Electrochemical bromide ion-mediated cobalt-catalyzed cyclohexene epoxidation reaction

Abstract

Epoxides are crucial organic intermediates extensively employed in fields such as petrochemicals, fine chemicals, and organic synthesis. Conventional methods for epoxide synthesis often involve hazardous oxidizing agents, stringent operating conditions, and complex separation processes. In this study, we have developed an eco-nomically viable and highly selective electrochemical strategy for the epoxidation of cyclohexene. The electrocatalytic reaction was carried out using a Co3O4 electrode, NaBr as the electrolyte, and a solvent mixture of water and acetonitrile. The impact of varying the proportion of water and acetonitrile on the conversion rate, yield, and reactant selectivity was investigated. Our findings indicate that the optimal ratio of water to acetonitrile is 2:8, resulting in the highest selectivity of 80.49% and a yield of 55.35%. This ratio was determined as the optimal composition within the experimental setup.