The Kolbe Electrolysis in Acetonitrile as Solvent

Abstract

The Kolbe electrolysis of benzoic acid in presence of naphthalene in the aprotic solvent acetonitrile has been studied. The formation of the benzoates of 1-naphthol and 4-hydroxy-1,1'-dinaphthyl is ascribed to the intermediacy of benzoyloxy radicals and therefore supports the currently accepted radical mechanism of the Kolbe electrolysis. The electrolysis of phenylacetic acid in acetonitrile with triethylamine as supporting electrolyte was also briefly examined.