Studies of the halogenation of dissolved organic material during the chlorination of saline cooling waters, the model compounds resorcinol diacetate and resorcinol dimethyl ether

Abstract

Chlorination of seawater containing resorcinol diacetate or resorcinol dimethyl ether results primarily in the formation of brominated products. At low chlorine concentrations (cf. model compound), ring substitution products dominate whilst at higher chlorine levels ring cleavage occurs and trihalomethanes are produced. Electrophilic chlorination of the model compounds in seawater therefore appears to be slower than the formation of HOBr by oxidation of naturally occurring bromide. The influence of solution acidity on the nature and extent of halogenation is described and reaction mechanisms postulated.