Anodically Generated Platform Oxidizers as an Alternative to Oxygen Evolution and Anodically (Re)generated Electrocatalysts for Selective Conversion of Organic Compounds

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Siegfried R. Waldvogel
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: since 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 413163866

The central goal of the subproject is a direct continuation of the first funding period. Therein, the main focus was the efficient generation of the largely underexplored peroxodicarbonate (PODIC) using boron-doped diamond anodes and the use of PODIC in organic syntheses. In the second funding period the focus will be laid on the synthesis of the more storable and “bench-stable” high performance oxidizers perborate (or peroxoborate) and periodate, as PODIC possesses only a limited life-time. Furthermore, other applications of PODIC will be investigated. Examples include the ipso-hydroxylation of aryl boronic acids and the oxidation of lignin-derived 4-hydroxy benzaldehydes to the respective quinones/hydroquinones, among others. The electrosynthesis of perborate will be conducted in specifically designed flow-electrolyzers, using our gained knowledge from the first funding period. Additionally, we will develop a large-scale electrolyzer to increase the amount of peroxodicarbonate formed per hour, enabling decagram to kilogram scale reactions. These work packages will be conducted in close cooperation with Lukas Gooßen (TP6), building upon our fruitful collaboration from the first funding period. Another subset of work packages will deal with the investigation of electro-catalysis for the degradation of lignin, alcohol, and amine oxidation as well as a novel haloform-type reaction. This will be done in cooperation with both the Schuhmann (TP1) and Behrens (TP8) groups. Furthermore, mechanistic insights will be gained from collaborations with both Aliaksandr Bandarenka (TP5) and Martin Muhler (TP7).

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 2982: UNODE - Unusual Anode Reactions