Chlorinated Solvents: A Forensic Evaluation: Volume 1 (Environmental Forensics) - Hardcover

Robert D Morrison

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1849731969 ISBN 13: 9781849731966

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013

Synopsis

This unique book provides the reader with a concise compilation of information regarding the use of environmental forensic techniques for age dating and identification of the source of a chlorinated solvent release.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Environmental forensics is emerging and evolving into a recognized scientific discipline with numerous applications, especially regarding chlorinated solvents. This unique book provides the reader with a concise compilation of information regarding the use of environmental forensic techniques for age dating and identification of the source of a chlorinated solvent release. Concentrating on the five commonly encountered chlorinated solvents (perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and CFC-113), forensic opportunities applicable to each are presented including the use of stabilizers, manufacturing impurities, surrogate chemicals and physical measurements and degradation products as diagnostic indicators. Detailed historical chronology of the applications of the solvents and specific chapters devoted to dry cleaning and vapor degreasing equipment are included as are generic forensic approaches.

Forming a basis for further ideas in the evolution of environmental forensic techniques, Chlorinated Solvents will be an indispensable reference tool for researchers, regulators and analysts in the field.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Chlorinated Solvents

A Forensic Evaluation

By Robert D. Morrison, Brian L. Murphy

The Royal Society of Chemistry

Copyright © 2013 Robert Morrison and Brian Murphy
All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-84973-196-6

Contents

Chapter 1 Physical and Chemical Properties of Selected Chlorinated Solvents, 
Chapter 2 Stabilizers and Impurities, 
Chapter 3 Perchloroethylene (PCE), 
Chapter 4 Trichloroethylene (TCE), 
Chapter 5 Carbon Tetrachloride, 
Chapter 6 Methyl Chloroform (1,1,1-TCA), 
Chapter 7 CFC-113, 
Chapter 8 A Forensic History of Dry Cleaning, 
Chapter 9 A Forensic History of Degreasing with Chlorinated Solvents, 
Chapter 10 Forensic Investigations of Dry Cleaners, 
Chapter 11 Releases from a Sewer Pipe, 
Chapter 12 Dendroecology, 
Chapter 13 Isotopes, 
Chapter 14 Contaminant Transport Models, 
Chapter 15 Dating Releases from Underground Storage Tanks, 
Chapter 16 Chemical Forensic Techniques, 
Appendices, 
Subject index, 

CHAPTER 1

Physical and Chemical Properties of Selected Chlorinated Solvents

1.1 Introduction

The physical and chemical properties of chlorinated solvents are well understood and documented extensively in the literature. Given their chemical and physical properties and frequency of detection, they are of special interest and use in environmental forensic investigations. While there are many chlorinated solvents encountered in forensic investigations, the focus of this chapter includes a presentation of the physical/chemical properties and degradation pathways of trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE or tetrachloroethylene), methyl chloroform [1,1,1 trichloroethane (TCA)], carbon tetrachloride (CT), and CFC-113 (trichlorotrifluoroethane, 1,1,2 trichloro-1,1,2 trifluoroethane).

Of these compounds, the nomenclature for CFC-113 (Cl2FC-CClF2) is unique. CFC compounds are encoded by four numbers: the first number refers to the number of double bonds, the second number refers to the number of carbons minus one, the third number refers to the number of hydrogen plus one, and the fourth number refers to the number of fluorine atoms. If one of the numbers equates to zero, it is not included. The letter codes a, b and c refer to isomers with progressively less evenly distributed molecular weight across the two carbon atoms (e.g., CFC-112a). The most even isomer has no letter code.

The terms methyl chloroform and 1,1,1 trichloroethane (TCA) are used interchangeably throughout these chapters to honor the original manuscripts and/or research. Methyl chloroform is the more current term.

Synonyms, including product names and in many cases, producers for the these five compounds are found in Appendix A. A knowledge of product names is of special forensic interest; for example, if the product Genklene (methyl chloroform) was used at a site, then it is known that the producer, ICI Chemicals & Polymers Limited (ICI) manufactured it from 1960 to December 31 1995, and that it was used in vapor and ultrasonic cleaning, precision cleaning, adhesive formulations and aerosol applications. If the Genklene was manufactured at the ICI Chemicals complex at Runcorn, England, the additional forensic opportunities can be explored, including stabilizer packages likely used and/or manufacturing methods and anticipated impurities unique to the Runcorn plant.

1.2 Physical and Chemical Properties

An overview of physical and chemical properties associated with the five chlorinated solvents is presented (Table 1.1). Some of the more f

Edition details

• Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1849731969
• ISBN 13: 9781849731966
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 590