The hydrated electron as the initiator of molecular iodine production under the effect of UV and US

Abstract

The hydrated electron that is the most powerful reducing agent and the most simple nucleophilic reagent, was generated experimentally in a two phase system composed of benzene or xylitol (one phase) and aqueous potassium iodide solution (another phase), when exposed to ultra violet or ultra sonic under permanent stirring and shaking of the mixture. Molecular iodine was prepared at the result of KI reaction with oxygen radicals and hydrogen peroxide that were generated when hydrated electrons were treated by atmospheric oxygen. Using tryptophan as a substrate we proved that indole ring undergoes bond cleavage when exposed to UV or US, and this process resulted in production of the hydrated electrons. The role of hydrated electrons in molecular iodine elimination was developed with the help of different ligands, alcohols, NaNO₂ and dithionate. The scheme of molecular iodine preparing is represented.