The formation of coplanar PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs in a fly ash model system

Coplanar PCBs a:1 well as PCDDs and PCDFs are formed from particulate organic carbon on an alumina support. The formation of all three of these compounds reaches its maximum around 350°C. The 3,4,6,7-substituted PCDD and PCDF congeners are the predominant congeners formed, indicating a side by side chlorination of the carbon, after which oxidative breakdown of the chlorinated carbon skeleton to PCDDs and PCDFs can take place.