Abstract

The electrooxidn. of Me2OH (2M) was studied using a Rh wire anode, an auxiliary Pt electrode and a ref. electrode of Hg​/HgSO4 with a Luggin capillary,​in 1M H2SO4 which served only as a blank. An atm. of N and a temp. of 45° were used. Potentiodynamic sweep profiles with and without MeOH indicate a charge differential exists because of a minor formation of surface oxide and the adsorption of HSO4-​ which blocks active adsorption sites. However, a noticeable increase in anodic charge results from the oxidn. of org. residue to CO2 and H2O. Re-​adsorption of MeOH, forming C-​OH and possibly C:O, had a measurable effect, and the ratio QD/QR (dehydrogenation charge​/oxidn. of org. residue charge)​, obtained from different values of the electrode potential is tabulated with the likely adsorbed radicals.