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. Thereaction is of first oder 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.