Reaction of sulfate and phosphate radicals with alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluorotoluene

The aqueous phase reactions of alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluorotoluene (TFT) wit h sulfate and phosphate radicals have been investigated by conventional fla sh-photolysis. The bimolecular rate constants obtained for the reactions of SO4.-, H2PO4., HPO4.- and PO4. 2- with TFT are (2 +/- 1) x 10(7), (3.5 +/- 0.5) x 10(7), (2.7 +/- 0.5) x 10(6) and (9 +/- 1) x 10(5) M-1 s(-1), respe ctively. The organic radicals produced from these reactions exhibit a commo n absorption peak at 290-300 nm. Additionally, the transients generated fro m sulfate radicals show a shoulder at 360-370 nm and those generated from p hosphate radicals a less intense maximum at 400 nm. Based on the experiment al results, the nature of the organic radicals is discussed. Additional inf ormation on the hydroxycyclohexadienyl radicals of TFT is obtained from ind ependent experiments with hydrogen peroxide solutions containing TFT.