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Electrochemical Regeneration of a Spent Oxidizing Solution: Example of a Clean Chemical Process

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M. Ingles , P. Bonete , E. Expósito , V. García-García , J. González-Garcia , J. Iniesta and V. Montiel

Universidad de Alicante, Departamento de Química-Física, Ap. correos 99, E-03080 Alicante, SPAIN

J. Chem. Educ., 1999, 76 (10), p 1423

DOI: 10.1021/ed076p1423

Publication Date (Web): October 1, 1999

Abstract

This paper describes a simple laboratory experiment suitable for degree courses in chemistry or chemical engineering. It is very easy to carry out and provides a simple demonstration of the utility of the electrochemical methodology. It consists of two stages. The first is obtaining benzaldehyde by oxidation of benzyl alcohol using a solution of potassium dichromate in sulfuric acid. Analysis by gas chromatography is used to monitor the reaction. After work-up, the second stage, the electrochemical regeneration of the chromium(VI) solution, using a filter press type reactor, is accomplished. Visible spectrophotometry is used to monitor the chromium species solution. A 96% material yield in electrolysis for the regeneration of the chromium(VI) solution was obtained. This means that at the end of the experiment, the initial chromium(VI) solution is nearly recovered and shows the possibility of using chromium(VI) in a closed cycle without generating hazardous effluents.