Decomposition of beta-alaninediacetic acid and diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid by hydrogen peroxide in alkaline conditions.

The chemical decompositions of beta-alaninediacetic acid (ADA) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) were studied in a pilot-plant flow-through system simulating alkaline (pH 10-11) hydrogen peroxide bleaching environments. The amount of hydrogen peroxide decomposition was evaluated, and the distribution calculation was performed. Under the conditions investigated, ADA was more degradable than DTPA (average residual 71% vs 94%). The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide was not dependent on the chelate; the residual percent of hydrogen peroxide was 40 in both cases.