Patent ID: 6251256
Filing Date: 2001-06-26
Classification: C25B

Abstract:
A process for oxidizing an aldehyde moiety of a target chemical to an ester moiety in a divided electrochemical cell, the process having a hemiacetal intermediate, comprising:preparing an anolyte comprisingcombining an alcohol, a source of halide, a buffering agent, and water to form an electrolyte,adjusting the electrolyte to a pH at about which the hemiacetal is favored over acetal formation, andadding the target chemical;placing the anolyte in contact with an anodic electrode of the divided cell;placing a catholyte in contact with a cathodic electrode of the divided cell; andapplying electrical power to the cell, wherein the electrical power has an amperage or voltage, and wherein the applying is for a time period, sufficient to oxidize the aldehyde moiety to the ester moiety, wherein the target chemical is selected from the groupe consising of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde.