Brominated diphenylethers

(Poly)brominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) are a group of closely related substances with similar properties that are used as mixtures in industrial applications. Three main types can be distinguished, depending on how many atoms of bromine are present in each molecule: penta- (5 bromine atoms), octa- (8 bromine) and deca- (10 bromine). There are a total of 209 individual chemicals ('congeners') within the family of PBDEs.Pentabromdiphenylether (PeBDE) is itself a mixture of related substances, some of which contain four or six atoms of bromine per molecule. The commercial grade is found as a dense amber thick oily liquid or semi-solid that decomposes when heated above 200 0C. It is completely non-flammable and is indeed used as a flame retardant. It is insoluble in water but mixes with paraffin oil and other organic solvents. It is almost completely non volatile.