Catalytic wet air oxidation of 2-nitrotoluidine and 2,4-dinitrotoluene

The rates of wet air oxidation of 2-nitrotoluidine and 2,4-dinitrotoluene in the presence of excess oxygen and at different temperatures and oxygen pressures was investigated. Oxidation experiments were carried out at temperatures between 180 and 225^oC and oxygen partial pressures of 1,0-3,0 MPa, in a 280 mL glass vessel-inserted stainless steel reactor. Copper sulfate (CuSO₄ .5H₂O) was used as a catalyst, and the effect of catalyst loading was studied by varying the concentration: 0.75, 2.5 and 25 mg/L as Cu²⁺. Addition of Cu²⁺ ions in the reaction media accelerated 2-nitrotoluidine oxidation nearly ten times even if it exists in trace amount in the reaction medium (0.75 ppm Cu²⁺). Unfortunately copper did not show catalytic effect for the oxidation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.