A Green and Efficient Electrochemical Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohols to Phenyl Ketones Using Sodium Bromide

A novel electrochemical method for the oxidation of benzyl alcohols to the corresponding ketones is presented. This approach employs a catalytic amount of sodium bromide as a mediator and a source for in-situ generation of bromonium ion, sulfuric acid as a supporting electrolyte, and carbon electrodes in a two-phase medium. Optimization studies revealed that a charge of 2 F yields excellent product conversion at ambient temperature. This methodology demonstrates high selectivity for the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols to aldehydes and ketones (65–85%), respectively, without forming carboxylic acids. This efficient and environmentally friendly approach offers a promising alternative to traditional oxidation methods.