Patent ID: 6020520
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: C25B

Abstract:
A process for the preparation of tetraalkyl 1,2,3,4-butanetracarboxylate, which process comprises subjecting a substantially anhydrous liquid electrolysis medium containing a dialkyl maleate, an alkanol corresponding to the alkyl groups of the dialkyl maleate, and an alkanol-soluble alkali metal acetate/quaternary ammonium tetrafluoroborate supporting electrolyte to electrolysis in an electrolysis cell, using a graphite anode and a graphite cathode, to effect electrohydrodimerization of the dialkyl maleate to yield the tetraalkyl 1,2,3,4-butanetctracarboxylate, and wherein the alkali metal acetate/quaternary ammonium tetrafluoroborate supporting electrolyte mole ratio is between about 40/1 and about 200/1.