ELECTROCHEMICAL SYNTHESIS IN OXIDATION CHEMISTRY

The features of electrochemical method in the oxidation of organic compounds are described from practical standpoints as compared with those of oxidizing agent method and catalytic method. Oxidation products are usually formed by direct electron release of organic compounds to anode or indirect path through inorganic reagent to anode, followed by various chemical reactions, but can be partly formed by cathodic reaction of dissolved oxygen in electrolytic solution with organic compounds. Electro-oxidation method which was developed since 1830 ages is recently much attentioned as an improved method of organic syntheses because of emphasis on its advantages, especially specific and harmlessly environmental process. Several kinds of characterized reactions in electro-oxidation synthesis such as Kolbe-type dimerization, anodic substitution and oxygenation via inorganic mediators are mentioned. Dehydrodimerization of active hydrogen compounds and regiospecific anodic halogenation to aromatic nucleous using cyclodextrin modified carbon electrodes are discussed in fairly details. © 1979, The Society of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Japan. All rights reserved.