Electrooxidation of Hydroxypivalaldehyde in an Undivided Cell1

The factors affecting the electrooxidation of hydroxypivalaldehyde (HPAL) in an undivided cell were studied by using cyclic voltammetry(CV), linear scan voltammetry (LSV), and potentiostatic electrolysis. The electrocatalytk activity and stability of a PbO2 electrode in sulfuric acid, acetic acid, and phosphoric acid were studied. The selectivity and the current efficiency for producing hydroxypivalic acid were explored with different supporting electrolytes, concentrations of HPAL, and pH values. The results show that higher selectivity and current efficiency for producing hydroxypivalic acid can be achieved when sulfuric acid with a high concentration is used as the supporting electrolyte and the selectivity and the current efficiency can reach 80% and 60%, respectively.