Electrodeposition of 4,4′-di-tert-butylbiphenyl peroxide from the anodic oxidation of p-tert-butylphenol in an alkaline acetonitrile solution

Abstract

The electrogeneration of pure 4,4′-di-tert-butylbiphenyl peroxide as an electrodeposit could be achieved on a platinum electrode through the anodic oxidation of p-tert butylphenol in the presence of Lutidine, in addition to several soluble oligomers. The electrochemical and theoretical studies have shown that the favored coupling reaction corresponds to the O–O bond, albeit it is generally being considered unstable. Without the strong base, a mixture of trimer, tetramer and pentamer was deposited. The peroxide product presents a different electroactivity to that of the phenolic compound, with the appearance of a redox process involving cathodic and anodic symmetrical peaks at −0.10/0.15 V versus SCE, which indicates the preference of the polymer to adhere onto the electrode surface. The thermal degradation has also been analyzed. Quantum-chemical calculations reveal the reason for the oxygen–oxygen coupling.