Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Free Radical Chemistry of Disinfection Byproducts 2: Rate Constants and Degradation Mechanism of Trichloronitromethane (Chloropicrin)

Journal Article · · Environmental Science and Technology
OSTI ID:912432
Absolute rate constants for the free-radical-induced degradation of trichloronitromethane (TCNM, chloropicrin) were determined using electron pulse radiolysis and transient absorption spectroscopy. Rate constants for hydroxyl radical, OH, and hydrated electron, eaq-, reactions were (4.97 ± 0.28) × 107 M-1 s-1 and (2.13 ± 0.03) × 1010 M-1 s-1, respectively. It appears that the OH adds to the nitro-group, while the eaq- reacts via dissociative electron attachment to give two carbon centered radicals. The mechanisms of these free radical reactions with TCNM were investigated, using 60Co gamma irradiation at various absorbed doses, measuring the disappearance of TCNM and the appearance of the product nitrate and chloride ions. The rate constants and mechanistic data were combined in a kinetic computer model that was used to describe the major free radical pathways for the destruction of TCNM in solution. These data are applicable to other advanced oxidation/reduction processes.
Research Organization:
Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE - NE
DOE Contract Number:
AC07-99ID13727
OSTI ID:
912432
Report Number(s):
INL/JOU-05-00866
Journal Information:
Environmental Science and Technology, Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 41; ISSN ESTHAG; ISSN 0013-936X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English