Polymerization of aromatic molecules on smectite

TLDR: When benzene or phenol are adsorbed on smectite containing Fe(III) or Cu(II) on the exchange complex, higher molecular weight products are formed.

Abstract: When benzene or phenol are adsorbed on smectite containing Fe(III) or Cu(II) on the exchange complex, higher molecular weight products are formed. Evidence for these products is provided by mass spectroscopy. In the case of benzene most of the reaction products cannot be attributed to coupled benzene rings, while extensive coupling occurs for phenol. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy provides evidence for radical cation formation of the aromatic molecules. The involvement of these radical cations is thus proposed in the formation of the higher molecular weight species. The relevance of these reactions to the natural systems of soils and sediments is suggested.