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Paired Electrosynthesis at Interdigitated Microband Array Electrodes without Intentionally Added Electrolyte: C–C Coupling of Dicyanobenzenes with Methanol

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The formation of substituted benzyl alcohols from dicyanobenzenes and methanol (C–C coupling) is demonstrated as a model system for paired electrosynthesis and investigated at interdigitated microband array electrodes in a microreactor with/without intentionally added supporting electrolyte. A Pt–Pt microband array with 5 μm bands separated by 5 μm gaps is employed in a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent. Yields are optimized to approximately 50% at the point of 100% conversion. The mechanism is investigated by employing isotope labeling (CD 3 OD, CH 3 OD, d 6 -DMSO, 13 CH 3 OH). The methylene group ( 12 C or 13 C) is obtained with H 2, D 2, and DH substitution patterns, and a hypothesis for a corresponding mechanism is discussed aided with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Implications for sustainable electrosynthesis at paired microband electrodes are discussed.

Source: The Journal of Physical Chemistry C

DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.4c07899

Authors: Tingran Liu, Claire McMullin, James E. Taylor, Frank Marken

Institution: University of Bath

Language: English

Topic: Radical Photochemical Reactions

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500