Technical 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) consists largely of three diastereomers (α-, β-, and γ-HBCD) produced by the trans addition of bromine to cis,trans,trans-cyclododeca-1,5,9-triene (CDT). However, another seven diastereomers are theoretically possible and may be produced by trans addition of bromine across the double bonds of the other three isomers of 1,5,9-CDT. There are indications that small amounts of the minor HBCD isomers may be present in commercial HBCD mixtures or in products containing this brominated flame retardant (BFR). Such minor components may indeed derive from traces of other 1,5,9-CDTs in the cis, trans, trans starting material, however their formation may also be possible through isomerizations during the processing of this BFR or by bioisomerization subsequent to its release into the environment. Two of the seven additional diastereomers (δ- and ε-HBCD) were synthesized previously from trans,trans,trans-CDT. We now report the preparation of the remaining five diastereomers, ζ-, η-, and θ-HBCD from cis,cis,trans-CDT and ι- and κ-HBCD from cis,cis,cis-CDT, and their characterization by 1H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The availability of these further diastereomers of HBCD should aid in determining if the minor isomers are present in commercial samples of this BFR, in products containing HBCDs, or in environmental samples. We have also carried out an X-ray crystal structure determination on ε-HBCD, so that crystal structures are now available for all 10 HBCD diastereomers.
Photodegradation of the „novel“ brominated flame retardant tris-(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-s-triazine
(2016)
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) comprise a class of structurally diverse compounds that are functionally related and used in materials to reduce the flammability of polymers. Due to their global distribution, potential persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity most of the BFRs of the first Generation are banned or restricted, and replaced by new ones. However, based on similar properties these new compounds may also pose a serious risk by causing adverse effects to human health and the environment.
These alternative BFRs were grouped into two classes: „novel” and „emerging” BFRs. Emerging BFRs are defined as compounds that have been identified in any environmental compartments whereas novel BFRs are only detected in materials and/or goods above 0.1 wt.-%.
The environmental fate of these alternative BFRs is partially unknown. Over the past years a multitude of studies on the photodegradation of BFRs in environmental matrices have been conducted to assess the photochemical behavior and fate in the environment. The photolytic debromination reaction is particularly induced among BFRs by UV exposure.
The novel brominated triazine-based flame retardant tris-(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-s-triazine (TTBPTAZ) (Table 1) is a BFR that is mainly used in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and high impact polystyrene.
Ballesteros-Gómez et al. detected TTBP-TAZ in 8 of 13 plastic parts of consumer products and in 9 of 17 indoor dust samples but the photochemical behavior and fate is not known until now.
The results of the present study, focused on photodegradation processes were performed for the first time for TTBP-TAZ to identify the photolysis intermediates and products to assess the environmental fate.