Reaction of Dihydroxymethyl Radical with Molecular Oxygen in Aqueous Solution

Abstract

Dihydroxymethyl radical (1) was found to react with oxygen diffusion controlled (k = 4.5 X 109 M-1s-1). The final products of the reaction are formic acid and 1/2 hydrogen peroxide. The precursor of H2O2 was shown to be O2-” which is formed with G(O2−.) = 6.3 (a value which includes the O2.” formed by H atoms and oxygen (G(H) = 0.55)). If it is assumed that dihydroxymethylperoxyl radicals are formed as intermediates the rate constant of O2.” formation must be ≥ 106s-1. A bimolecular reaction of two dihydroxymethylperoxyl radicals forming tetroxides does not occur at the dose rates used. The rate constants for the establishment of the equilibrium. © 1980, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.