Selective Electrochemical Oxidation of Alcohols Catalyzed by Partially Biobased TEMPO Analogs

A new electrochemical catalyst has been synthesized from an analog of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) and the medium chain fatty acid, undecenoic acid. The electrochemical properties of the new material are shifted to more positive potential by similar to 170 mV, typical for other substituted TEMPOs. The straightforward reaction gives a catalyst that has been tested in the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones and gives reaction rates similar to TEMPOs when considered on a per nitroxyl basis. However, the new system gives an similar to 3-fold higher primary over secondary selectivity. This reaction shows promise as a versatile method in the potential to synthesize rationally designed electroactive materials with a high biobased content.

Automated summary

A new electrochemical catalyst has been synthesized using an analog of TEMPO and undecenoic acid. This catalyst shows higher selectivity and reaction rates, indicating its potential for synthesizing high biobased content electroactive materials.