Reaction of mono- and dichlorophenols with •OH and hydrated electrons: A pulse radiolysis study

The reactivity of monochlorophenols and dichlorophenols towards •OH and hydrated electrons was investigated applying pulse radiolysis coupled with time resolved spectroscopy. Rate constants, transient spectra and stability of transient species were studied for mono and dichlorophenols. Reactivity of 3,4-dichlorophenol (3,4-DCP) towards •OH and hydrated electrons, its transient spectra and respective rate constants have been explained in detail as a model for the current pulse radiolysis experiments. The trends and behaviors in the reactivity of mono and dichlorophenols towards •OH and hydrated electrons were analyzed. All the corresponding OH-adducts demonstrated λmax values range between 295 and 435 nm and their rate constants exhibited a range of (3.4–21) x 109 dm3 mol−1 s−1. Likewise, e-adducts illustrated λmax values ranged between 295 and 355 nm and their rate constants displayed a range of (0.025–6.2) x 109 dm3 mol−1 s−1. Full geometry optimizations and electron charge density calculations based on DFT (density functional theory) presented the existence of a strong correlation of electron charge density and polarizability with the reactivity of chlorophenols towards hydrated electrons and •OH radical. This research represents the first thorough exploration of its kind, aiming to comprehend the reactivity of all dichlorophenols and their corresponding transient spectra through pulse radiolysis. •Mono- & dichlorophenols reactivity with eaq− & .•OH was probed via pulse radiolysis.•Transient spectra and rate constants were investigated for all MCPs and DCPs.•3,4-DCP served as a model to display transient spectra, k values & decay profiles.•The trends of reactivity were correlated with electron charge density using DFT.