A preliminary study of the anodic phenomena occurring in organic electrolysis

Abstract

Some preliminary calculations have been made in an endeavor to connect the electrolytic decomposition potentials of compounds with the electron affinity of the constituents of the compounds. Variations in the experimental data at hand are so wide that no great degree of accuracy can be ascribed to these calculations. The depolarization values of several organic acids were determined, as a preliminary step toward. the construction of an oxidation-reduction series for organic compounds. Secondary decomposition points were determined for a few organic acids. The uncertainty in the interpretation of these points was pointed out. Some organic compounds were electrolytically oxidized. The electro-oxidation of phenol in methyl alcohol solution yielded hydroquinone and an unidentified resin. Phenyl iodide was synthesized electrolytically by the Sandmeyer-Gattermann reaction. Mandelic acid was oxidized to benzoic acid in aqueous solution. Mandelic acid methyl ester was oxidized to benzoyl formic acid in ethyl alcohol solution.--Summary.