Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of organic compounds using current density gradient and sacrificial anode of nickel

Preparative electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) of some organic compounds were performed: cyclohexene, 2-cyclohexen-1-one, benzaldehyde, acetophenone, styrene, 1,3-cyclohexadiene, trans-trans-2,4-hexadien-1-ol, citral, linalool and geraniol. H₂O/MeOH (1:1), NH₄OAc or NH₄Cl (0.2 M) were used as solvent and supporting electrolyte. A sacrificial anode of nickel allowed the use of an undivided cell, with a cell voltage varying between 2.3 and 1.3 V, depending on the supporting electrolyte. A current density gradient was applied to diminish the time of reaction and obtain a good electrochemical efficiency. An in situ prepared cathode of nickel deposited on iron provided a highly efficient ECH process, and the constant deposition of nickel on the electrode surface avoided catalyst poisoning. The ECH system was somewhat selective, hydrogenating conjugated olefins in good yield.