Heterocycle catalyzed electrochemical process

A method for heterocycle catalyzed electrochemical reduction of an aldehyde compound, comprising the steps of:

• (A) introducing said aldehyde compound into a solution of an electrolyte and a heterocycle catalyst in a divided electrochemical cell, wherein (i) said divided electrochemical cell comprises an anode in a first cell compartment and a cathode in a second cell compartment, (ii) said cathode reducing said aldehyde compound to at least one alcohol;
• (B) varying which of said alcohols is produced by adjusting one or more of (i) a cathode material, (ii) said electrolyte, (iii) said heterocycle catalyst, (iv) a pH level and (v) an electrical potential;
• and
• (C) separating said alcohol from said solution.

A method for heterocycle catalyzed hydrodimerization of carbonyl-containing molecules, comprising the steps of:

• (A) introducing said carbonyl-containing molecules into a solution of an electrolyte and a heterocycle catalyst in a divided electrochemical cell, wherein (i) said divided electrochemical cell comprises an anode in a first cell compartment and a cathode in a second cell compartment, (ii) said cathode hydrodimerizing said carbonyl-containing molecules into at least one organic product;
• (B) varying which of said organic products is produced by adjusting one or more of (i) a cathode material, (ii) said electrolyte, (iii) said heterocycle catalyst, (iv) a pH level and (v) an electrical potential;
• and
• (C) separating said organic products from said solution.