Elucidation of the degradation mechanism of 2-chloroethanol by hydrogen peroxide under ultraviolet irradiation

Oxidation of 2-chloroethanol by H202 under UV irradiation has been studied. Analysis of reactants and products was performed by gas and ion chromatography. In this study we have compared the disappearance of 2-chloroethanol with the contemporaneous appearance of C1 ions and conductivity changes of the solution. It was found that the oxidation of 2-chloroethanol yields quantitative amounts of C1- ions. Moreover, the rate of change of the solution conductivity is comparable with the rate of formation of Ci-. Acetic, glycolic and formic acids and acetaldehyde were formed in the reaction although at low concentrations.