Kolbe Electrolysis

Abstract

The Kolbe electrolysis involves the formation of symmetrical hydrocarbons through the coupling of radicals generated from carboxylic acid at an anode via electrolysis. The study shows that the free radicals have been used to initiate the polymerization for the preparation of low molecular weight polystyrene as well as polymers, but under certain conditions the generated radicals disproportionate and form carbocations. This reaction has been modified to occur in liquid ammonia. This reaction is useful for the preparation of hydrocarbons.

eFluorination Using Cheap and Readily Available Tetrafluoroborate Salts

“…Recently, Baran and co-workers demonstrated the use of electrochemistry to generate carbocations from nonactivated aliphatic carboxylic acids using Kolbe/Hofer-Moest chemistry. ,, These carbocations were captured by different alcohols to afford a range of hindered ethers, which are challenging to synthesize by conventional means. It was also reported that, in the presence of an excess of KF and 18-crown-6, the carbocations could be trapped to form the corresponding alkyl fluorides.…”