Photoinduced mineralization of xylidine by the Fenton reagent. 2. Implications of the precursors formed in the dark

Xylidine (2,4-dimethylaniline, XYL) mineralization via photoassisted Fenton reactions was studied as a function of the solution parameters and the irradiation conditions. Complete mineralization was observed under medium Hg lamp, with a significant UV, component within few minutes but this was nor the case when a solar simulator was used. A less efficient photodegradation of XYL in the presence of Cl- anion was observed as compared to sulfate or perchlorate ions. The competition for the Cl- ions occurring in XYL solutions upon addition of Cl- ions is reported. During the XYL degradation, the photoactive iron complex intermediates that formed in the dark, but not the organic intermediates, are responsible for XYL degradation after the initial induction period.