Photocatalytic oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde by molecular oxygen
- Ames LAb., IA (United States)
The visible light irradiation of aqueous solutions containing toluene, uranyl(VI) ions, and O{sub 2} results in the formation of benzaldehyde as a major product. Small amounts of PhCH{sub 2}OH are also formed. The yields of benzaldehyde are 3 times greater for toluene-h{sub 8} than for toluene-d{sub 8}, but the kinetic isotope effect for the quenching of the excited state {sup *}UO{sub 2}{sup 2+} by toluene is negligible (k{sub toluene-h(8)}/k{sub toluene-d(8)}=1.2). This and other evidence indicate that the quenching takes place in two parallel pathways. The major one involves the aromatic portion of tolune and leads to the recovery of the reactants. The minor, productive path takes place by hydrogen atom abstraction from the methyl group, followed by the oxidation of PhCH{sub 2}{sup {center_dot}}. Cumene, benzyl alcohol, and benzaldehyde react similarly. 31 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-82
- OSTI ID:
- 226751
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Physical Chemistry, Journal Name: Journal of Physical Chemistry Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 100; ISSN JPCHAX; ISSN 0022-3654
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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