ELECTROSYNTHESIS AT OXIDE COATED ELECTRODES .2. THE OXIDATION OF ALCOHOLS AND AMINES AT SPINEL ANODES IN AQUEOUS BASE

The oxidation of alcohols and primary amines at a NiCO2O4 anode in aqueous base has been investigated. It is shown that a range of compounds undergo oxidation at the same potential, that for the conversion of the oxide surface to a higher oxidation state, and that the limiting current densities approach those expected for mass transfer control. Using a flow cell, it is confirmed that the conversation of primary alcohols to carboxylic acids, secondary alcohols to ketones and primary amines to nitriles can all be achieved with high selectivity and reasonable current efficiency at high current densities. The oxide coating appears to be quite stable during repeated electrolyses.