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Indian researchers from the Centre for nano and soft matter sciences and CSIR – National Chemical Laboratory have regarded electrolysis as an effective way for the oxidative transformation of phenol.

The electrochemical organic transformation:

• The study involves the electrochemical organic transformation of phenol to 1,4 hydroquinone and other oxidised products which have several industrial applications.
• The oxidative products of phenols like 1,4 hydroquinone, catechol or resorcinol play an important role in the synthesis of medicinal and industrial organic compounds.
• 1,4 hydroquinone is used as an intermediate in the manufacturing of food preservatives, pharmaceuticals and polymers. 
• This method provides economic and environmental advantages compared to conventional chemical methods. 
• After a detailed study, researchers found that the issue with the metal-based electrodes can be overcome by using graphene-like structures with the desired number of oxygen-bearing surface functional groups.