Preparation of Benzoquinone from Phenol by Electrooxidation

Authors

Dong-fang NIU, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China;
Cheng-kai YU, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China;
Xin-sheng ZHANG, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China;Follow

Corresponding Author

Xin-sheng ZHANG(xszhang@ecust.edu.cn)

Abstract

The benzoquinone was prepared from phenol by electrooxidation in an H-type cell with cation exchange membrane, in which lead plates were used both as an anode and a cathode, while H₂SO₄ was used as a supporting electrolyte. The effects of current density, concentration of sulphuric acid, concentrations of benzoquinone in electrolyte and extractant on the yields and efficiencies of electrolysis were investigated. Under the optimized conditions of current density being 4 A·dm^-2, concentration of sulphuric acid 1 mol·L^-1, passed charge 3.2 A·h, the yield and current efficiency of benzoquinone could reach 68% and 24.7%, respectively, without using chloroform as an extractant. However, the yield and current efficiency of benzoquinone could be increased to 73% and 26%, respectively, in the presence of chloroform extractant which could be recycled in the preparation of benzoquinone.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

phenol, beznoquinone, electrochemical oxidation, extractant

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.61558/2993-074X.2139

Publication Date

2013-10-28

Online Available Date

2013-01-09

Revised Date

2013-01-09

Received Date

2012-12-25

Recommended Citation

Dong-fang NIU, Cheng-kai YU, Xin-sheng ZHANG. Preparation of Benzoquinone from Phenol by Electrooxidation[J]. Journal of Electrochemistry, 2013 , 19(5): 477-481.
DOI: 10.61558/2993-074X.2139
Available at: https://jelectrochem.xmu.edu.cn/journal/vol19/iss5/12