Selective electrochemical oxidation of organic compounds

An electrochemical cell for oxidizing an aryl-compound to a quinoid compound comprising a cell body forming a compartment to hold an aqueous electrolyte solution;

• an anodic electrode including a first foraminous or porous layer of a hydrophobic material, a second foraminous or porous layer with an oxidation catalyst dispersed therein, and a current collector in electrical contact with the second layer, the second layer positioned to provide contact with the aqueous electrolyte solution;
• a cathodic electrode positioned to provide contact with the aqueous electrolyte;
• means for transporting the aryl-compound through the first layer to the second layer of the anodic electrode;
• means for maintaining a pressure differential between the aqueous electrolyte solution and the aryl-compound sufficiently low to prevent substantial bulk intermixing of the aryl-compound and the aqueous electrolyte solution or flow of either the electrolyte solution or the aryl-compound through the anodic electrode whereby a substantially uniform interface of the aryl-compound and the aqueous electrolyte solution is formed at the boundary between the first and second layers or in the second layer of the anodic electrode;
• means for removing the quinoid compound from the cell;
• and means for supplying an electrical current between the cathodic and anodic electrodes.