Abstract: An electrolytic process is described for preparing organic hypohalite compounds from an electrolyte comprised of aqueous brine, organic alcohol, and organic solvent solution in an undivided cell. For example, tertiary butyl hypochlorite is prepared in an undivided cell by the electrolysis of tertiary butyl alcohol and aqueous sodium chloride brine. High product yield, high cell current efficiency, and high cell current density are achieved by proper selection and use of a suitable inert organic solvent in the cell during electrolysis, proper selection of anode to cathode gap distance, and proper control of the pH of the electrolyte solution. The organic hypohalite formed in the cell is recovered for use after electrolysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in situ reduction of cathode overvoltage in electrolytic cells. The method involves introducing low overvoltage or noble metal ions into the catholyte solution and plating those ions on the cathode in situ. The apparatus includes a low overvoltage or noble metal ion generating device for introducing low overvoltage or noble metal ions into the cathode solution so as to plate them in situ on the cathode during or prior to cell operation.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell employing a hydraulically impermeable membrane having a spacing means interposed between the anode and the membrane, is operated by providing a positive pressure differential between the cathode compartment and the anode compartment. The pressure differential is sufficient to maintain contact between the spacer and the membrane to provide uniform spacing between the anode and the membrane. In addition, this process provides sufficient spacing between the membrane and the cathode to provide efficient release of any gas formed and to prevent gas blinding at the cathode. Employing the positive pressure differential enables the cell to be operated at reduced energy costs when producing, for example, concentrated solutions of sodium hydroxide by careful control of the spacing between the membrane and the electrodes.

Abstract: A highly conductive and corrosion resistant low hydrogen overvoltage cathode. The cathode comprises a copper substrate plated with an alloy of nickel, vanadium, and molybdenum.

Abstract: Current efficiency in an electrolytic membrane cell for the production of potassium hydroxide from aqueous solutions of KCl is considerably increased by maintaining the anolyte concentration of KCl at 250-350 grams per liter and the catholyte concentration of KOH at from about 410 to about 480 grams per liter. The electrolytic cell employs a cationic permselective membrane comprised of a hydrolyzed copolymer of a perfluoroolefin and a fluorosulfonated perfluorovinyl ether.

Abstract: Optimum current efficiencies are attained and maintained in a membrane chlor-alkali electrolytic cell by the constant, precise control of both the brine and caustic concentrations at each membrane phase boundary. Such control requires recycling through external holding tanks wherein the concentrations are adjusted to 560 grams per liter caustic and 190 grams per liter brine. Turbulent flow of such concentrations in the cells helps maintain the optimum concentration and also decreases the diffusion layer.

Abstract: The electrolysis of alkali metal chloride solutions in a diaphragm cell having an anode compartment separated from a cathode compartment by a porous perfluorosulfonic acid resin diaphragm is optimized by maintaining the pH of the alkali metal chloride solution in the range of from about 3.0 to about 5.0. In this pH range, highly desirable bulk flow properties are obtained by controlling the dimensional stability of the perfluorosulfonic acid resin.

Abstract: A highly conductive and corrosion resistant low hydrogen overvoltage cathode. The cathode comprises a copper substrate plated with an alloy of nickel, vanadium, and molybdenum.

Abstract: Hydrogen halide levels of halogenated aliphatic nitriles are unexpectedly reduced by condensing a vapor comprising hydrogen halide and halogenated aliphatic nitrile at selected elevated temperatures, thus producing a product having reduced hydrogen halide levels and improved storage stability.

Abstract: Concentrated alkali metal hydroxide substantially free of alkali metal halide and other impurities is produced by the electrolysis of an alkali metal halide solution in an electrolytic cell having a dimensionally stable anode and a metal cathode separated by an electrically conductive stable selectively permeable hydrated cation ion-exchange membrane film of a fluorinated copolymer having pendant sulfonic acid groups or derivatives of such groups. The membrane film is capable of use at high temperatures and under severely corrosive chemical conditions for extended periods without degradation.