A decomposition mechanism for cation exchange resins

✍ Scribed by James R. Stahlbush; Robert M. Strom

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1990
• Weight: 533 KB
• Volume: 13
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0923-1137
• DOI: 10.1016/0923-1137(90)90093-j

✦ Synopsis

A mechanism is proposed for the decomposition of strong-acid cation exchange resins. The five principal reactions of the decomposition mechanism are autoxidation, 1,2-hydroperoxide rearrangement with aromatic group migration, 1,2-hydroperoxide rearrangement with methylene group migration, Baeyer-Villiger hydroperoxide rearrangement and ester hydrolysis. The decomposition mechanism accounts for all of the currently identified decomposition products released by cation exchange resins and is consistent with published literature on similar compounds. The mechanism is also supported by the decomposition products produced from the oxidation of 4-cumenesulfonic acid which is a model compound for cation exchange resins.

INTRODUCFION

Strong-acid cation exchange resins gradually decompose with time during normal usage and release both inorganic sulfate [1] and organic sulfonates [2][3][4][5][6][7]. The level of decomposition products released by cation exchange resins may be a concern of end users since the decomposition products may potentially add organic and inorganic impurities to the solution in contact with the resin. The physical properties of cation exchange resins such as the moisture content may also be affected by