Catalyzed dehalogenation of Delor 103 by sodium hydridoaluminate

The complete dechlorination of PCB liquid Delor 103 (42.6% Cl) to biphenyl has been effected in toluene with sodium dihydridobis(2-methoxyethoxo)aluminate (SDMA) in the presence of catalytic amounts of Ni(II) and Co(II) 2,4-pentanedionates at elevated temperatures. Changes in PCB congeners distribution during dechlorination were monitored by GC(ECD) and GC/MS, and the scheme of their transformation was proposed on the basis of site selectivity observed. A kinetic analysis of the reaction is presented.