Ions do not catalyze the decomposition of peroxomonosulfate

According to literature reports, the spontaneous decomposition of peroxomonosulfate is catalyzed by transition metal ions, e.g. by Co(II), Fe(II), Fe(III), and Ni(II). The present study demonstrates that this is not the case for at pH ~ 1.9. This observation is of importance as peroxomonosulfate is used as an oxidant in a variety of important processes. The reasons for this exception are discussed.