Catalytic degradation of fluorouracil and its derivatives by copper-based nanoparticles

Fluorinated organic compounds (FOCs) are considered contaminants of emerging concern, and novel methods are required to achieve their degradation. 5-FU is a commonly used anticancer drug that is a representative example of a FOC. Use of copper-polyethylenimine nanoparticles (nCu-PEI) as a catalyst, with H2O2 as a radical source, is demonstrated for the degradation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Optimal reaction conditions were found, and 5-FU was degraded completely within 24 h, following first-order kinetics with a reaction rate of 0.003 min(-1). Stoichiometric formation of F- was shown with the degradation of 5-FU. Substitution of uracil with other halogen groups led to a decrease in the reaction rate. By comparison, the rate of 5-Chlorouracil degradation was 0.002 min(-1) and that of 5-Bromouracil degradation was 0.001 min(-1). Stoichiometric formation of halogens was observed. A similar trend of decreasing reaction rate was found for the degradation of uracil in the presence of halogen salts. Results presented here suggest that this catalytic method can be an effective way to degrade FOCs.