Process for preparing sodium alkoxides

US11629415B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Evonik Functional Solutions GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Michael Horn · Noblesville, US
• Felix Gärtner · Marburg, DE
• Philip Heinrich Reinsberg · Bonn, DE
• Rüdiger Teufert · Cologne, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 22, 2021
• Grant date: Apr 18, 2023
• Expiry date: Nov 24, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C01P2006/40
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process for electrochemical preparation of sodium alkoxide is performed in an electrolysis cell having three chambers, wherein the middle chamber is separated from the cathode chamber by a solid-state electrolyte permeable to sodium ions, and from the anode chamber by a diffusion barrier. The geometry of the electrolysis cell protects the solid-state electrolyte permeable to sodium ions from acidic destruction by the pH of the anolyte that falls in the course of electrolysis. The anolyte used in the process is a brine also comprising carbonates and/or hydrogencarbonates, as well as NaCl. The process solves the problem that CO2 from these carbonates and/or hydrogencarbonates forms in the electrolysis cell during the electrolysis of this brine obtained from pretreatment. The process prevents the formation of a gas bubble in the electrolysis cell that disrupts electrolysis and reduces the contamination of the chlorine with CO2.