ELECTROCATALYTIC OXIDATION OF ALIPHATIC DIOLS ON PLATINUM AND GOLD .1. EFFECTS OF CHAIN-LENGTH AND ISOMERIC POSITION

The electrochemical reactivity of propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol , hexanediol and heptanediol, on polycrystalline platinum and gold ele ctrodes, was studied in acid and alkaline media. The effect of the num ber of carbon atoms, i.e. the chain length, was observed. The apparent energies of activation were evaluated systematically and discussed in relation to the molecular structure of the different diols. In the ca se of the butanediol isomers, an effect of the alcohol group positions on the activation energy and reaction mechanisms was clearly shown.