Electrochemical Oxidation of Toluene on Glassy Carbon Electrodes in Organic Medium

The electro-oxidation of toluene in 0.1 M But(4)NPF(6) + CH3CN solutions on glassy carbon electrodes was studied using electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical techniques. Toluene electro-oxidation yields an electrochemical inactive film on the electrode surface. In situ Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) studies suggest the formation of a polymeric film, as the main product, on the surface. Depending on the experimental time scale toluene transformation is a complex reaction that could involve adsorption processes, pure charge transfer reaction and couple chemical reactions. Additions of small quantities of water to the electrolyte cause a cathodic displacement of the oxidation peak potential; in other words, the electro-oxidation reaction is favoured.