Kolbe Electrolysis

Kolbe electrolysis or Kolbe reaction is an organic reaction named after Adolph Wilhelm Hermann Kolbe. The Kolbe reaction is formally a decarboxylative dimerisation and proceeds by a radical reaction mechanism. Generally, the reaction can be observed as:

R₁COO− + R₂COO− → R₁-R₂ + 2 CO₂

If R₁, R₂ are different, then alkanes R₁-R₁ and R₂-R₂ are also formed.

As an example, electrolysis of acetic acid yields ethane and carbon dioxide:

CH₃COOH → CH₃COO− → CH₃COO· → CH₃· + CO₂

2CH₃· → CH₃CH₃

Another example is the synthesis of 2,7-dimethyl-2,7-dinitrooctane from 4-methyl-4-nitrovaleric acid :