Scalable Microreactor Concept for the Continuous Kolbe Electrolysis of Carboxylic Acids Using Aqueous Electrolyte.

The Kolbe electrolysis is a promising reaction to combine the usage of electrons as reagents and the application of renewable generated carboxylic acids as raw materials producing value added chemicals. Within this study, the electrolysis was conducted in a specially developed concept electrochemical microreactor and draws the particular attention to continuous operation and reuse of the aqueous electrolyte as well as of the dissolved unreacted feedstock. The electrolysis was conducted in alkaline aqueous solution using n-octanoic acid as model substance.