Salicylic Acid Boosts the TiO2 and ZnO-Mediated Photodegradation of Paracetamol

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are among the most used catalysts in photodegradation. Paracetamol salicylic acid widely as pharmaceutical drugs. We found that paracetamol is less susceptible to photodegradation compared acid. From a chemical perspective, this was not expected since more vulnerable oxidation. Aiming comprehension of phenomenon, studies were performed comparing efficiency versus acetophenone 4-aminoacetophenone. The presence amino/amide group decreased degradation significantly. It also improved when both compounds present reaction medium. lower amino-based seems be related deactivation excited states TiO2 ZnO. Theoretical calculations at TD-PBE0/6-311++G(3df,2p) high level corroborated our proposal.