Comparison of methods for ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate acid ester oxidation in water medium

Abstract

The aim of the studies was to compare an impact of oxidizing agents on degradation of ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate acid (EHMC). The oxidation reaction was carried out in the presence of sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide and ozone with/without UV radiation. EHMC degradation and the analysis of products were performed using gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometry detector. The most effective method of EHMC degradation turned out to be ozonation with participation of UV radiation. In this system, degradation proceeded most quickly and generated a small amount of by-products (2-propyl-1-pentanol; 4-metoxybenzaldehyde and Z-EHMC). Under the influence of sodium hypochlorite, numerous chloroorganic products were formed, which can cause secondary contamination of water. Application of appropriate oxidation processes can contribute to degradation of micropollutants and thus to improvement of water quality.