An expeditious and efficient method for the oxidation of benzyl alcohols by homogeneous electrolysis

A greener and inexpensive electrochemical method has been developed for the oxidation of benzyl alcohols by homogeneous electrolysis. The electrochemical reaction was carried out in an undivided cell equipped with carbon and stainless steel electrodes at room temperature. The homogeneous solution made up of acetonitrile/water containing substrate and ammonium bromide with a catalytic amount of H₂SO₄ as supporting electrolyte. The reaction condition was optimized with various electrochemical experimental parameters and evaluated with various substituted benzyl alcohols to result in excellent yield of aldehydes (>83%).