Abstract: A novel process of preparing a Grignard reagent is disclosed. The process is effected by electrochemically reacting a Grignard precursor with an electrode which comprises a metal for forming the Grignard reagent, in the presence an electrolyte solution that comprises a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL). Electrochemical cells and systems for performing the process, and uses thereof in various applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing metal salts of organic sulfonic acids such as tin alkane sulfonates by electrolysis is described. The method comprises: (A) providing a membraneless electrolytic cell having an upper section and a lower section, and comprising: (i) a metal anode positioned in the lower section of the electrolytic cell, and (ii) a cathode positioned in the upper section of the electrolytic cell, (B) charging to the cell, an aqueous solution of an organic sulfonic acid, (C) passing a current through the cell whereby the metal of the anode dissolves in the sulfonic acid and forms the desired metal sulfonate, (D) accumulating the metal sulfonate in a lower portion of the lower section of the cell, and (E) recovering an aqueous solution of the desired metal sulfonate from the lower portion of the lower section of the cell.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing metal 2-ethylhexanoates includes reaction of metals with a reaction mixture including a carboxylic acid, a low weight aliphatic alcohol, and an electroconductive additive under the action of electric current in an elecrolyzer. In the electrolyzer, an ion exchange membrane divides respective anode and cathode compartments. The metal is introduced in the form of an anode, and is preferably lead or bismuth. The carboxylate is preferably 2-ethylhexanoic acid. The electroconductive additive is preferably a salt of 2-ethylhexanoic acid and an alkali metal or ammonium cation.

Abstract: Catalyst compounds comprising at least one transition metal having an oxidation number of 0 or 1 and at least one sulfonated phosphine are electrochemically synthesized, by electrolyzing an aqueous solution catholyte (contained in the cathode compartment of any suitable electrolytic cell) comprising at least one transition metal compound and at least one sulfonated phosphine.

Abstract: An electrolytic process for producing lead and tin sulfonates which comprises applying a DC voltage to an anode and a plurality of cathodes in an electrolytic cell and thereby dissolving lead or tin in an electrolytic solution. The electrolytic cell is partitioned by cation- and anion-exchange membranes into anode and cathode chambers. The electrolytic solution is a solution of an organic sulfonic acid, and the anode is lead or tin. The process reduces contents of radioisotopes such as uranium and thorium to a level of less than 50 ppb, and therefore the coatings formed by solder plating using the lead and tin salts in accordance with the invention show radioactive .alpha. particle counts of less than 0.1 CPH/cm.sup.2.