Abstract: Paired electrochemical synthesis reactions in which ethylene glycol is formed at the cathode of a membrane divided cell at high concentrations and current efficiencies, up to 99 percent. Simultaneously, a compatible process is also conducted at the anode of the same electrochemical cell by reacting indirectly generated anode products with organic substrates to form secondary products, such as polybasic acids. The process is especially advantageous in that such secondary products, where appropriate can be further reacted with the ethylene glycol prepared from the catholyte of the same cell to form useful tertiary products, especially polyesters like polyethylene terephthalate. Mole ratios of ethylene glycol and polybasic acid can be controlled through selective use of regeneratable redox reactant.

Abstract: The electrosynthesis of ethylene glycol conducted with a formaldehyde-containing electrolyte provides unexpectedly higher current efficiencies at pH's maintained above about 5 to below about 7. Performance may be improved further through use of electrolytes having high formaldehyde-low methanol concentrations and with oxygen-containing organic compounds. Cell components such as gas diffusion electrodes and oxidized carbon or graphite cathodes also enhance current efficiencies.