Methodology for studying oxidation of organic species in solution

A photoreactor was developed to study products of photochemical oxidation i n a wide range of organic compounds. Analysis of the products from the reac tor were used to determine the extent of mineralization of the organic mate rial, to characterize any intermediate compounds formed, and to obtain info rmation on the decomposition mechanism. Appropriate methods for separation and characterization include LC, UV spectrophotometry, gas chromatography/m ass spectrometry, total organic carbon, and total inorganic carbon. The use s of the reactor are described for the photocatalytic decomposition of phen ol and of its major decomposition intermediates 1,2- and 1,4-dihydroxybenze ne.