Laboratory determination of nonylphenols (CAS: 84852-15-3)

First of all, nonylphenols (C15H24O) are synthetic organic compounds belonging to the alkylphenol family. The name nonylphenol generically groups different forms in which they are found; 2-, 3- or 4-nonylphenols. Nonylphenols are widely used precursors of polyethoxylated nonylphenols (NPEs).

Moreover, nonylphenols are theoretically biodegradable but toxic, bioaccumulative and relatively persistent. Indeed, they are completely degraded only after several weeks, even more according to the temperature, the acidity, the luminosity and the environment in which they are, which allows the contamination of the environment and certain organisms. As they degrade, they release into the environment the nonylphenol that was used to manufacture them, and the organisms that degrade them produce metabolites that are more toxic than the NPEs.

Therefore, the dosage of nonylphenols is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the processes that involve it, but also to prevent any problems associated with its toxicity.