Photo-Oxidation of Ethylene with Hydrogen Peroxide

The oxidation behavior of ethylene as a model organic compound was investigated in a system of ultraviolet (UV) light/hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution to evaluate the usefulness of UV irradiation for the oxidation of volatile organic compounds, and to clarify the gas liquid reaction mechanism. The light induced chemical absorption of ethylene was observed. UV irradiation induced the chemical absorption of ethylene; ethylene was not oxidize directly by UV irradiation, and it did not dissolve into the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution in the absence of UV irradiation. Ethylene was converted to intermediates that dissolved in the liquid phase. Carbon dioxide evolved drastically after the disappearance of ethylene in the gas phase. The sequential changes in the concentrations of ethylene, hydrogen peroxide, and carbon dioxide were simulated successfully by assuming serial-consecutive reactions.