin Scientific. Product information for 2,2',3,4',5',6-Hexachlorobiphenyl, SKU H1539775. [Internal product datasheet and Certificate of Analysis]

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