OZONATION OF ORGANIC-COMPOUNDS .2. OZONATION OF PHENOL IN WATER

The rates and products of the ozonation of phenol were studied in water at 30 °C. In contrast to earlier works, it was found that the major product was formic acid with minor amounts of glyoxal, glyoxylic acid, oxalic acid, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen peroxide. Several other intermediates were also observed. The ozonation of several model compounds was also carried out. It was concluded that the anomalous ozonolysis of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl groups played an important role in the ozonation of phenol. The ratio of anomalous ozonolysis was measured in water for several olefins. © 1979, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.