Studies in the electrolysis of acetate solutions

Abstract

1. Electrolysis of acetate solutions has "been conducted under different conditions.

2. Electrolysis in non aqueous solvents gives products -which vary little with temperature and anode material. With water present in the solvent products depend on temperature and on anode material

3. In the electrolysis of aqueous solutions at platinum electrodes the current is distributed in . .. three main reactions, Kolbe, Faraday and complete oxidation. At low temperatures ethane is the main product. The yield falls off with rise in temperature and complete oxidation increases to a maximum. Free oxygen now appears. With a further rise in temperature the ethane yield becomes practically zero, complete oxidation decreases and the free oxygen yield increases.

4. An explanation of the course of the reaction is suggested on the basis of the discharged ion theory. The peroxide theory is possible but the oxidation theory does not explain the results.

5. Higher ethane yields are obtained at higher temperatures by the electrolysis of more concentrate solutions. Increase in the current density also "brings about increased yields. This is explained by the assumption that the anode behaves as a catalyst,

6. The different products derived from electrolysis of aqueous solutions at different anodes can also be explained on the above assumption.

7. A quantitative estimation of the Hofer and Moest methyl alcohol experiment has been made. The main reaction is the formation of methyl alcohol. Other reactions are ethane and oxygen formation. Residual current amounting to about 30% is used in complete oxidation.