Abstract: A process for the preparation of ?-substituted carboxylic acids from the series including ?-hydroxycarboxylic acids and N-substituted-?-aminocarboxylic acids by cathodic carboxylation with carbon dioxide of a compound corresponding to the general formula R1—C(?X)R2 which is constituted by aldehydes, ketones or N-substituted imines. In the past, that carboxylation has taken place in an undivided electrolytic cell with the use of a sacrificial anode. As described herein, the carboxylation takes place in the absence of a sacrificial anode in an electrolytic cell divided by a separator, at a diamond film cathode. The anode is formed of a material which is stable under electrolytic conditions; in particular, it is a diamond film electrode. The catholyte includes an organic solvent and a conducting salt.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of ?-substituted carboxylic acids from the series including ?-hydroxycarboxylic acids and N-substituted-?-aminocarboxylic acids by cathodic carboxylation with carbon dioxide of a compound corresponding to the general formula R1—C(?X)R2 which is constituted by aldehydes, ketones or N-substituted imines. In the past, that carboxylation has taken place in an undivided electrolytic cell with the use of a sacrificial anode. As described herein, the carboxylation takes place in the absence of a sacrificial anode in an electrolytic cell divided by a separator, at a diamond film cathode. The anode is formed of a material which is stable under electrolytic conditions; in particular, it is a diamond film electrode. The catholyte includes an organic solvent and a conducting salt.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for the anodic alkoxylation of an organic compound with an alcohol comprising between 1 and 4 C atoms, in particular methanol, in a reactor comprising a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The invention uses a reactor comprising an MEA that contains a cation exchange membrane or a microporous polypropylene membrane, whereby one or both electrode layers were created using carbon black and/or graphite, optionally doped with a heavy metal and a sulfonated, polyfluorinated polymer or copolymer in a liquid suspension containing a suspension medium.

Abstract: Organic substrates, such as cyclic ethers, N-substituted amides, ketones, alkyl-aromatic substances and alkyl-heteroaromatic substances can be anodically alkoxylated, especially methoxylated, in the presence of an alcohol. Alkoxylation in the presence of a mediator or in a divided cell using a solid electrolyte is known. The anodic alkoxylation according to the invention is carried out in the absence of a mediator in an undivided electrolytic cell using a diamond anode or gold anode and allows for high yields and a high current efficiency.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are provided for picking up rapidly running filaments with an ejector type device which is operated by compressed air. According to the method, the filaments are caught and placed under the influence of the propulsion jets of the ejector no later than, and preferably before, the time when the filaments are cut. In one embodiment the apparatus for carrying out this method includes a lateral lead-in passage in the ejector for receiving filaments. The passage provides a path for the filaments, which path is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the ejector and extends from the inlet of the ejector, passes the exit openings of propulsion jets and leads laterally out from the propulsion tube of the ejector. In a second embodiment the ejector is provided with a lateral lead-in passage which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ejector.