Abstract
Work revealed the mechanistic features of the process by studying the intermediate products formed during the photocatalytic oxidation of toluene, the reaction mechanism, and the pathways for the formation of benzene. The photocatalytic oxidation of toluene was carried out, and benzene, benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, and benzyl alcohol were obtained as reaction products. In addition, the role of intermediate compounds in the formation of benzene was evaluated, and based on the experimental data obtained, the mechanism of the oxidation of toluene to benzene was proposed. The toxic and carcinogenic properties of benzene formed during photocatalytic processes and its environmental hazard to the environment were considered. Main factors affecting the photocatalysis process were considered during the study - light source, catalyst type, reaction time and reaction medium. As a result of the experiments, the formation of benzene was recorded using the relative concentration method and its intermediate stages were clarified. Results obtained allow a deeper understanding of the laws of benzene formation during the photocatalytic oxidation of toluene and can serve as a basis for the development of effective and environmentally safe technologies for the purification of volatile organic compounds in the air.