ISSN : 1225-0112(Print)
ISSN : 2288-4505(Online)
ISSN : 2288-4505(Online)
Applied Chemistry for Engineering Vol.35 No.6 pp.617-620
DOI : https://doi.org/10.14478/ace.2024.1089
DOI : https://doi.org/10.14478/ace.2024.1089
Selective Conversion of Benzyl Alcohol to Benzaldehyde via Anodic Oxidation Using the Constant Current Method
Abstract
This study focuses on optimizing the reaction conditions for selectively oxidizing benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde through a cost-effective and environmentally friendly electrochemical anodic oxidation process. To minimize the formation of cyanomethylation byproducts (3-phenyl-3-hydroxypropanenitrile), previously observed under constant voltage conditions (1.9 V), a constant current method (3 mA/cm2) was introduced. After a 16-hour reaction, a complete conversion (100%) of benzyl alcohol was achieved, yielding benzaldehyde as the main product, along with approximately 9% benzoic acid byproduct and a small amount of TBAP-related impurities. Additionally, experiments were conducted by replacing TBAP with TBAN as the electrolyte to reduce impurity formation; the advantages of the usage of TBAN are discussed.