Effects of iron, copper, and chromate ions on the oxidative degradation of cellulose model compounds

Abstract

Iron(II) and iron(III) ions promote the degradation of the cellulose model 1,5-anhydrocellobiitol by oxygen or hydrogen peroxide; copper and chromate ions have marked and different effects on the iron catalysis. With starch, iron promotes the hydrogen peroxide-induced reaction and copper and chromate ions further enhance the reaction rate. The tensile strength of paper board is reduced by the action of hydrogen peroxide and iron(II) salts, and mixtures of copper, chromate, and arsenate salts (CCA, a timber preservative) also promote degradation in the presence or absence of iron ions. The oxidation of 1,5-anhydrocellobiitol by oxygen in the presence of iron ions is strongly inhibited by CCA and by cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, and is accelerated by phenols and related compounds.