The purpose of this investigation was to determine the mechanism of the anodic oxidation of maleic acid on platinized-platinum electrodes at 80⁰C. Current density-potential studies were conducted varying the parameters of maleic acid concentration and pH. The faradaic efficiency of the oxidation of maleic acid to yield CO₂ was determined. The effect of temperature on current density was also studied to determine the activation energy for the reaction. The oxidation of maleic acid occurred only in acidic solutions. The faradaic efficiency was found to be approximately 97 ± 5 per cent. A linear Tafel region was found which had a slope of 145 - 170 millivolts ~ 2.3RT/aF). The rate decreased with increasing maleic acid concentration. There was very little, if any, effect of pH on the rate in the range 0.3 to 2.0. At pH\u27s greater than 2.0, the rate increased rapidly. The activation energy was 33.4 kilocalories at the reversible potential.... --Abstract
