Photo-oxidation of ethyl pyruvate initiated by chlorine atoms: Kinetics and reaction mechanism

Abstract

Ethyl pyruvate is a bifunctional aliphatic ester derived from pyruvic acid. It is widely used in massive industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, agrochemicals, and materials, implying an important injection into the atmosphere. The kinetic parameters of the reaction of ethyl pyruvate with chlorine atoms at 298 K and atmospheric pressure were determined employing the Relative Method. A rate coefficient of kEPv = (3.8 ± 0.6) × 10−12 cm3 molec−1 s−1 was determined. In addition, the following degradation products were identified: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formic, acetic, and pyruvic acids, as well as a new tricarboxylic compound. Based on these products, and with the support of computational studies, a degradation mechanism is proposed.