Phenol transformation induced by UVA photolysis of the complex FeCl2+

Abstract

Here we show that the photolysis of FeCl2+ upon UV irradiation of Fe(III) at pH 0.5, yielding Cl• and then Cl 2 −• , upon further reaction with Cl−, induces phenol degradation. The photolysis of FeCl2+ can be highlighted and studied as the huge interference by FeOH2+ can be avoided under such conditions. Our data allowed the assessment of a photolysis quantum yield for FeCl2+ of 5.8 × 10−4 under UVA irradiation, much lower compared to the literature value of 0.5. The discrepancy can be explained if the photolysis process is efficient but photoformed Fe2+ and Cl• undergo recombination inside the solvent cage.