CATALYTIC POLYMERIZATION OF HYDROQUINONE BY PRIMARY MINERALS1

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Abstract
The catalytic effects of olivines, amphiboles, pyroxenes, micas, feldspars and quartz on the polymerization of hydroquinone were investigated. The primary minerals studied differ in their ability to accelerate the abiotic polymerization of hydroquinone. The catalytic effect of tephroite, which is an Mn-bearing silicate, is greatest among the minerals studied, followed by actinolite, hornblende, fayalite, augite, biotite and muscovite .simeq. albite .simeq. orthoclase .simeq. microcline .simeq. quartz. The SEM [scanning electron microscopy] micrographs and IR spectrum of the hydroquinone polymers synthesized in the tephroite system are similar to those of naturally occurring humic substances. Tephroite converts a considerable amount of hydroquinone to humic acid with a high degree of humification (.DELTA. log K: 0.43; RF: 132). The data obtained in the present study indicate that the catalytic effects of various primary minerals, especially Mn-bearing silicates, on the abiotic formation of humic substances in the environments should not be overlooked, for primary minerals are the rock-forming minerals on the earth and are common in soils and aquatic sediments.