Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of ketones and of α- and β-diketones on Raney metal electrodes

Abstract

The electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) of various ketones was investigated at codeposited Raney metal electrodes in aqueous methanol. The influence of different parameters (pH, supporting electrolyte, and water percentage) on the ECH of cyclohexanone and acetophenone was studied. The relative ease of electrohydrogenation of a variety of monoketones was determined in competitive electrolyses. The ECH of α- and β-diketones was carried out and different products were obtained selectively by the right choice of catalytic material and electrolysis conditions. The diastereoselectivity of the formation of diols was also determined.