New Method Enhances Chemical Reaction Selectivity by Controlling Acidity

Researchers have identified a previously overlooked chemical variable, acidity near electrodes, that significantly boosts desired product proportions in chemical reactions from 16% to 97%. This new method offers a promising pathway for manufacturing plastics, medicines, and other products using oxygen and electricity, potentially reducing reliance on hazardous oxidants. The findings were published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.