Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of 2-ethylhexanal, 2-ethylhex-2-enal, acetophenone, benzophenone, butan-2-one, and cyclohexanone

Abstract

Catalytic hydrogenation with molecular hydrogen dissolved under pressure in non-aqueous solutions containing the title compounds is achieved, during electrolysis, by transferring copper from the anode to the cathode. The rate of hydrogenation and yield of conversion depend on the current density and temperature. Suitable choice of these variables allows complete conversion of aldehydes and ketones into primary and secondary alcohols, respectively.