Photooxidation of DDT and DDE.
The pesticide DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane] and its metabolite DDE [ 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene] can be photoOxidized in methanol. Photolytic generation of free radicals that may abstract hydrogen from solvent, react with oxygen, or abstract hydrogen from unreacted substrate occurs. Further decomposition of short-lived intermediates yields many compounds. Oxidation products include benzoic acids, aromatic ketones, and chlorinated phenols. The DDE also undergoes photocyclization to give dichlorofluorene derivatives.
D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D003634:DDT / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005609:Free Radicals; D008027:Light; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
D005609:Free Radicals; D003634:DDT