Anodic oxidation of methanol at a Pt electrode in a hydrophobic room temperature ionic liquid

Abstract

Anodic oxidation of methanol was investigated at a Pt electrode in 1-butyl-l-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide (BMPTFSA) room temperature ionic liquid. It was found that methanol can be oxidized electrochemically in the ionic liquid without water. The oxidation products were identified as dimethoxymethane and proton by gas chromatography and electrochemical measurements. The further oxidation of dimethoxymethane was also suggested by cyclic voltammetry.