Mechanisms for the formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) from chlorinated toluenes

Saleh Rawadieh, Mohammednoor Altarawneh, Ibrahem Altarawneh, Mouath A. Al-Shaweesh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

In this contribution, we study a new mechanism of the formation of PCDD/F polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) from chlorinated toluenes, using quantum chemical calculations. Pathways involving 2-chlorotoluene incur high activation barriers which diminish its direct role in the formation of PCDD/F. Alternatively, the 2-chlorobenzyl and 2-methylphenoxy radicals, which are important intermediates in the early stages of the 2-chlorotoluene oxidation, yield PCDD/F through a less energy demanding pathway. The proposed mechanisms resemble the well-established pathways for the oxidative coupling of chlorinated phenols. It is predicted that the presence of an ortho methyl-bearing site facilitates initial coupling over that of an ortho chlorinebearing site. Furthermore, chlorinated toluenes may initially be oxidized to phenoxy and phenolic intermediates to form PCDD/F. Results presented herein should be instrumental for gaining a better understanding of general formation routes of PCDD/F.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)321-333
Number of pages13
JournalReaction Kinetics, Mechanisms and Catalysis
Volume112
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chlorinated toluenes
  • PCDD/Fs
  • Quantum Chemistry

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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