Related Experiment Videos
Contaminants of dinitrochlorobenzene
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|October 1, 1983
Summary
Commercial 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) contains mutagenic nitrochlorobenzene and other impurities. These contaminants raise concerns about the safety and clinical use of DNCB in treating various medical conditions.
Area of Science:
- Chemical analysis
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
Background:
- 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) is utilized in treating alopecia areata, recalcitrant verrucae, and assessing immunocompromised patients.
- A pharmaceutical-grade DNCB is currently unavailable for clinical applications.
- Previous studies using positive ion detection gas chromatography-mass spectrometry found no nitrochlorobenzene contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of volatile impurities, specifically nitrochlorobenzene, in commercially available DNCB.
- To assess potential manufacturing residues in DNCB intended for clinical use.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of six commercial DNCB sources using negative ion detection gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
- Negative ion detection was employed to enhance sensitivity for nitrochlorobenzene detection.
Main Results:
- All examined commercial DNCB sources contained impurities, including nitrochlorobenzene, dinitrobenzene, nitrodichlorobenzene, and other isomers.
- Nitrochlorobenzene, a known mutagen and carcinogen, was identified as a common contaminant.
Conclusions:
- The presence of hazardous impurities like nitrochlorobenzene in commercial DNCB compromises its safety for clinical use.
- The findings question the continued application of DNCB in dermatology and immunocompromised patient evaluation due to contamination risks.