A kinetic method for the determination of phenol

Abstract

A kinetic method for the determination of phenol is proposed. The method is based on the inhibiting effect of phenol on the Mn(II) catalysis of the oxidation of malachite green with potassium periodate. The reaction rate was followed spectrophotometrically at 615 nm. Kinetic expression for the reaction in the presence and absence of phenol are postulated. The optimal experimental conditions for the determination of phenol were established and phenol was determined in concentrations from 30.0 to 188.0 ng/cm3 with a relative standard deviation of 5.5%. The lower detecton limit is 7.8 ng/cm3. The effects of certain foreign ions upon the reaction rate were determined for the assessment of the selectivity of the method. The method was applied for the determination of phenol in tap and river water.