Low-temperature Hydrogenation of Toluene by Electrolysis of Water with Hydrogen Permeable Palladium Membrane Electrode

Hydrogenation of toluene proceeded with hydrogen derived from the electrolysis of water with an electrical cell that a hydrogen permeable palladium membrane was the cathode. The hydrogenation occurred with selectively permeated hydrogen through the membrane in a catalytic layer at more than 313 K and the rate of hydrogenation increased with increasing temperature. This system was stable at least several hours and about a half of hydrogen produced by the electrolysis can be used for hydrogenation.