Selectivity in catalytic diol electrooxidation using a polypyridine ru(iv) complex

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)87073-3

1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-Butanediols and phthatic alcohol were oxidized electrocatalytically using the polypyridine [(bpy)(trpy)RuO]²⁺ complex (1) as oxidant under different conditions: concentration of 1, pH, and temperature. By controlling the number of coulombs passed through the electrolytic cell, it was possible to obtain selective reactions. 1-Hydroxy-2-butanone,1-hydroxy-3-butanone, γ-butyrolactone, phthalide, phtalic aldehyde, and phthalic acid were the products obtained by controlled potential electrolysis from these substrates, with yields ranging from 41 to 89%.