Air oxidation of organic compounds in aqueous solutions. Ecochemical and analytical aspects

Abstract

The results of static and dynamic laboratory experiments confirm the oxidation of organic compounds in aquatic medium by dissolved oxygen of atmospheric air to be possible under conditions close to normal. Alkylaromatics containing hydrogen atoms in alkyl substituents in α-positions to the aromatic system, as well as simple ethers, are characterised by the highest chemical reactivity in relation to triplet (3Σg−) which is consistent with the pattern of free-radical reactions. Principal environmental and analytical consequences of the obtained results are under discussion. Liquid-phase free-radical reactions of atmospheric oxygen may proceed with the participation of atmospheric aerosols, i.e water droplets within clouds. Another example relates to the prevention of accumulation in natural bodies of water stable nonylphenol (predominantly 4-tert-isomers), characterized by endocrine activity. Suggested the possibility of replacing them with secondary alkylphenols, identical in all chemical properties except for the ease of oxidation by air oxygen in aqueous solutions