Lecture
Van Marum Colloquium: Fundamental Insights into Electrochemical Aldehyde Oxidation: Curiosities and Lessons for Novel Electrode Concepts
- Date
- Monday 28 October 2024
- Time
- Location
-
Gorlaeus Building
Einsteinweg 55
2333 CC Leiden - Room
- CM.3.23
Abstract
In my presentation, I will challenge the view that the diolate is the only electroactive species of aldehyde oxidation and I will show that also diol and non-hydrated aldehyde are electroactive. Hence, very alkaline reaction conditions can be avoided. I will discuss how this insight allows us to develop strategies to achieve the electrochemical oxidation of aldehydes with high current densities, while omitting undesired side reactions.
Furthermore, I will revisit a curious phenomenon observed during electrochemical oxidation of aldehydes at coinage metals: the reduction of the formyl hydrogen at potentials positive of 0 V on the RHE-scale [2]. I will provide an argument why this phenomenon that seemingly defies thermodynamics is exergonic. Furthermore, I will critically discuss plausible mechanisms that may allow this phenomenon to occur.
References
- Bondue, C. J.; Spallek, M.; Sobota, L.; Tschulik, K. ChemSusChem 2023, 16 (17), e202300685.
- N. A. Anastasijevic, H. Baltruschat, J. Heitbaum, Electrochim. Acta, 1993, 38, 1067 – 1072.