Comparative study for iron mediated hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl phosphate in cationic and anionic microemulsion media

Abstract

The study of rapid cleavage of organophosphate esters by metal ions is of great interest as it is the most important reaction in both biological and environmental sciences. A good understanding of organophosphate hydrolysis by metal ions is important as it can be exploited in formulation of useful detoxifying agents for organophosphate contaminants in the environment. The knowledge can also help in developing effective artificial enzymes.

The hydrolysis of 4-NPP in the presence of Ferrous and Ferric ions in o/w microemulsion media was investigated. The reaction was monitored by measuring the absorbance of the 4-nitrophenolate ion produced in the reaction aliquots with time. The order of effectiveness of the ME media towards the hydrolysis of 4-NPP was found to be CME > AME > aqueous in the presence of Fe(II), Fe(III) and Prussian blue at neutral pH. In comparison with individual metal ions used in the investigation, it was found that polymetallic Prussian blue showed enhanced rate of hydrolysis. The degree of effectiveness is as follows; Prussian blue (insoluble) > Prussian blue (soluble) > Fe(III) > Fe(II). The result of the present investigation enriches our understanding of the possible roles polymetallic ions play in hydrolysis reactions and the effect of different reaction media. The reactions mimic the roles of purple acid phosphatases in the hydrolysis of phosphate esters. The application of the above systems for environmental decontamination of organophosphates is also envisaged.