Photochemical decompsosition of DDT by a free-radical mechanism.
Both as a pure solid and in hexane solution, DDT readily decomposed when irradiated with ultraviolet light (2537 angstroms). Principal products identified by gas-liquid and thin-layer chromatography from irradiations of the solid phase were 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl) ethane, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene, and 4,4'-dichlorobenzophenone. 1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane and hydrochloric acid were identified from irradiated solutions of DDT in hexane. On the basis of products obtained, quantum yields, scavenger experiments, and other chemical tests, a nonchain, free-radical mode of degradation is proposed.
D003634:DDT / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003632:Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane / Q000528:radiation effects; D005609:Free Radicals; D008027:Light; D011830:Radiation Effects; D011854:Radiochemistry; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D005609:Free Radicals; D003634:DDT; D003632:Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane