Electrochemical Oxidation of the Benzyl Position To Form Ketones or Aldehyde Using ZnCoMnO Electrodes.

The oxidation of the benzyl position to a ketone and aldehyde demonstrates precise control over kinetic selectivity. In this study, we propose the use of a Zn0.2Co0.2Mn0.6O chemically modified electrode to achieve this oxidation. This approach utilizes an aqueous sodium chloride solution and ethanol or tetrahydrofuran as the electrolyte and solvent, respectively, and exhibits good tolerance toward various functional groups. Operating at a current density of 100 mA/cm2 with straightforward post-treatment procedures, the method shows promise for industrial-scale production. A series of control experiments has been conducted to propose a plausible reaction mechanism.