Kolbe Electrolysis

2CH₃COO⁻ → C₂H₆ + 2CO₂ + 2e⁻

Visão geral

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

Papel	Substância	Coeficiente	Estado
Reagente	Acetic Acid CH₃COOH	2	(aq)
Produto	Ethane C₂H₆	1	(g)
Produto	Carbon Dioxide CO₂	2	(g)

Exemplo do cotidiano

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

Importância industrial

A síntese de Kolbe foi uma das primeiras aplicações da electroquímica à síntese orgânica. A sua variante moderna é estudada para a produção de combustíveis de aviação sustentáveis a partir de ácidos gordos renováveis.

Propriedades

Tipo: Organic
Reversível: Não
Energia: Endotérmico

Reações 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).