Thermal and Radiation Oxidations of Benzene to Phenol in Aqueous Solutions Containing Metal Ions at Elevated Temperatures. III. The Effect of Copper Ions

Abstract
The yield of phenol increases abruptly above 170°C in the cupric sulfate solutions. When the solutions contain copper metal pieces, phenol is produced, even below 160°C, regardless of irradiation or non-irradiation. On the other hand, scarcely any phenol is produced in the cupric-ferric sulfate solution, even at 180°C. These facts are to be attributed to the fast rate of cuprous oxidation by oxygen.