1053
Functionality Impacts on Reaction Rates for Simple Mixtures of Aldehydes and Ketones

Wednesday, 4 October 2017: 16:20
Chesapeake 12 (Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center)
J. Holladay, J. A. Lopez Ruiz, M. Lilga, A. Padmaperuma, and S. Akhade (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)
In recent years there has been growing interest in using electrochemical methods for hydrogenation of organic molecules. Conventional hydrogenation technologies require elevated temperatures and externally supplied high pressure hydrogen; however, the same reactions can be performed using an electrochemical reactor at close to room temperature and with no externally supplied hydrogen. In this work, we present our research examining the selective hydrogenation of aldehydes and ketones to alcohols. Specifically, we studied the hydrogenation of benzaldehyde, acetophenone, and vanillin, and how the different group functionalities impacts the catalytic activity. These experiments were performed in a flow-cells using with palladium catalyst on the cathode. In particular, we studied the effect of concentration and voltage on the current, Faraday efficiency, and catalytic activity for the electrochemical reduction of organic molecules at room temperature. Promising results have been observed where hydrogenation has been found. A description of work conducted and discussion of results will be presented.