Distribution and metabolism of 2,4-dichlorophenol in rats

The metabolism and distribution of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) were studied in the rat after intravenous administration of 10 mg/kg. 2,4-DCP was determined by gas chromatography with an electron-capture detector. The highest concentration of 2,4-DCP was found in kidney, followed by liver, fat, and brain. 2,4-DCP is metabolized to glucuronide and other conjugates. The parent compound and its conjugates were rapidly eliminated from the body. The half-lives of 2,4-DCP and its conjugates in plasma, fat, brain, liver, and kidney ranged from 4 to 30 min. The volume of distribution of 2,4-DCP in plasma was 3.7 l/kg. Tissue/plasma ratios indicated that 2,4-DCP has a greater affinity for kidney.