Porphyrin-catalyzed degradation of chlorinated phenols and nitro-substituted toluenes

Abstract Porphyrin-metal complexes have been used to catalyze the reduction of nitro-substituted toluenes to the corresponding amines as a preparatory step to enhance biodegradability. Dithiothreitol was used as a reducing agent. Complete conversion of 2-nitro-, 4-nitro- and 2,4-dinitrotoluene was observed with transient accumulation of nitroso intermediates. 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol has been shown to be oxidized by t -butyl hydroperoxide in a reaction catalyzed by an iron-centered porphyrin. All organic chlorine was converted to chloride ion.