Electrochemical reduction and anaerobic degradation of lindane

Abstract

The anaerobic reduction of lindane (.gamma.-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane) in sewage sludge and soil is compared with its electrochemical reduction in dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO). Benzene was an anaerobic reduction product along with the previously recognized .gamma.-BTC (.gamma.-3,4,5,6-tetrachlorocyclohexene). The electrochemical reduction of lindane at a mercury coated platinum electrode has a single wave at -1.520 V vs. SCE [saturated calomel electrode]. .gamma.-BTC was an intermediate in the reduction to benzene at this potential. No other intermediate chlorinated compounds were detected in either type of reduction. This is another example of the modeling of anaerobic reduction of halogenated compounds by electrochemical reduction.