A detailed kinetic study of the direct photooxidation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol

The direct photodegradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) by UV-vis light was studied in aqueous solution in order to analyze the mechanism of the photochemical process and to determine the kinetic parameters including the quantum yield. Based on initial rate studies at different overall volumes and illumination patterns, it was proved that the rate of the process is directly proportional to the intensity of irradiating light. A significant, but moderate acceleration of the reaction rate with increasing temperature was revealed between 5.0 and 35.0 °C, which could be interpreted readily by assuming that the excited state of TCP is involved in two competing processes. High pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry provided us information on the nature of the intermediates and the products formed. 2,6-Dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone, 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone and 2,6-dihclorohydroxyquinone were detected as products and/or intermediates, and there were also hints of the formation of 3,5-dichlorobenzene-1,2-diol and 3,5-dichloro-1,2-benzoquinone. A possible degradation mechanism is proposed to interpret the kinetic findings.