Coexistence of Substituted Phenols Reduces the Fouling Ability of Phenol in Non-aqueous Solvents

Abstract

The electrooxidation of phenol showed different rate of deactivation by varying the concentration of substituted phenols (4-chlorophenol, 4-methoxyphenol, 4-tert-butylphenol). This was due to the more favourable solubility properties of the product copolymers compared with poly(phenyleneoxide) the product which forms when only unsubstituted phenol is present. The nature of substituent, switching potential and oxidation potentials of the studied phenols were significant in prevention of electrode fouling. The best reproducibility could be achived upon addition of 4-chlorophenol. This offered a possibility for estimation of phenol concentration in non-aqueous systems.