The important role of surface area in the electrochemical behaviour of RuO2 electrodes

5-Alkyl substituted barbituric acids are electrochemically oxidized at the pyrolytic graphite electrode by way of a single, major, 1e voltammetric oxidation peak to form a barbiturate radical. This dimerizes to give the corresponding 5,5′-substituted hydurilic acid. Under conditions of controlled potential electrolysis the reaction proceeds in very high yield and the hydurilic acid derivative may be readily separated and purified.