Hydrolysis and oxidation in supercritical water

The continuity of the liquid and gaseous states, and the existence of critical temperatures for specific gases, was discovered by Thomas Andrews in 1861. This had important implications for the liquefaction of the supposedly ‘permanent’ gases and the creation of an important new industry. Currently, the chemistry of reactions in supercritical fluids, especially water, is the subject of much research, especially in the context of treating industrial waste.