Iron(III) promoted degradation of 2,6-dimethylphenol in aqueous solution.

The redox process that occurs between 2,6-dimethylphenol (DMP) and iron(III) in aqueous solution was investigated The reaction requires an excess in Fe(OH)(2+), the iron(III) monomeric species present in the solution. The ratio [Fe(OH)(2+)]/[DMP] has to be higher than 1.5 approximately. The reaction is of first order with respect to DMP. The major product is 3,3',5,5'-tetramethyldiphenoquinone together with DMP dimer and 2,6-dimethylbenzoquinone. The formation of the identified products represents 80 to 85% of DMP disappearance. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.