Electrochemistry pitfalls?

thenewrunne · Chemically Balanced

After reading a few of the reductions involving electrochemistry they seem to be high yielding, fairly simply reactions do. There is also a reduction in the number of chemicals needed to complete the making of, for example, amphetamine.

Is it really as simple as setting the electrodes up, getting a good power supply, adding the ingredients and zapping it?

Do the reactions proceed easily? Are they hard to get working correctly? How forgiving is the technology?

For chemicals like amphetamine, is it possible to "overreduce" it? (say from p2np).

Any comments would be great, SWIM is considering going the electrochem route for the next set of reactions.

SWIM has previous experience with regular MDMA routes etc.

MargaretThatcher · Mon Apr 18, 2005 5:49 am

There is not much practical experience in this area. The reactions certainly work but the conditions need to be just right. Electrode material is crucial as is the voltage. It is possible to over reduce or over oxidise the product, hence the need to control the voltage.

bio · Working Bee

Oh yes, many pitfalls in electro chem. As Margaret pointed out earlier determining voltage is easier said than done. Current yield is also rather tricky.

Having said that; try to find a proven procedure that uses constant current (most do) and gives exact details as to electrode material, size and spacing. Also reaction time, temp and electrolyte concentration. Substituting anode material with carbon/graphite in lieu noble metals is usually stated in the procedure if it works.

Armed with this it really is easy but w/o it you will be fiddling around endlessly and most give up due to improper preparation and understanding.

jsumner · Wed Apr 20, 2005 12:27 am

FWIW there is what appears to be a decent electrochem text in the e-books section. You might want to check it out.

MargaretThatcher · Wed Apr 20, 2005 3:20 am

The counter electrode does not take part in the main reaction and can be of any conductive material that is inert in the electrolyte. Hence, graphite, noble metals etc.. The working electrode is more difficult to choose. Often, materials with a high hydrogen overvoltage are used, such as mercury and cadmium.