Synthesis of 1,1-diethoxyethane from ethanol using electrogenerated acid

Abstract

We introduce a novel reaction where electrogenerated acid (EGA) enhances ethanol upgrading. Electrochemical oxidation of ethanol produces acetaldehyde and protons; the protons act as EGA, catalyzing acetalization to form 1,1-diethoxyethane. Stirring the solution shifts the reaction towards acetaldehyde production because EGA is neutralized by an electrogenerated base at the cathode.