Degradation of phenol and salicylic acid by ultraviolet radiation/hydrogen peroxide/oxygen

Based on the oxidation reactions of u.v. radiation/hydrogen peroxide/oxygen with either phenol or salicylic acid a spectra library was established. The reaction products contain hydroxylated phenols, benzoquinone and aliphatic acids with up to six carbon atoms. Many of the substances have been identified by means of chromatography and spectra comparison. From the observed concentrations of the substances and the known reaction mechanisms the following course of reaction has been postulated. The first reaction step is the hydroxylation of the aromatic ring. Further oxidation occurs via abstraction of a hydrogen atom to form 1,2-benzoquinone which is cleaved to form muconic acid. The cleavage of the muconic acid by u.v. radiation/hydrogen peroxide/oxygen leads to maleic acid, fumaric acid and oxalic acid. The degradation of oxalic acid leads to formic acid and finally to carbon dioxide. The hydroxylation of the double bond of the maleic or fumaric acid and the abstraction of a hydrogen atom produces malic acid. The reactions can be seen as essential step in the photochemical transformation of refractory substances into biodegradable ones.