Photoproduction and determination of hydroxyl radicals in aqueous solutions of Fe(III)–tartrate complexes: a quantitative assessment

Benzene has been used as a probe to determine the photogeneration of ·OH radicals in aqueous solutions containing Fe(III) and tartrate (Tar) when they are irradiated (λ ≥ 313 nm, 250 W). Products were determined by HPLC. Results show that tartrate has a positive effect on the photogeneration of ·OH. The influence of pH, temperature, and concentrations of Fe(III) and Tar were systematically investigated. Production of ·OH radicals was greatest at pH 3.0. Concentrations of ·OH increased with increasing Fe(III) and tartrate concentrations, but at a certain ratio they decreased. The quantum yield of ·OH radicals at 328 K was nearly twice that at 298 K.