Exploration of how the molecular structure surrounding the β-dicarbonyl group impacts formation of brominated haloacetic acids

Key Points

• The aim is to understand how the molecular structure of β-dicarbonyl compounds affects the formation of brominated haloacetic acids during water chlorination.
• Analyzed molecular structures of various dicarbonyl compounds.
• Investigated their role as precursors in disinfection processes.
• Evaluated the toxicity of resulting brominated by-products.
• Certain dicarbonyl compounds significantly increase the formation of more toxic brominated by-products.
• Findings suggest a direct relationship between molecular structure and toxicity levels.
• Improved understanding may help in regulating haloacetic acid standards.