Contrast the typical profiles of higher and lower molecular weight chemicals as to their physical-chemical properties and their behavior in the environment?

To contrast the typical profiles of higher and lower molecular weight chemicals, we need to understand their physical-chemical properties and their behavior in the environment.

Physical-chemical properties:
1. Size and shape: Higher molecular weight chemicals tend to have larger and more complex structures compared to lower molecular weight chemicals, which have simpler and smaller structures.
2. Solubility: Higher molecular weight chemicals are generally less soluble in water and other solvents compared to lower molecular weight chemicals.
3. Volatility: Higher molecular weight chemicals have lower volatility, meaning they are less likely to evaporate into the air compared to lower molecular weight chemicals.
4. Stability: Higher molecular weight chemicals are often more stable and resistant to degradation compared to lower molecular weight chemicals.

Behavior in the environment:
1. Transport: Higher molecular weight chemicals tend to have lower mobility in the environment due to their larger size and lower solubility in water. They are less prone to undergoing long-range atmospheric transport or leaching into groundwater compared to lower molecular weight chemicals.
2. Persistence: Higher molecular weight chemicals are generally more persistent in the environment, meaning they degrade more slowly over time. This is due to their complex structures and lower susceptibility to degradation processes.
3. Bioaccumulation: Higher molecular weight chemicals have a greater tendency to bioaccumulate in organisms as they are less easily eliminated from the body. This can lead to increased concentrations of these chemicals in the food chain.
4. Toxicity: Both higher and lower molecular weight chemicals can exhibit toxic effects, but higher molecular weight chemicals are often associated with long-term chronic effects, while lower molecular weight chemicals may be more acutely toxic.

In order to fully assess and compare the physical-chemical properties and behavior of specific chemicals, it is necessary to consult relevant scientific literature, databases, or conduct laboratory experiments. These sources will provide detailed information on the molecular weight, structure, solubility, volatility, stability, transport, persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of individual chemicals.