Triple‐phase Boundary in Anion‐Exchange Membrane Reactor Enables Selective Electrosynthesis of Aldehyde from Primary Alcohol

• Published in: ChemSusChem Vol. 14; no. 24; pp. 5405 - 5409
• Main Authors: Ido, Yuto, Fukazawa, Atsushi, Furutani, Yuka, Sato, Yasushi, Shida, Naoki, Atobe, Mahito
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 17.12.2021
• Subjects: Alcohol; Aldehydes; Aliphatic alcohols; Anion exchanging; anion-exchange membrane; Benzyl alcohol; electrochemistry; Electrolysis; flow reactor; Interface reactions; Membrane reactors; Membranes; Oxidation; Phase boundaries; Selectivity; supported catalyst; oxidation; supported catalyst; electrochemistry; anion-exchange membrane; flow reactor
• ISSN: 1864-5631; 1864-564X
• DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202102076

Oxidation of primary alcohol to the corresponding aldehyde remains a significant challenge, even with the state‐of‐the‐art chemistry. Here, a novel electrochemical system was developed for the exclusive production of aldehyde from primary alcohol using an anion‐exchange membrane (AEM) reactor. Oxidation proceeded on a gold catalyst under basic conditions, which largely enhanced the reaction rate. Despite the basic nature around the reaction sites, the oxidation of primary alcohols exclusively yielded the corresponding aldehyde, which was attributed to the unique three‐phase interfacial reaction sites in the AEM reactor. In addition to benzyl alcohol, the oxidation of allylic and aliphatic alcohols was also demonstrated. Comparison of constant potential electrolysis with the AEM reactor or a conventional batch‐type cell revealed the crucial role of the triple‐phase boundary for the selectivity of the oxidation of alcohol. AEM‐azing: A novel electrochemical system for the exclusive production of aldehyde from primary alcohol using an anion‐exchange membrane (AEM) reactor is reported. Oxidation proceeds on a gold catalyst under basic conditions, which largely enhances the reaction rate. The oxidation of primary alcohols exclusively produces the corresponding aldehyde, which is attributed to the unique triple‐phase boundary reaction sites in the AEM reactor.