The complete dechlorination of DDT by magnesium/palladium bimetallic particles

The complete dechlorination of 1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethan e (DDT) by a magnesium/palladium bimetallic system has been accomplished. T he reaction takes place under ambient temperature and pressure and mild rea ction conditions requiring only 0.25 g of magnesium and 0.3% palladium (wt/ wt) to drive the dechlorination of 100 mug DDT (50 ppm in 2 mi). The proces s is both rapid and complete requiring less than 10 min to attain total dec hlorination within the detection limit (similar to 10 pg for DDT) of electr on capture detection gas chromatography (GC-ECD). The major product formed, as deduced from mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is the hydrocarbon skeleton, 1,1 -diphenylethane. This technology may allow for the development of an econom ic and environmentally benign method of DDT remediation. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.