Abstract:
This research investigates the effects of anions on the preparation of performic acid.
The investigated anions were chloride, sulphate, bicarbonate, carbonate, and nitrite (in form of sodium salts). The preparation of performic acid was carried out by mixing, distilled water, formic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and a salt solution in a highe density polyethylene bottle at room temperature. The monitoring of performic acid, formic acid, and hydrogen peroxide concentrations were performed by titration with standard sodium hydroxide and potassium permanganate solutions, respectively. The experimental results showed that hydroxide, carbonate, and bicarbonate severely accelerated the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and performic acid since the first hour after mixing. Chloride and nitrite also promoted the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in the first few hours after mixing. Meanwhile, sulphate promotes the formation of perfomic acid. In addtion, it is found that the prepared performic acid solution should be used with in 12 hours after preparation.