Pentachlorophenol PCP assay

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is an organochlorine compound formerly used as a biocide, fungicide, and wood preservative . Its effectiveness against fungi and insects made it a common additive in paints, textiles, adhesives, paper, and packaging materials.
However, due to its high toxicity , environmental persistence , and bioaccumulative potential , PCP is now strictly regulated prohibited or restricted substances under the REACH and Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 , as well as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) .

PCP testing is essential to verify the conformity of finished products, recycled materials and imported articles that may contain it.

Principle and operation of the method

Pentachlorophenol analysis is performed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or, in some cases, by LC-MS/MS .
Before analysis, an extraction and derivatization is implemented to isolate PCP from solid or liquid matrices and to optimize the detection of the chlorinated compound.

The GC-MS method is based on:

• Chromatographic separation of volatile organochlorine compounds using a capillary column,
• followed by specific identification via the characteristic mass spectrum of PCP (m/z 266, 264, 300).

This technique makes it possible to obtain a very low detection limit (on the order of µg/kg) and excellent reproducibility, suitable for strict regulatory controls.

Analytical performance and related analyses

PCP analyses can be performed on various matrices: treated wood, textiles, paper, polymers, packaging, paints, adhesives, or resins .
For comprehensive verification of the chemical conformity of materials, PCP analysis can be combined with other services from the YesWeLab catalog, such as:

• phthalate dosage ,
• the dosage of bisphenol A ,
• the measurement of perfluorinated substances (PFAS) ,
• or the dosage of formaldehyde ,
  all subject to similar restrictions in consumer products and packaging.

These additional analyses ensure a thorough assessment of chemical risks and regulatory compliance of materials and finished products.

Applications and areas of use

PCP measurement is required in several industrial contexts:

• Packaging and food contact materials (FCM) : verification of the absence of PCP residues in recycled paper, cardboard or polymers.
• Materials and polymers : control of surface treatments or additives used in technical plastics and resins.
• Textiles and leather : screening for PCP in clothing, accessories or imported articles subject to REACH regulations.
• Environment : assessment of soil, water or sludge contamination from former industrial facilities or treated wood.

This analysis is an essential element of regulatory compliance and chemical safety plans for products placed on the European market.

The advantages of the YesWeLab service

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited laboratories , experts in chromatographic analysis of organochlorine compounds. Each sample is entrusted to a laboratory selected according to the matrix, the method, and the applicable regulatory thresholds.

Thanks to its digital platform , YesWeLab centralizes your analytical needs, simplifies sample submission, and guarantees smooth and rapid results tracking . Since 2020, numerous manufacturers and distributors have trusted YesWeLab for their regulatory and environmental compliance checks.

For any specific request regarding the dosage of pentachlorophenol, contact our scientific team for personalized support.