A hallmark of Lynn Roberts’s research group is the careful analysis of kinetic models associated with the transformation of organic compounds in natural and engineered systems. Particularly over the last decade, research from the Roberts Group has sparked a re-examination of traditional kinetic models associated with electrophilic substitution involving active halogenating agents. Such models generally assume that the most abundant halogenating agents present in chlorinated systems (e.g., HOCl and, if bromide is present, HOBr) are the only kinetically-relevant electrophiles. These traditional models often overlook the possibility that less abundant electrophiles (e.g., Cl2, Cl2O, Br2, BrCl, and BrOCl) can influence (and in some instances control) overall halogenation rates of modestly nucleophilic organic compounds. This presentation will discuss the origins and more recent developments associated with the Roberts Group’s scrutiny of conventional kinetic models by incorporating the effects of commonly overlooked electrophiles. Some of these electrophiles can, for example, account for the observed role of chloride catalysis on chlorination (Cl2) and bromination (BrCl) of unsaturated organic compounds. Noting that anthropogenic activities such as road salting and hydraulic fracturing can increase chloride levels in potable waters, this presentation will also discuss how chloride catalysis can influence the formation of toxic disinfection byproducts in chlorinated waters.

Esoteric electrophiles in chlorinated waters: When conventional kinetic models fall short

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.