The Electrolytic Reduction of Benzoic Acid to Benzyl Alcohol

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Abstract
The electrolytic reduction of benzoic acid to benzyl alcohol has been studied at cathodes of cadmium, tin, lead, mercury, zinc, aluminum, nickel, copper and iron. Appreciable yields of benzyl alcohol were obtained only at cathodes of lead and cadmium. The influence of the physical condition of the surface of the cathode is discussed. The best yield of benzyl alcohol was 85 per cent obtained at an extruded 99.99+ per cent lead cathode. The conditions described by Mettler are recommended. An aqueous alcoholic catholyte was used in place of the alcoholic catholyte. The current was 5 amp. For long runs a forty per cent acid is recommended. A 99.9 per cent lead cathode, which is easily obtainable, is satisfactory.

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