Abstract: A new process is described for the preparation of a 2-aryl-propionic acid, such as for instance 2-[4-(2-methyl-propyl)phenyl]propionic or 2-(6'-methoxy-2'-naphthyl)propionic acid, through hydrogenation of a complex salt which consists of the mono- and/or di-valent anion of the corresponding 2-hydroxy-2-aryl-propionic acid, a di- or tri-valent metal cation, such as for instance Al(+3), Fe(+3), Zn(+2), or Mg(+2), and optionally other anonic or neutral ligands.This new process is particularly advantageous in that the starting salt can be obtained directly via electrocarboxylation of the corresponding aryl methyl ketone, e.g. 4-(2-methyl-propyl)acetophenone or (6-methoxy-2-naphthyl) methyl ketone, with metal anodes which dissolve during the electrolysis.

Abstract: A filter press type electrolytic cell for continuous operation with renewable sacrificial electrodes. Said device enables cells of the filter press type to be fitted with a sacrificial electrode formed from metallic particles or generally from particles which are consumed during the electrolysis, and which can be continuously renewed.The modified cells according to the invention can be used successfully for electro-organic processes.

Abstract: A process for the electrocarboxylation of carbonyl compounds, for producing .alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acids by means of the reaction: ##STR1## The electrolysis of the carbonyl compound is conducted in a diaphragm-less cell with a soluble metal anode in the presence of a support electrolyte and an organic solvent into which carbon dioxide is bubbled.The complex salt obtained by the electrolysis is precipitated by treatment with a solvent, and is then separated and hydrolyzed to obtain the required acid.