Anthracene Oxidation in an Aqueous Sodium Hypochlorite Solution

Li-Man Qie, Xian-Yong Wei, Jin

Abstract

Anthracene was used as a model compound for condensed aromatics in coals and liquid fuels. Its oxidation in aqueous sodium hypochlorite solution at 30°C, 40°C and 50°C was investigated, respectively. The results from gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry analysis show that anthracene can be converted to 22 products completely within 48 h. Non-chloro-substituted compounds are the main products and their total yield is much higher than that of chloro-substituted compounds, especially in the reaction for 96 h. Anthraquinone is the most abundant product and its yield reached maximum in the oxidation for 96 h at 40°C. The mechanisms for anthracene oxidation and chlorination are discussed.

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