Analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) by glass capillary gas chromatography

The composition of seven technical PCB-mixtures (Aroclor [Monsanto, USA] und Clophen A [Bayer, FRG]) has been investigated by high-resolution thin-film glass capillary gas chromatography with electron-capture detector. Methylpolysiloxane (SE 30) and purified Apiezon L have been used as liquid phases. Identification of the single PCB components has been performed by comparison of their retention indices with those of polychlorinated biphenyls defined by synthesis or with values calculated from retention index increments. For marking the individual PCB compounds a systematic numbering has been used.