What is the structure of Polychlorinated Biphenyls?

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Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have no single main structure due to the existence of 209 congeners, which vary based on chlorine substitution patterns. The structures can include mono-, di-, tri-, and up to decachlorobiphenyls, with multiple positions for chlorine substitution on the biphenyl framework. Environmental effects of PCBs include bioaccumulation in fatty tissues and potential health impacts, such as increased liver tumors in rats, although the exact cause remains unclear. The discussion highlights the complexity of PCB structures and their varied environmental consequences. Understanding these structures is crucial for assessing their ecological and health impacts.
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does that have a specific structure ?

cause i saw like at least 2 different structure anyone help? =/
 
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There are tons of possible structures!
 
There are 209 congeners, 210 if you include biphenyl, 206 if you are a purist and exclude mono-substitution from the "poly-" prefix.
 
so there are many, is there like a "main" one?

like the one from http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HEC/CSEM/pcb/fig1.JPG

would that be the main ? or general one?

any effect on the environments? beside the poison in fishes..=/ that i know
 
No "main" one. You see ten possible positions at which Cl can be substituted for H; mono-, di-, tri-, ... , decachlorobiphenyl are all included in the term "polychlorobiphenyl." There are three monochloros, ortho-, meta-, and para-, or 2-, 3-, 4-, doesn't matter which phenyl group, since they are equivalent. Dichloro? 2,3-, 2,4-, 2,5-, 2,6-, 2,2'-, 2,3'-, 2,4'-, 3,3'-, 3,4'-, 4,4'-, where unprimed indicates one phenyl group, and the prime indicates substitution on the second phenyl group. The rest of the patterns "are left to the reader as an exercise."

Environmental effects? Rats on PCBs (by gavage) lived on an average 6 mos. longer than control animals; there was an increased incidence of liver tumors observed, but it was not clear whether this was caused by the physical abuse associated with gavage feeding, or the activity of PCBs on rat metabolism.

There is a bioaccumulation observed in fatty tissues as you move up the foodchain.
 
thank you bystander :D
 
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