OXIDATION OF CHLOROBENZENE IN AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS BY THE ACTION OF IRRADIATION

The radiolytic oxidation of chlorobenzene in aqueous solutions was studied in vacuum and on continuous passage of oxygen. Under vacuum conditions analysis of the gaseous products showed the presence of oxygen and the complete absence of hydrogen. It was found that in addition to phenol and the isomers of chlorophenol non-phenolic types of compounds representing hydrogenated derivatives of diphenyl are formed. The presence of molecular oxygen leads to a threefold increase in the yield of phenols at the expense of the hydrogenated condensation products. An important part in this process was shown to be played by the radiation hydrolysis of chlorobenzene. On the basis of the data obtained the mechanism of hydroxylation of chlorobenzene was investigated. (auth)