Electrochemical transformations are emerging as a promising alternative to thermocatalysis for the conversion of biologically-produced intermediates. [1,2] Overall, hybrid biomass-to-chemicals processes can bring enhancements to the renewable and sustainable synthetic routes already used by traditional chemical conversions. [3] The advantages are most significant for hydrogenation reactions as conventional noble metal catalysts deactivate rapidly through reversible and/or irreversible poisoning in the presence of biogenic impurities. This deactivation pathway is mitigated in the corresponding electrochemical hydrogenation (ECH) reactions. In addition, we have recently discovered distinct electrochemical conversion pathways that lead to unusual semi-hydrogenated intermediates with high selectivity, thus offering unique access to novel bio-based chemicals. Here, we discuss the ECH of muconic acid, a biologically-produced C6 diunsaturated dicarboxylic acid, and the reaction pathways involved in the synthesis of adipic acid and of the semi-hydrogenated product <i>trans</i>-3-hexenedioic acid (<i>t</i>3HDA), a mono-unsaturated diacid that can advantageously replace adipic acid for the production of performance-advantaged Nylon 6,6.

Hybrid organic electrosynthesis of bio-based monomers

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.