Electrochemical Hydrogenation of Organic Compounds: A Sustainable Approach

Abstract

Conventional methods for hydrogenation of organic compounds generally use corrosive catalysts and reagents, along with extreme conditions like high temperatures and pressures. Quenching of corrosive materials does not deter its negative impact on the environment, nor is one safe when it comes to working with high temperature and pressure. Electrochemical hydrogenation (ECH) has proven to be safe and green since most of the efficient reactions are conducted at ambient pressure and temperature, minimizing, and sometimes even negating the use of toxic catalysts and corrosive reagents as compared to conventional methods. This review therefore provides different strategies used for ECH in the past, modification of different electrodes, half reactions taken up for efficient energy usage and catalysts used for different hydrogenation reactions. It presents the advances in electrochemical hydrogenation reactions of organic compounds, starting from simple aliphatic compounds to complex polyaromatics and heterocyclic aromatic compounds.