INSITU ELECTRODEPOSITION OF CATALYSTS FOR THE ELECTROCATALYTIC HYDROGENATION OF ORGANIC-MOLECULES .2. HYDROGENATION OF CARBONYL-COMPOUNDS ON NICKEL

It is shown that, using Ni on graphite or vitreous carbon cathodes formed in situ in a catholyte containing Ni**2** plus , 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% (H//2 evolution always also occurs). In the electrolysis medium, 90% C//2H//5OH/10%H//2O containing 1 mol dm** minus **3 HCl and 10** minus **2 mol dm** minus **3 Ni**2** plus , organic compounds inhibit strongly the nucleation and growth of Ni centers and hence it was found necessary to form the surface prior to the addition of the organic compound to the catholyte.