Hydrothermal electrolysis of organic compound in the presence of electrolyte was conducted for a woody biomass model compound. The reaction behavior of 1-butanol as a woody biomass model compound was studied in subcritical conditions at 200-250 degrees C and 8-12 MPa with a batch autoclave. The autoclave volume was 500 mL and equipped system with agitation stirrer, electric current control, electric heating and temperature control and a pressure gauge. The chemical species in aqueous products were identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and quantified using gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The gaseous products were analyzed by gas chromatography with a thermal conductivity detector (GC-TCD). The effects of reaction temperature, pressure and applied constant current on the conversion process of 1-butanol were presented. The main products from the conversion of 1-butanol were butanal, butyric acid, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Additionally, the values of reaction rate constant for butanal and butyric acid formation were calculated at 200 and 250 degrees C by kinetic study. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.