Electrochemical oxidation of benzaldehyde and hydroxybenzaldehydes in acetonitrile on platinum and glassy carbon electrodes

Abstract The electrochemical oxidation of benzaldehyde and four hydroxybenzaldehydes was studied on platinum and glassy carbon electrodes in acetonitrile. A considerable difference was observed in electrooxidation performed on platinum and glassy carbon electrodes. All hydroxy derivatives fouled the glassy carbon electrode, but platinum was passivated only by the electrooxidation of 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde, highlighting the crucial role of the position of the substituent relative to the hydroxy group. On the glassy carbon electrode, the formation of the corresponding benzoyl radical could have taken place, which promoted the buildup of polymers on the electrode surface.