Process for the electrochemical preparation of gamma-hydroxycarboxylic esters and gamma-lactones

US8617376B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Itamar Michael Malkowsky · Haßloch, DE
• Florian Stecker · Mannheim, DE
• Simone Lutter · Ludwigshafen, DE
• Olivier Abillard · Ludwigshafen am Rhein, DE
• Ralf Pelzer · Rastenberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 24, 2012
• Grant date: Dec 31, 2013
• Expiry date: Aug 24, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C25B3/25
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

γ-Hydroxycarboxylic esters and γ-lactones which are suitable as flavors can be prepared by electrochemical reductive cross-coupling of α,β-unsaturated esters with carbonyl compounds in an undivided electrolysis cell having a cathode composed of lead, lead alloys, cadmium, cadmium alloys, mercury, steel, glassy carbon or boron-doped diamonds and a basic aqueous electrolyte comprising an electrolyte salt which suppresses the cathodic formation of hydrogen.