Mathematical Modeling of the Paired Electro‐organic Syntheses in Packed Bed Flow Reactors: II . Gluconate and Sorbitol from Glucose

Abstract

The mathematical model has been applied to the paired synthesis of gluconic acid and sorbitol from glucose in a packed bed flow reactor. Good agreement between experimental results obtained previously and model predictions has been obtained. Model calculations show anode current efficiency is not a function of current density, whereas sorbitol current efficiency is strongly dependent on current density. Surface coverages of hydrogen on the Raney nickel powder cathode range from 0.7 to 0.8 at 1.75 mA/cm2; glucose electrohydrogenation at 60°C is charge‐transfer controlled. For a fixed quantity of Raney nickel, an increase in the cathode diameter results in increased sorbitol current efficiencies.