Photomineralization of the herbicide mecoprop dissolved in water sensitized by TiO2

Mecoprop ((RS)-2-(4-chloro-o-tolyloxy)propionic acid), C10H11ClO3 is extensively used as herbicide and the resulting water contamination is a potential health hazard. The photocatalytic decomposition of this herbicide in aqueous suspensions containing TiO2 results in a complete mineralization. The intermediates formed during the photomineralization and the reaction pathways were analyzed by recording proton NMR spectra. The rate of mecoprop decomposition was also followed by potentiometric titration of the chloride released.