Selective electrochemical oxidation of organic compounds in a mass transfer-enhanced electrochemical flow reactor (e^–NETmix)

e^–NETmix stands as an electrochemical flow reactor engineered to enhance mass transfer. This study aimed at assessing the performance of the e^–NETmix reactor in the realm of organic electrosynthesis. Specifically, the research focused on the selective electrochemical oxidation of 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol (4-MBA) to p-anisaldehyde (PAA) using a bare fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) anode. The efficiency of the process was assessed for distinct current densities (j), Reynolds numbers (Re), supporting electrolyte contents, and substrate initial contents. The e^–NETmix reactor was extensively compared to a commercial electrochemical flow reactor (MicroFlowCell from ElectroCell, Denmark). e^–NETmix facilitated the use of a broader range of j (0.8–2.0 mA cm⁻² versus 0.8 mA cm⁻²) together with smaller Re (≥190 versus >1750), supporting electrolyte contents (≥1 mM versus ≥30 mM), and substrate initial contents (≥2.0 mM versus ≥3.0 mM) with no loss of PAA production or energy consumption. These findings underscore a remarkable suitability of e^–NETmix as a reactor for organic electrosynthesis.