Electrocatalytic production of OH radicals and their oxidative addition to benzene

The feasibility of the electrochemical generation of Fenton's reagent is demonstrated and the subsequent reaction of produced OH radical with benzene studied. Under the proposed working conditions, phenol is obtained as the main product, with current yield as high as 60% (on the basis of 3 F/mole of phenol) and with only traces of other higher oxidized compounds. At fixed H₂SO₄ concentration and with suitable Fe³⁺]/O₂] ratio, a maximum in current yield is obtained; this yield may presumably be increased if continuous removal of phenol is employed during the electrolysis.