Electrochemical Oxidation of 4-(Piperazin-1-yl)phenol in the Presence of Aryl Sulfinic Acids

Electrochemical oxidation of 4-(piperazin-1-yl)phenol has been studied in the presence of aryl sulfinic acids as nucleophiles in ethanol/water mixture (10/90) using cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential coulometry methods. The results indicate that the electrochemically generated p-quinone-imine participates in Michael type addition reaction with aryl sulfinic acids and via an EC mechanism converts to the new 2-(phenylsulfonyl)-4-(piperazin-1-yl)phenol derivatives. The present work has led to the development of a facile and environmentally friendly electrochemical method for the synthesis of some new 2-(phenylsulfonyl)-4-(piperazin-1-yl)phenol derivatives under green conditions. (C) 2012 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.033204jes] All rights reserved.