Photooxidation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene in aqueous solution in the presence of hydrogen peroxide

Results are presented from experiments on the photo-oxidation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) by exposure in aqueous solution to hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet radiation from a medium-pressure mercury vapour lamp. Four stages of degradation were identified: side-chain oxidation of DNT to 1,3-dinitrobenzene; hydroxylation of the benzene ring to convert 1,3-dinitrobenzene to hydroxynitrobenzene derivatives; benzene-ring cleavage of these compounds to produce lower-molecular-weight carboxylic acids and aldehydes; further photo-oxidation which converted these to carbon dioxide, water, and nitric acid. The process might be applicable to effluents from munitions factories. A bibliography of 39 references is appended.