Electrochemical oxidation of cinnamic acid using stainless steel electrodes

The electro-organic technique is observed to be the modem tool in achieving the oxidation of organic acids to some other useful organic molecules. In the present study, the favourable experimental conditions for carrying out the electrochemical oxidation of cinnamic acid, the experimental set up required and probe for the various products formed have been tried. The anodic process has been carried out at low cost and readily available stainless steel electrode under aqueous conditions. On identification of the products using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, the most probable mechanism has been proposed. To confirm the positive occurrence of the oxidative process under electrolytic conditions, the current - potential study was carried out. The product was analysed by TLC technique, UV and IR spectral studies and identified as 1,4-diphenylbut - 1,3-diene. This work paves a humble way of opening up a new area wherein other electro analytical parameters like polarography, cyclic voltammetry, electrode variation, temperature variation, solvent effects etc. can be studied, along with innumerable substittient effect studies.