Electrosynthesis of aryl-carboxylic acids from chlorobenzene derivatives and carbon dioxide

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)86724-7

The electrocarboxylation of a large variety of chlorobenzenic compounds is achieved in N,N-dimethylformamide by constant current electrolysis between a stainless steel cathode and a sacrificial magnesium anode in a diaphragmless cell. Substituted benzoic acids are obtained in high yield in simle conditions thus avoiding the usual preparation of organometallic intermediates.