Joseph T. Lundquist

Mediated electrosynthesis with cerium (IV) in methanesulphonic acid

Methanesulphonic acid has been found to solubilize the Ce(III)/Ce(IV) couple. This makes cerium mediated electrosynthesis practical for commercial production of several carbonyl compounds. Results are presented for the electrochemical generation of Ce(IV) in methanesulphonic acid and for naphthalene oxidation to 1,4-naphthoquinone using Ce(IV).

Selective oxidations with ceric methanesulfonate and ceric trifluoromethanesulfonate

Abstract Cerium(IV) in aqueous methanesulfonic acid and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid are excellent reagents for the oxidation of alkyl and polycyclic aromatics to aromatic aldehydes, ketones and quinones.

Rechargeable lithium-titanium disulphide cells of spirally-wound design

Abstract A thin and flexible TiS 2 electrode is being developed. The electrode is made without carbon via a non-aqueous process, thus avoiding some of the earlier difficulties encountered with TiS 2 electrodes. Cylindrical, spirally-wound Li-TiS 2 cells were fabricated. An AA-size cell delivers 1.08 A h at an average discharge voltage of 2.12 V (200 mA rate). Cycle life at over 80% depth of discharge varies between 50 and 200 cycles depending on cell fabrication parameters. These include: type and amount of electrolyte, Li to TiS 2 capacity ratio, and type of separator.

SIMULATION OF A MEDIATED ELECTROCHEMICAL PROCESS

Abstract Mediated electrosynthesis is a cyclic process involving electrochemical generation of a redox agent and use of that agent to effect a chemical reaction. This process is applicable to a large number of mediators and chemical substrates. Cerium in particular is an excellent mediator for syntheses of aldehydes and quinones. An ASPEN PLUS process and cost model is presented for the cerium mediated electrosynthesis of 1,4-naphthoquinone from naphthalene. The process involves two-phase reaction, phase separation, liquid-liquid extraction, electrochemical oxidation, and crystallization. The ASPEN PLUS simulator, however, does not include a module for the separation of organic and aqueous electrolyte solutions. Therefore, a liquid-liquid extractor block is developed based on distribution coefficients. The extractor model also accounts for phase entrainments. Stream compositions are controlled by maintaining fixed ratios of component mass flows. Finally, an extremely tight tolerance is required to account...