Matocha, C.J., and D.L. Sparks. 1999. Fundamental aspects of Mn oxide reactions with catechol. SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts,Oct. 31-Nov. 4, 1999 Salt Lake City, Utah. p. 218.

Abstract:

Oxidizable organic ligand interactions with soil Mn(III,IV) (hydr)oxides minerals are complex. Accordingly, an in situ electron paramagnetic resonance stopped-flow spectroscopic technique was combined with batch techniques to measure the reductive dissolution kinetics of birnessite (Δ-MnO₂), a common soil Mn mineral, by catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene). The reaction was rapid, independent of pH, and essentially complete within seconds under conditions of excess catechol at pH 4 to 6. The activation energy value of 58.7 kJ mol^-1 indicated that the reaction was surface chemical controlled. Rates of catechol disappearance from solution with simultaneous Mn(II) and ortho-quinone production were comparable. The efficiency and rapid reductive dissolution kinetics of birnessite by catechol could have significant implications for C and Mn cycling in soils.