Abstract
The process of introduction of hydroxyl groups in toluene was performed in the presence of catalyst composed of hydrogen peroxide, surfactants and transition metal ions. The reaction was followed up at different conditions mainly reactants concentration, temperature and pH.
It was found that Fe(lll) and (CTAB) surfactant are the most suitable reagents for this reaction. The increase of temperature was accompanied by increase in the conversion. The maximum conversion was found at pH 3.5. The high conversion can be attributed to the solubilizing effect of surfactant while high pH, Fe(111) concentration and H2O2 concentration lead to a considerable decrease in the percentage conversion due to formation of complex or release more oxygen in the system which lead to decomposition of surfactant.