PROCESS FOR THE ELECTROCARBOXYLATION OF CARBONYL COMPOUNDS, FOR PRODUCING .alpha.-HYDROXYCARBOXYLIC ACIDS

摘要

A process for the electrocarboxylation of carbonyl compounds, for producing ?-hydroxycarboxylic acids by means of the reaction: The electrolysis of the carbonyl compound is conducted in a diaphragm-less cell with a soluble metal anode in the presence of a support electrolyte and an organic solvent. into which carbon dioxide is bubbled. The complex salt obtained by the electrolysis is precipitated by treatment with a solvent, and is then separated and hydrolysed to obtain the required acid.