Methods for oxidizing organic compounds using hydroxyl radicals formed through redox cycling chelator-mediated Fenton chemistry are disclosed. The methods include generating a reactive oxygen species by contacting a redox cycling chelator with an oxygen containing oxidant and a transition metal species. By contacting the resulting reactive oxygen species with an organic compound, the organic compound is oxidized. The preferred transition metal species is a cationic transition metal, such as iron or copper. The disclosed methods may be used to degrade organic waste compounds and dyes, activate lignocellulosic materials for bonding and produce adhesive formulations.
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/355,265, filed Feb. 8, 2002. Each of these applications is incorporated by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.
