Fenton's reagent

The Fenton reaction is catalyzed by iron salts oxidation of organic substrates with hydrogen peroxide in acidic medium. It was discovered in the late 19th century by Henry John Horstman Fenton ( 1854-1929 ).

Fenton -like reactions may also involving other low-valent metal complexes such as Cu ( II), Ti ( III), Cr (II) or Co ( II) take place. The Fenton reaction is seen in biological systems as a main source of reactive oxygen species ( reactive oxygen species ROS) in the cell, leading to oxidative stress.

To date, neither the actual reactive species nor the mechanism is clarified and a recurring theme in many publications and review articles. Previous results suggest the formation of a metal - H2O2 adduct.

LFeII (sol ) H2O2 → LFeII (H2O2 ) sol

Depending on the selected conditions, the adduct reacts further:

LFeII ( H2O2) → LFeIII · OH OH

LFeII ( H2O2) = O H2O → LFeIV

LFeII ( H2O2) RH → LFeIII · R OH - H2O

Fenton's reagent

As Fenton 's reagent sulfuric acid mixture of an iron salt, mostly iron (II ) sulphate FeSO4 and hydrogen peroxide is called, which will be presented in general, before adding the reactant to be oxidized. With this mixture to carry out the Fenton reaction is possible. The redox potential of the liberated hydroxyl radicals in this reagent is only slightly below the values ​​for fluorine.

Even on a large scale is the Fenton reaction and the production of Fenton's reagent application, it only serves to synthetic applications as very strong oxidizing agent, for example, for the processing of waste water and leachates from landfills.

Swell

• H. J. H. Fenton, Chem News, 1876, 33, 190
• H. J. H. Fenton, J. Chem. Proc., 1894, 10, 157

• Name reaction