Electrochemical Reduction of Alkenes over a Nickel Foam Guided by Life Cycle, Safety and Toxicological Assessments

The electrochemical hydrogenation of enones and alkenes using commercial Ni foam and an aqueous acidic solution is presented. Toxicological and screening life cycle assessments were used to identify potential “hotspots” of environmental and human health impact during the development phase of the method, as well as to evaluate the performance of the electrochemical Ni method against the conventional use of Pd/C and H2 gas. The scope of the alkene hydrogenation has been investigated, as well as the recyclability of the Ni foam.