ozoneoxidation

Ozone oxidation refers to chemical oxidation reactions driven by ozone (O3). The term covers two broad areas: ozonolysis, in which ozone adds to carbon–carbon multiple bonds and cleaves them, and ozonation, in which ozone acts as a powerful oxidant in applications such as water treatment and organic synthesis. The exact outcomes depend on substrates, solvent, pH, and the presence of catalysts or reducing agents.

In ozonolysis, ozone reacts with alkenes to form a primary ozonide (molozonide) that rapidly rearranges to a more stable ozonide. Upon workup, the ozonide fragments into carbonyl-containing fragments, typically aldehydes and ketones. If the reaction or subsequent oxidation proceeds further, these products can be converted to carboxylic acids. The process is widely used in organic synthesis for selective bond cleavage and introduction of carbonyl functionality, with control achieved through solvent, temperature, and whether a reducing or oxidative workup is used.

In ozonation as a water and wastewater treatment method, ozone serves as a nonselective oxidant and disinfectant. It directly oxidizes many organic contaminants and can generate reactive oxygen species, including hydroxyl radicals, which broaden the range of oxidizable substrates. Outcomes range from partial oxidation and functionalization to complete mineralization to CO2 and H2O. The efficiency and byproducts depend on water quality, including pH, temperature, and the presence of inorganic ions or halides.

Safety and practicality considerations are central to ozone oxidation. Ozone is a toxic, unstable gas requiring closed systems and off-gas destruction. In water treatment, careful control minimizes formation of undesirable byproducts such as aldehydes, carboxylic acids, or halogenated disinfection byproducts.