Methods for producing superoxide ion in situ

Abstract

Three methods are provided for generating superoxide ions in an aprotic solvent. In each method a compound that is dependent on the particular reaction mechanism of the method reacts with dioxygen dissolved in the aprotic solvent and hydroxide ions or alkoxide ions in solution in the aprotic solvent to generate the superoxide ions. In the first method, hydrogen donor compounds such as aniline and N-substituted anilines, or phenylhydrazine and phenylhydrazine derivatives, react with the dioxygen and hydroxide ions or alkoxide ions to generate concentrations of superoxide ions in the aprotic solvent. In the second method, proton donor compounds such as hydroxylamine and N-substituted hydroxylamines react with the dioxygen and hydroxide ions or alkoxide ions to generate concentrations of superoxide ions in the aprotic solvent. In the third method, hydrazine reacts with the dioxygen and hydroxide ions or alkoxide ions to generate superoxide ions in the aprotic solvent when catalyzed by anthraquinone and anthraquinone derivatives. The solution of superoxide ions in an aprotic solvent may then be used to degrade halogenated hydrocarbons.