Abstract: An electrochemical process for hydrogenating an unsaturated fatty acid, mixtures of two or more fatty acids, or the unsaturated fatty acid constituents of an edible or non-edible oil's triglycerides is performed using a solid polymer electrolyte reactor. Membrane electrode assemblies consist of a cation exchange membrane onto which porous anode and cathode electrodes are attached. As the electrodes are permeable, reactant and products enter and leave the membrane/cathode and membrane/anode reaction zones via the back sides of the electrodes. Hydrogen is generated in situ by the electro-reduction of protons that are formed at the anode and which migrate through the ion exchange membrane for reaction with the fifty acids or fatty acid constituents. In the disclosed process, only protons (H+ ions) carry the current between the anode and the cathode. The need for a supporting electrolyte to conduct electricity has been circumvented.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for electrochemically producing a carbonaceous material with its surface modified by organic groups, in particular functionalized organic groups. The process comprises providing a solution, in a protic or aprotic solvent, comprising a salt of a carboxylate of an organic residue capable of undergoing a Kolbe reaction. The solution is then put in contact with a carbonaceous material, wherein the carbonaceous material is positively polarized with respect to a cathode that is also in contact with the solution. The solution may optionally contain an electrolyte. The invention also concerns carbonaceous materials modified at the surface with arylmethyl groups and the use of these modified materials, for example, in the production of composite materials.

Abstract: Methods and devices for transforming less desirable chemical species into more desirable or useful chemical forms are disclosed. The specifications can be used to treat pollutants into more benign compositions and to produce useful chemicals from raw materials and wastes. The methods and devices disclosed utilize electrical current induced by electromagnetic field and high surface area formulations. The invention can also be applied to improve the performance of existing catalysts and to prepare novel devices.

Abstract: A process for the electrochemical oxidation of organic compounds, wherein the anode material used is a mixed oxide of formula (I) MoaBibX1cX2dX3eX4fX5gOh  (I) where X1 is V, Nb, Cr, W, Ta, Ga, Ce, and/or La; X2 is Li, La, K, Rb, Cs, Cu, Ag, Au, Pd and/or Pt; X3 is Fe, Co, Ni and/or Zn; X4 is Sn, Rb, Sb and/or Te; X5 is Ti, Zr, Si and/or Al; and where a is 0-3; b is 0-3; c is 0-12.5; d is 0-5; e is 0-1.5; f is 0-1; and g is 0-25 with the proviso that a+d≧0.15.

Abstract: Process for the reduction of halogenated hydrocarbons and for obtaining their derivatives in an electrolytic cell which includes at least one cathode, at least one anode and a solution. A hydrogen-permeable membrane is arranged in the at least one anode such that the at least one anode constitutes a hydrogen-diffusion anode, and hydrogen or a hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the hydrogen-permeable membrane. An electrolytic cell for the reduction of halogenated hydrocarbons includes at least one high overpotential cathode containing lead, cadmium, graphite, copper and/or tin, at least one hydrogen-diffusion anode containing palladium and a solution.

Abstract: A process for the electrochemical reduction of an organic compound by bringing the organic compound into contact with a cathode, wherein the cathode comprises a support made of an electrically conductive material and an electrically conductive, cathodically polarized layer formed thereon in situ by alluviation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel process for preparing a compound, in which materials difficult to prepare at low temperature can be prepared even if the temperature is such a low temperature as room temperature. In this process, a solid catalyst is disposed in a vessel, a sub-reaction field f is formed on the surface of the solid catalyst, and materials for reaction are supplied to the sub-reaction field f whereby the reaction is progressed to synthesize an objective compound.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing onium hydroxides from the respective onium salts and for purifying onium hydroxides in an electrochemical cell. In one example, the present invention relates to a process for preparing onium hydroxides from the corresponding onium salts which comprises the steps of: (A) providing a cell comprising an anode, a cathode and one or more unit cells assembled for operational positioning between the anode and the cathode, each unit cell comprising: (A-1) four compartments defined by, in sequence beginning at the anode, a bipolar membrane, a first divider and a second divider, said bipolar membrane having an anion selective side facing the anode and a cation selective side facing the cathode.

Abstract: The invention relates to 2-alkylmercapto-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic esters of the formula (II), in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are, independently of each other, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6) alkyl, and a process for their preparation, which comprises reacting 3,4-dichlorobenzotrifluoride electrochemically at an anode with CO.sub.2 to give 2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-benzoate, converting it into the corresponding benzoic ester of the formula (I), and then reacting it with an alkylmercaptide R.sup.2 S.sup.e.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing organic and inorganic hydroxides or alkoxides, or ammonia or organic amines from the corresponding salts in an electrolysis cell which comprises an anolyte compartment containing an anode and an electrolyte solution, a catholyte compartment containing a cathode, and an intermediate compartment containing a liquid wherein said intermediate compartment is separated from the catholyte compartment by an anion selective membrane and from the anolyte compartment by a cation selective membrane, said process comprising the steps of:(A) charging to the catholyte compartment, a mixture comprising an organic or inorganic salt or an amine salt, and a liquid selected from water or organic liquids provided that sufficient water is present in the catholyte mixture to form the desired hydroxide or amine, or sufficient alcohol is present in the catholyte mixture to form the desired alkoxide;(B) passing a current through the electrolysis cell to produce the desired hydroxide, alkoxide or am

Abstract: An improved electrochemical process for thiocyanating aminobenzene compounds (e.g., 3,4-dichloroaniline), and in particular a process for preparing 2-aminobenzothiazole compounds, is disclosed which provides attractive yields under relatively favorable temperature conditions, and with reduced or minimal cyanide formation. In a further aspect, use of quaternary ammonium salts in the thiocyanation medium has been found to inhibit cathodic corrosion.

Abstract: An electrochemical process and system for dehalogenating halogenated hydrocarbons. The process facilitates on-site processing and transformation of waste oils, PCB oils in electrical transformers and chlorinated solvents to salts. The system includes a two-piece tubular structure including an electrical insulating member, an electrode member having perforations leading into a hollow vessel portion. The process includes, by example, reacting the halogenated hydrocarbon compound with at least one metal hydroxide selected from a metallic hydroxide group consisting of sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, zinc hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide in the presence of an alcohol selected from an alcohol group consisting of methanol, ethanol, or isopropanol. The tubular structure is inserted into the container and energized by applying a voltage to the electrode member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing 4,4'-dimethyl-1,1'-binaphthyl, by electrochemically oxidatively dimerizing 1-methylnaphthalene in the presence of acetonitrile/water/conducting salt mixtures which additionally contain at least one further component which is immiscible or only partially miscible with water.