Oxidative decomposition of oxalate ion with ozone in aqueous solution

Abstract

The oxidation of oxalate ions with ozone in aqueous solution has been studied, and the effects of pH, temperature, and reactant concentrations on the reaction rate and efficiency have been estimated. The oxidative decomposition is most effective in alkaline medium (pH ≥ 10) at 50°C. Under these conditions, the consumption of ozone is 0.6±0.1 g per gram of oxalate or 1.1±0.1 mol per mole of oxalate, which corresponds to the stoichiometry (COO^–)₂ + O₃ + H₂O → 2CO₃^2– + O₂ + 2H⁺.