Kolbe Electrolysis

2CH3COO− → C2H6 + 2CO2 + 2e−

Descripción general

Kolbe electrolysis oxidizes carboxylate anions at the anode, decarboxylating them to form alkyl radicals that dimerize. Two acetate ions lose CO₂ to form two methyl radicals that couple to produce ethane. This is one of the oldest electroorganic reactions, discovered in 1849.

Participantes

Rol Sustancia Coeficiente Estado
Reactivo Acetic Acid CH₃COOH 2 (aq)
Producto Ethane C₂H₆ 1 (g)
Producto Carbon Dioxide CO₂ 2 (g)

Ejemplo cotidiano

The Kolbe reaction demonstrates how electricity can drive chemical reactions, connecting organic chemistry to electrochemistry.

Importancia industrial

La electrólisis de Kolbe se ha usado para sintetizar hidrocarburos de cadena larga a partir de sales de ácidos grasos y se está explorando para la producción de biocombustibles renovables.

Propiedades

Tipo
Organic
Reversible
No
Energía
Endotérmico

Reacciones relacionadas

Epoxidation of Alkenes (mCPBA) Swern Oxidation Oxidation of Secondary Alcohol to Ketone E2 Elimination (Dehydrohalogenation) Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate) Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime) Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene Dehydration of Ethanol

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Kolbe Electrolysis?
The balanced equation is: 2CH₃COO⁻ → C₂H₆ + 2CO₂ + 2e⁻.
What type of reaction is Kolbe Electrolysis?
Kolbe Electrolysis is a organic reaction.
Is Kolbe Electrolysis exothermic or endothermic?
Kolbe Electrolysis is endothermic (absorbs energy).