Electrochemical reduction of atrazine: NMR evidence for reduction of the triazine ring

Over the last decade, researchers have investigated the electrochemical reduction pathways of a popular triazine herbicide known as atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine) using controlled potential electrolysis and a mercury pool electrode. There is general agreement that a two-electron dechlorination process is a likely reduction pathway. However, Faraday's law calculations indicated an overall four-electron reduction process. Additional pathways including the elimination of the ethyl group, elimination of the ethylamino group, and reduction of the triazine ring have been proposed. We believe to have NMR evidence for the reduction of the triazine ring using controlled potential electrolysis and a mercury pool electrode. We would like to add our results to the ongoing studies of this important triazine herbicide.