PROCESS FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL OXIDATION OF FERROCYANIDE TO FERRICYANIDE

摘要

The present invention concerns a process for oxidizing an aqueous phase comprising ferrocyanide (V) which is recovered from an oxidative phenolic coupling reaction, to an aqueous phase comprising ferricyanide (IV), in a divided electrochemical cell, comprisingpreparing an anolyte comprising pretreating the aqueous phase comprising ferrocyanide (V) which is recovered from an oxidative phenolic coupling reaction by decantation or extraction; placing the anolyte in contact with an anodic electrode of the divided electrochemical cell; placing a catholyte in contact with a cathodic electrode of the divided electrochemical cell; and applying electrical power to the divided electrochemical cell, wherein the electrical power has an amperage or voltage and wherein the applying is for a time period sufficient to oxidize the ferrocyanide (V) to ferricyanide (IV). The use of an aqueous phase comprising ferricyanide (IV) obtainable by said process for an oxidative phenolic coupling reaction is also claimed.