Alkene Epoxidation and Oxygen Evolution Reactions Compete for Reactive Surface Oxygen Atoms on Gold Anodes.

ABSTRACT: Rates and selectivities for the partial oxidation of organic molecules on reactive electrodes depend on the identity and prevalence of reactive and spectator species. Here, we investigate the mechanism for the epoxidation of 1-hexene (C₆H₁₂) with reactive oxygen species formed by electrochemical oxidation of water (H₂O) on gold (Au) in an aqueous acetonitrile (CH₃CN) electrolyte. Cyclic voltammetry measurements demonstrate that oxygen (O₂) evolution competes with C₆H₁₂ epoxidation, and the Au surface must oxidize before either reaction occurs. In situ Raman spectroscopy reveals reactive oxygen species and spectators (CH₃CN) on the active anode as well as species within the electrochemical double

SUBMITTER: Ghosh R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11744761 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature