Chromatographic Methods for the Analysis of Hexachlorobenzene and Possible Metabolites in Monkey Fecal Samples

Abstract

The separation and identification of hexachlorobenzene (HCB), pentachlorobenzene (QCB), and pentachlorophenol (PCP) by thin layer, high-pressure liquid, and gas chromatography are reported. Satisfactory results were obtained with reverse phase thin layer and highpressure liquid chromatography. The 2 gas chromatographic columns tested gave adequate separation of HCB and QCB. A PCP methylation process using dimethyl sulfate was attempted. Procedures are presented for extraction, cleanup, separation, and identification of HCB and possible metabolites from feces of a rhesus monkey treated with ¹⁴C-HCB. Recovery of radioactivity in excess of 96% was attained in extracts from feces by these methods. Preliminary evidence suggests the formation of PCP and possibly other polar metabolites from HCB in the rhesus monkey.