Nitric Acid Oxidation of the Organic Matter of a Podzol

Abstract

AbstractThe organic matter of the A0 and Bh horizons of a podzol has been oxidized with 1:1 nitric acid. About 60% of the organic matter of both materials was converted to CO2. In the oxidation product of the A0 material, succinic, glutaric, adipic, benzene tetra‐ and penta‐carboxylic and picric acids were identified. The oxidation product of the Bh material contained benzene tetra‐ and penta‐carboxylic and picric acids but no aliphatic carboxylic acids. The acids identified represented about 5% of the original organic matter of both materials. The results suggest that the organic matter of the Bh contained more aromatic structures than that of the A0 horizon. The possible significance of the acids identified with regard to the chemical structure of the organic matter preparations from both horizons is discussed.