The Hydrophobic Electrode.
Abstract
Condensed adsorbate monolayers (compact films) formed by either salts or neutral adsorbates can provide a hydrophobic microenvironment around the electrode, even when this electrode is immersed in an aqueous solution. In such a microenvironment, reaction mechanisms can be altered. Specifically, the absence of interfacial water may prevent protonation of anion radicals formed by electron transfer, so that mechanisms involving dimerization may be favored. Condensed adsorbate films then allow the use of aqueous solvents for electrochemical syntheses where, otherwise, more expensive and environmentally more troublesome aprotic solvents might be needed. The precise reaction mechanism depends on the adsorbate used, thus providing the experimentalist with a further tool to steer the reaction pathway. (AN)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 26, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA296194
Entities
People
- B. Kurtyka
- R. De Levie
Organizations
- Georgetown University