Researchers have investigated the electrochemical reduction pathways of the popular triazine herbicide known as atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine) using a variety of electrochemical techniques. There is general agreement that a two-electron dechlorination process is a likely reduction pathway. However, Faraday’s Law calculations indicated an overall four-electron reduction process. Additional pathways including the elimination of the ethyl group, elimination of the ethylamino group, and reduction of the triazine ring have been proposed. Using a combination of Cyclic Voltammetry, Differential Pulse Polarography, and Controlled Potential Electrolysis in conjunction with computer simulations, NMR, IR, and Mass Spectroscopy, we have determined the likely reduction pathways for this triazine herbicide. This presentation outlines the use of complementary techniques to determine the entire reduction mechanism for this compound.

Use of electrochemical techniques in conjunction with computer simulations and spectroscopic methods to determine the electrochemical reduction pathways of atrazine

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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