ANODIC-OXIDATION OF 2-CYANOETHANOL TO CYANOACETIC ACID

2-Cyanoethanol (3-hydroxypropiononitrile, 1) has been oxidized electrochemically in aqueous sulfuric acid at platinum- and lead dioxide anodes with current densities of 30-200 mA cm-2 to give cyanoacetic acid (3). Current efficiencies and material yields were up to 60%. Side products are HCN via an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inChemische Berichte Vol. 118; no. 9; pp. 3771 - 3780
Main Authors WERMECKES, B, BECK, F
Format Journal Article
LanguageGerman
Published DEERFIELD BEACH Wiley 01.01.1985
Subjects
Chemistry
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Physical Sciences
Science & Technology
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Summary:2-Cyanoethanol (3-hydroxypropiononitrile, 1) has been oxidized electrochemically in aqueous sulfuric acid at platinum- and lead dioxide anodes with current densities of 30-200 mA cm-2 to give cyanoacetic acid (3). Current efficiencies and material yields were up to 60%. Side products are HCN via an anodic attack at .beta.-CH2 with 8-15% and cyanoacetaldehyde with 3-13% current efficiency on platinum. In priciple, HCN can be recycled to new starting material and cyanoacetaldehyde to yield further product. Electrooxidation at Pt takes place at an anode, which is partially covered with platinum oxides. High overvoltages are interpreted in terms of voltage drop in a rigid organic adsorbate layer.
ISSN:0009-2940
DOI:10.1002/cber.19851180929