What is Electrochemistry?

Electrochemistry is an exciting and expanding field that opens up new opportunities in chemical synthesis. This article helps support a better understanding of electrochemistry, giving researchers and scientists more confidence in executing the technique and the means to communicate the reactions' results properly.

Electrochemistry - or, more accurately, electrosynthesis - is a process in which the flow of electrons is used in place of a conventional chemical reagent to induce a chemical reaction. Conceptually, it is relatively easy; two electrodes are immersed within a reaction mixture to be considered part of the electrical circuit through which electrons flow (propelled by an outside potential). A reaction occurs at each electrode; the reagent at the anode oxidizes and discharges electrons to the anode, and there is a subsequent reduction of the reagent at the cathode as it gains electrons.

An early example is the Kolbe electrosynthesis from 1848—which inspired the ElectroReact platform—which demonstrates how carboxylic acid deprotonates in water. In this process, two carboxylate ions are oxidized at the anode, producing CO₂ and forming equivalent radicals, which eventually combine to create a product.

Two electrons are also liberated in this process, so to balance the overall reaction, there must be a second reaction at the cathode. This is typically H₂ production from H⁺, either from the solvent or the original acid.

The energy for the reaction is produced by the externally driven flow of electrons around the circuit. The reaction pathway is partly determined by fundamental chemistry and, in part, by the reactor characteristics—there is a convergence of chemistry and technology in determining the outcome.

Image Credit: Asynt

The choice of reactor is crucial for electrochemistry to succeed. This depends on a well-characterized reactor that can function under inert conditions when necessary and facilitates easy sampling or material addition. A reactor should control key parameters, such as spacing between electrodes and mixing, to ensure the most reproducible science. This is why Asynt has developed the ElectroReact to support researchers and scientists in the laboratory.

A series of intuitive apps offers a greater understanding of the key principles of electrochemistry. They make it easy to describe reaction conditions, increasing the chances of success when producing chemical products.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Asynt.

For more information on this source, please visit Asynt.