Anionic WS-TEMPO-mediatory electrooxidation of alcohols in water: halide-free oxidation directed towards a totally closed system

Electrooxidation of alcohols in water with water-soluble N-oxyl derivatives bearing a sulfonic acid group (anionic WS-TEMPOs) as a mediator proceeded to afford the corresponding ketones and aldehydes in moderate to good yields. The aqueous solution containing WS-TEMPOs could be readily recovered and reused for the electrooxidation of alcohols, thereby providing a totally closed system.