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Article
Ferrocene/ferrocenium ion as a catalyst for the photodecomposition of chloroform
Chemistry and Biochemistry
  • Laura A. Peña
  • Anton J. Seidl
  • Larissa R. Cohen
  • Patrick E. Hoggard, Santa Clara University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2009
Publisher
Springer
Disciplines
Abstract

Irradiation (λ > 320 nm) of ferrocene in chloroform causes decomposition of chloroform and the accumulation of HCl, CCl3OOH, and C2Cl6. This appears to occur initially through a cycle in which (a) ferrocene is oxidized to ferrocenium and tetrachloroferrate ions, (b) FeCl4 − undergoes photodissociation, and (c) ferrocenium reoxidizes the chloroferrate(II) species. On extended photolysis, the concentrations of CCl3OOH and FeCl4 − build up and a competing cycle in which FeCl4 − is restored through oxidation of the chloroferrate(II) species by CCl3OOH accelerates the decomposition rate.

Citation Information
Laura A. Peña, Anton J. Seidl, Larissa R. Cohen, and Patrick E. Hoggard, “Ferrocene/ ferrocenium ion as a catalyst for the photodecomposition of chloroform”, Transition Metal Chem. 34, 135-141 (2009).