Anodic oxidation of isoalkylethers in aqueous electrolytes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)87062-9

Three isoalkylethers, di-sec-butylether (DSBE), di-i-propylether (DIPE) and t-butylmethylether (TBME) were oxidized in 1 M H₂SO₄ (mostly as emulsions) at Pt anodes. Solubility was improved by cosolvents, e.g. CH₃CN. The standard current density was 750 A m^-2. Methylethylketone MEK was the main product, obtained with c.e. of 50 % (yield 70 %), for the cleavage of DSBE. Acetone was found with 68 % c.e. and 66 % yield for the decomposition of DIPE. Acetic acid was the main side product in both cases. TBME was anodically cleaved into t-butanol with 83 % c.e. In case of DSBE, the reaction has some industrial interest, for it transforms a useless side product of butene hydration to a valuable product MEK.