The word "Aroclor" is often misspelled due to its unique spelling. The correct pronunciation is [ˈær.o.klɔːr]. The prefix "Aro-" is from "aromatic," and the suffix "-clor" is from "chlorinated." Together, they form a group of synthetic chemicals used in electrical equipment, known as polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs. The spelling "Aroclor" may seem confusing, but it's essential to know the correct spelling when referring to these toxic chemicals that have been banned in many countries due to their harmful effects on health and the environment.
Aroclor refers to a commercial brand of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a group of organic compounds containing carbon, chlorine, and hydrogen atoms. PCBs are synthetic chemicals that were widely used in various industrial applications from the 1930s until their production was banned in many countries in the 1970s and 1980s due to concerns about their persistence, toxicity, and environmental impact.
Aroclor, specifically, is a trade name of PCB mixtures manufactured by the Monsanto Company between the 1930s and 1970s. These mixtures consist of numerous congeners, which are individual chemical compounds that have different amounts of chlorine atoms and various positions of these atoms along the biphenyl structure. The different Aroclor mixtures are designated by code numbers, such as Aroclor 1016, Aroclor 1221, Aroclor 1232, and so on, indicating their specific composition.
Aroclors were commonly used as insulating fluids in electrical transformers and capacitors, as heat transfer fluids, and as lubricants in many industrial processes. However, due to their toxicity and persistence in the environment, Aroclors have been recognized as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). PCBs, including Aroclor mixtures, are known to have adverse health effects on humans and animals, such as liver damage, reproductive disorders, and potential carcinogenic effects.
The production and usage of Aroclor ceased in most countries due to their environmental and health concerns. However, their presence and legacy can still be found in older equipment and contaminated sites, requiring special attention and remediation efforts to prevent further exposure and environmental damage.
The word "Aroclor" is derived from two components: "Aro" and "chlor".
The prefix "Aro" comes from "aromatic", which refers to a class of organic compounds containing a ring structure called an aromatic ring. Aromatics are characterized by their distinct odor, and many of them have important industrial applications.
The suffix "chlor" comes from "chlorine", which is a chemical element commonly used in industrial processes. Chlorine is frequently employed in the synthesis of various compounds and is also known for its disinfecting properties.
When combined, "Aro" and "chlor" in "Aroclor" signify a group of organic compounds that are chlorinated derivatives of aromatic compounds.