On the electrochemical behaviour of pyruvic and lactic acids at a platinized platinum electrode in acid medium

The electrochemical oxidation of pyruvic and lactic acids at a platinized platinum electrode has been studied in acidic (M H2SO4) medium. The oxidation process takes place at potentials more positive than 900–1000 mV (on RHE scale). The final products are acetic acid and CO2. Unambiguous polarization measurements could be carried out only in the case of preoxidized surfaces. For the interpretation of the phenomena observed, a mechanism involving reactions of organic species with electrochemically formed OH radicals is proposed. Studying the reduction of pyruvic acid, it has been stated that, similar to the behaviour of simple aliphatic ketones, the conversion of the Download : Download full-size image group into -CH2- occurs to a significant extent.