Steven C. Cermak

A new electrochemical catalyst has been synthesized from an analog of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO) and the medium chain fatty acid, undecenoic acid. The electrochemical properties of the new material are shifted to more positive potential by ∼170 mV, typical for other substituted TEMPOs. The straightforward reaction gives a catalyst that has been tested in the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones and gives reaction rates similar to TEMPOs when considered on a per nitroxyl basis. However, the new system gives an ∼ 3‐fold higher primary over secondary selectivity. This reaction shows promise as a versatile method in the potential to synthesize rationally designed electroactive materials with a high biobased content.