Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Dryer Lint. An Advanced Laboratory Analysis

Robert Q. Thompson
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074
J. Chem. Educ., 2008, 85 (10), p 1419
DOI: 10.1021/ed085p1419
Publication Date (Web): October 1, 2008
History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

An advanced analytical chemistry laboratory experiment is described that involves environmental analysis and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Students analyze lint from clothes dryers for traces of flame retardant chemicals, polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), compounds receiving much attention recently. In a typical experiment, ng/g levels of three PBDE congeners (#47, #99, and #100) were found in the dryer lint through use of several mass spectral modes: negative chemical ionization–selected ion monitoring (MS–NCI–SIM) and tandem mass spectrometry with electron ionization and selected reaction monitoring (MS–EI–SRM). Students gain experience in Soxhlet extraction, mass spectrometry, and isotope dilution analysis as they explore their own local environments.

Keywords (Audience):

Upper-Division Undergraduate

Keywords (Domain):

Analytical Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Collaborative / Cooperative Learning

Keywords (Subject):

Chromatography
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  • Received: August 03, 2009

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