Elsevier

Electrochimica Acta

Volume 32, Issue 1, January 1987, Pages 109-113
Electrochimica Acta

In situ electrodeposition of catalysts for the electrocatalytic hydrogenation of organic molecules—II. Hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds on nickel

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Abstract

It is shown that, using Ni on graphite or vitreous carbon cathodes formed in situ in a catholyte containing Ni2+, it is possible to convert benzaldehyde and acetophenone to a mixture of the corresponding alcohol and hydrocarbon. The selectivity to alcohol can be quite good, ca 8:1, and the current efficiency is typically 40% (H2 evolution always also occurs). In the electrolysis medium, 90% C2H5OH/10% H2O containing 1 mol dm−3 HCl and 10−2 mol dm−3 Ni2+, organic compounds inhibit strongly the nucleation and growth of Ni centres and hence it was found necessary to form the surface prior to the addition of the organic compound to the catholyte. The procedure can, however, lead to reproducible surfaces of defined structure and properties and the presence of Ni2+ in the medium can maintain the activity of the surface by continuous, low rate deposition of further Ni. The mechanisms of the hydrogenation are discussed.

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Cited by (24)

  • Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of acetophenone and benzophenone using palladium electrodes

    2015, Electrochimica Acta
    Citation Excerpt :

    Furthermore, the ketones exhibit higher reaction rates compared to their corresponding alcoholic derivatives 1-phenylethanol and diphenylmethanol. According to the mechanism proposed in the literature [16,30], the hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds is faster than that of their respective alcohols. In the present study, we indeed found that the hydrogenation of 1-phenylethanol and diphenylmethanol is slower than that of the respective ketones (see product distribution and efficiency below).

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1

Present address: B429, AERE Harwell, Oxon OX11 ORA, U.K.

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