Photodegradation of Gaseous Trichloroethylene by Ultraviolet Irradiation

Abstract

Photodegradation of gaseous trichloroethylene by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was studied in nitrogen and air. Reagent loss and product formation were analyzed by using GC/MS.
Trichloroethylene was degrated about 30% of it's initial concentration by 2.5 hours UV irradiation in nitrogen. The observed products were mainly HC1, cis-1, 2-dichloroethylene, chloroform and pentachloroethane. More than 99% of trichloroethylene was degrated by 15 min. UV irradiation in air. The major products were HC1 and dichloroacethylchloride. Additionally, small amounts of tetrachloroethane, pentachloroethane and trichloroacetic acid were observed.