Photolysis of aromatic compounds in water in the presence of hydrogen peroxide

Journal Article · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1984 · Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01609707· OSTI ID:5128918

Mansour, M

The reactivity of certain aromatic compounds with OH-radicals generated in aqueous solution by photolysis of hydrogen peroxide was investigated. The effect of H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ on the oxidation of benzene was examined and the rate and product distribution were determined accurately. Decomposition rates of H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ were greater than those of benzene. The concentration of H/sup 2/O/sub 2/ altered only little during the early stages of the reaction, so it may be considered to be constant in this first phase, while the second reaction phase proceeds faster as the initial ratio of substrate to hydrogen peroxide increased. At about equal initial substrate and H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ concentrations the reaction slows progressively with time. At pH 3.9 the H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ decomposition and the oxidation of organic compounds take place quickly. At pH 2.5 the H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ reaction rate depends on the organic substrate and its behavior in aqueous solution. Increasing concentrations of oxygen accelerate the H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ breakdown in comparison with rates after flushing with nitrogen. Ultraviolet light causes changes in the chemical compounds in the presence of OH radicals and may play an important role in the disappearance of the substances in aquatic environment. Apparently, some compounds can be detoxified by hydroxylation. 15 references, 3 figures, 1 table.

• Research Organization: Gesellschaft fuer Strahlen- und Umweltforschung m.b.H. Muenchen, Neuherberg, West Germany
• OSTI ID: 5128918
• Journal Information: Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States), Journal Name: Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States) Vol. 14:1; ISSN BECTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520200* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AROMATICS
BENZENE
CHEMICAL REACTION KINETICS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DECOMPOSITION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
KINETICS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PEROXIDES
PH VALUE
RADIATIONS
REACTION KINETICS
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
VISIBLE RADIATION