Photocatalytic degradation of paracetamol: Intermediates and total reaction mechanism

► The advanced oxidation of paracetamol with TiO2/UV was investigated. ► HPLC indicated the formation of hydroquinone, benzoquinone, p-aminophenol and p-nitrophenol. ► IR studies indicated that p-nitrophenol and p-aminophenol are also produced. ► PAM photocatalytic reaction mechanism includes an alternative deacylation pathway.