Influence of Structure and Strain in a Metal Cathode on the Electrolytic Reduction of Nitrobenzene to Aniline

Abstract

The electrolytic reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline in alcoholic sulfuric acid medium was studied. The present paper reports data for different cathodes: nickel, rolled copper, macro‐etched iron, annealed steel, carburized steel unquenched, carburized steel quenched in oil, carburized steel quenched in water, and steel subjected to varied tensile strains—4.7%, 17.5%, 35% and to severe cold hammering. Results show the probable influence of structure, of increased strain and of carbon content of a steel cathode, and of the effect of different treatments such as annealing, carburizing, quenching in oil and in water.