Theoretical analysis of sonochemical degradation of phenol and its chloro-derivatives

Phenol and its chloro-derivatives contribute significantly to environmental pollution hazards due to their high degree of toxicity as well as improper disposal methods. Cavitation can be used successfully for degradation of phenolic compounds and the rates of degradation are dependent on the type of the primary pollutant in the system. In the present work, a theoretical explanation has been provided to explain the observed degradation trends of phenol and chlorophenols on the basis of concentration of the pollutant at the cavitation bubble/solution interface. Chemical stability of these compounds towards radical attack in the liquid phase has been discussed. It has been observed that chloro-derivates degrade much faster as compared to the parent compound due to higher hydrophobicity of chloro-derivates.