Electrochemically Initiated Synthesis of Methanesulfonic Acid. Issue 41 (31st August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Britschgi, Joel; Kersten, Wolfgang; Waldvogel, Siegfried R.; Schüth, Ferdi
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 61:Issue 41(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-08-31
• Subjects: Boron-Doped Diamond -- Electrolysis -- Methane -- Oxidation -- Sulfonation; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.202209591
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: The direct sulfonation of methane to methanesulfonic acid was achieved in an electrochemical reactor without adding peroxide initiators. The synthesis proceeds only from oleum and methane. This is possible due to in situ formation of an initiating species from the electrolyte at a boron‐doped diamond anode. Elevated pressure, moderate temperature and suitable current density are beneficial to reach high concentration at outstanding selectivity. The highest concentration of 3.7 M (approximately 62 % yield) at 97 % selectivity was reached with a stepped electric current program at 6.25–12.5 mA cm −2, 70 °C and 90 bar methane pressure in 22 hours. We present a novel, electrochemical method to produce methanesulfonic acid, propose a reaction mechanism and show general dependencies between parameters and yields for methanesulfonic acid. Abstract : The synthesis of methanesulfonic acid was achieved from only methane and oleum in an electrochemical reactor. At the boron‐doped diamond anode the species is formed, which initiates the catalytic cycle where methane is selectively sulfonated to the product. A concentration of 3.7 M (approximately 62 % yield) was achieved at 70 °C and 90 bar methane pressure in 22 hours.