Mechanism and kinetics of oxidation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol by Fenton's reagent

Somnath Basu, Northeastern University
Irvine W. Wei, Northeastern University

Abstract

Fenton's reagent is an effective oxidant for pretreatment and toxicity reduction in wastewater contaminated with 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP). The reaction, and its dependence on various parameters (e.g., molar ratios of the reacting chemicals, pH, temperature, etc.) have been reported elsewhere. In this paper a mechanistic interpretation of the reaction pathway, with identity of the intermediate reaction products, has been presented. An empirical expression for the rate of reaction has also been proposed in terms of the disappearance of TCP in water, as a function of the concentrations of the TCP itself and of the oxidant, hydrogen peroxide.