6PPD-Quinone

6PPD-quinone made a major impact in the world of environmental analysis in 2021 when it was identified as the primary cause of death to Coho salmon in the Pacific Northwestern United States. 6PPD-quinone is an oxidative by-product of antioxidant/antidegradant 6PPD (N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-1,4-benzenediamine) which is used in rubber, specifically in automobile tires. When exposed to ozone, 6PPD reacts to form the quinone product, preventing further reaction with the tire rubber. This process puts the 6PPD-quinone at the surface layer of tires, allowing the compound to be distributed into the environment during routine tire wear. It then collects in streams and rivers, putting the aquatic ecosystem at risk for contamination and adverse effects. Since the 2021 publication, a large number of studies have been conducted to learn more about 6PPD-quinone and other tire wear compounds To support the needed development of analytical methods, CIL prepared a ¹³C₆- labeled standard for use as a surrogate standard. Following the successful use of this standard, CIL further developed an alternate labeled ¹³C₁₂-labeled standard, an unlabeled standard, and most recently a phenyl-D₅ labeled standard.

The US EPA has initiated several activities to better understand issues around 6PPD-quinone, including its fate and transport, ecotoxicity, and management solutions to mitigate stormwater contamination.¹ The EPA has also been supplying funding for other resources needed to progress understanding of this issue, including development of a 1600 series analytical method under the Clean Water Act. This procedure will allow researchers to detect and quantify 6PPD-quinone in surface waters and stormwater, using stable isotope-labeled standards in an isotope dilution method.

CIL offers the following standards for your 6PPD-quinone analysis.