Patent ID: 8617376
Filing Date: 2013-12-31
Classification: A23L,C07C,C07D,C11B,C25B

Abstract:
1. A process for the electrochemical preparation of γ-hydroxycarboxylic esters, γ-lactones, or both, the process comprising reductive cross-coupling of α,β-unsaturated esters with carbonyl compounds in an undivided electrolysis cell, wherein the electrolysis cell comprises a cathode material and a basic, aqueous electrolyte, the cathode material is selected from the group consisting of lead, lead alloy, cadmium, cadmium alloy, mercury, steel, glassy carbon, and boron-doped diamond, and the electrolyte comprises at least one electrolyte salt selected from the group consisting of bisquaternary ammonium, multiquaternary ammonium, and phosphonium salt.