Catalytic oxidation of phenol with hydrogen peroxide

The influence of the catalyst used on the oxidation of an aqueous solution of phenol with hydrogen peroxide was investigated. For catalysts based on f errous sulfate, ferric hydroxide and active carbon, the influence of stoich iometric excess of hydrogen peroxide and of the amount of the catalyst on t he rate of oxidation was studied. The experiments were carried out at atmos pheric pressure at 30-80 degrees C in a thermostated glass flask. Phenol an d its oxidation products were determined by HPLC analysis: in selected samp les the determination of the chemical oxygen consumption was performed by t he dichromate method. Fe(II) ions seem to be the most active catalyst, foll owed by the Fe(OH)(3) slurries. In addition to oxidation, phenol was also a dsorbed on active carbon.