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Open Access | Published on January 14, 2021

Oxidation of acetaminophen by ultrasound waves and H2O2 combined technology

Villota Natalia
Lomas Jose Maria
Ferreiro Cristian
Camarero Luis Miguel
LombraƱa Jose Ignacio
Abstract

This study analyses the colour acquired by oxidizing paracetamol aqueous samples through the combined US/H2O2 technology. When operating with only the action of the waves [US]=1.0 kWh/mmol C8H9NO2, the water acquires progressively hue according to a ratio of 0.0004 AU/min, with a degradation output of 14%. Working under these conditions, the presence of hydroquinone, muconic acid and formic acid was evaluated. Colour formation presents a maximum intensity when water containing paracetamol is degraded using molar ratios of 1.5 mol H2O2/mol C8H9NO2. This dosage leads to the formation of benzoquinone, as well as muconic and formic acids, reaching an efficiency of 30%. Oxidazing with 6.0 mol H2O2/mol C8H9NO2, colour formation occurs slowly during the first hour of reaction, leading to the formation of benzoquinone, hydroquinone, acetamide, phoroglucinol and formic and muconic acids. This last one presents a molecular structure that is prone to reacting with other species that are present in the system forming complexes.

Keywords
Paracetamol, colour, hydrogen peroxide, reaction intermediates, ultrasounds waves