Ferrate(VI) oxidation of ibuprofen: A kinetic study

The kinetics of ferrate(VI) (Fe^VIO₄ ²⁻, Fe(VI)) oxidation of an antiphlogistic drug, ibuprofen (IBP), as a function of pH (7.75–9.10) and temperature (25–45°C) were investigated to see the applicability of Fe(VI) in removing this drug from water. The rates decrease with an increase in pH and the rates are related to protonation of ferrate(VI). The rates increase with an increase in temperature. The E _a of the reaction at pH 9.10 was calculated as 65.4±6.4 kJ mol⁻¹. The rate constant of the HFeO₄ ⁻ with ibuprofen is lower than with the sulphur drug, sulfamethoxazole. The use of Fe(VI) to remove ibuprofen is briefly discussed.