Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Kolbe electrolysis

mudimans - 31-3-2015 at 08:31

I'm reading a lot about the Kolbe electrolysis in articles and literature.
The potentials of the Kolbe electrolysis are very high:
- symmetrical and asymmetrical alkanes and alkenes
- halogenation
- formation of cyclo alkanes and alkenes

But what I can't find is the electrolysis of tricarboxylic acid salts, like citrate.

I have two hypotheses in case of the electrolysis of sodium citrate:
- A cyclic product will first be formed, which will be coupled to another cyclic product;
- or an alkene will be formed, which will couple to another alkene.

In my opinion the second hypothesis will happen, because to form the alkene the molecule doesn't have to be twisted.

What do you think people?


[Edited on 31-3-2015 by mudimans]

kermiche_mgp - 1-7-2015 at 19:44

you dont make experience?
i am also interested by this reaction
no research done to answer this question, i should make experience to see what product can i get on the anode is it gas or liquid or solid :(

Paddywhacker - 4-7-2015 at 02:42

I looked up this question a long time ago. From memory, citric, tartaric and other hydroxy-acids give just water, carbon dioxide and maybe acetic acid.

The reactions are free-radical ones leading to breakup of the skeletons. I probably read about it here, in a volume in the forum library.

morsagh - 5-7-2015 at 04:17

Product from electrolysis of sodium citrate

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