Indirect electrochemical synthesis of 1

4-naphthoquinone was studied by using Ce3+/Ce4+ as mediator.The influence factors related to the processes of liquid phase oxidation of naphthalene and electrochemical oxidation of Ce3+ were investigated

and indirect electrochemical synthesis of 1

4-naphthoquinone was also conducted.The experimental results showed that concentrations of H2SO4 and solution temperature had significant influence on oxidative ability and electrochemical reactivity of cerium ions.The highest yield of 1

4-naphthoquinone (85.8%) could be obtained during liquid phase oxidation in 1.0 mol·L-1 H2SO4 at 70℃.The current efficiency of electrochemical oxidation of Ce3+ could reach up to 90.6% with current density of 50 mA·cm-2 in 1.0 mol·L-1 H2SO4 at 50℃.Excellent results were achieved during indirect electrochemical synthesis of 1

4-naphthoquinone.The tests were cycled for six times

and average yield of 1

4-naphthoquinone and current efficiency of electrochemical oxidation of Ce3+ were 85.7% and 87.8% respectively.These indicated that this technology could have a good prospect of commercialization.