Patent ID: 7332067

Claim:
Process for the preparation of an α-substituted carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of α-hydroxycarboxylic acids and N-substituted α-aminocarboxylic acids, which comprises cathodic carboxylation with carbon dioxide at a diamond film cathode of a compound corresponding to the formula R 1 —C(═X)R 2 , wherein R 1 stands for an optionally substituted radical selected from the group consisting of linear, branched or cyclic alkyl, arylalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl, R 2 stands for H or a radical designated under R 1 , X stands for O or N—R 3 and R 3 stands for a radical designated under R 1 , or for OH, in a catholyte comprising a conducting salt and an organic solvent, wherein the carboxylation is carried out in an electrolytic cell divided into a cathode chamber and an anode chamber with the use of an anode which is not soluble under electrolytic conditions.