Question

What is Fenton’s reagent?

Answer 1

Hint: We need to know that the reagent is a compound or it is a compound which is put on to the system to initiate the chemical reaction. If the reaction occurs, the reagent is added to the test. Both reagents and reactants are used interchangeably. Hence, the term reactant can be replaced by a reagent. But the reactant is more distinctly a substance or a compound will consume during a chemical reaction. The reactant is converted into another product by using a particular reagent during a chemical reaction.

Complete answer:
The Fenton’s reagent is a solution containing the hydrogen peroxide with ferrous ions. The ferrous ion in this reagent acts as a catalyst which is used to oxidize the waste waters or it is also used to oxidize the contaminants. By using the Fenton’s reagent, we can destroy the organic compounds like tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene. The molecular formula of Fenton’s reagent is

. And this reagent can be prepared by dissolving ferrous sulphate in sterilized deionized water in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid at a definite amount. It is also used for the degradation of many compounds like phenol, formic acid, nitrobenzene etc. The ferrous ions present in the catalyst help to promote the formation of free radicals.
By using Fenton’s reagent we can convert benzene into phenol, barbituric acid convert into alloxan and it is also used for the hydroxylation of arenes.

Note:
We need to know that the Fenton’s reagent is the solution consisting of ferrous ions and hydrogen peroxide. In advanced oxidation method, widely using the Fenton’s reagent. In the time of Fenton – oxidation process, it consists of the activation of hydrogen peroxide by using the ferrous ion and there is a formation of hydroxyl radicals in the complex reaction under acidic conditions.