Anodic oxidation of α-silylacetic acids: Effects of anode material, current density and concentration on competing decarboxylation and desilylation processes

A model acid, Ph2(Me)SiCH2COOH, undergoes two competing anodic reactions, decarboxylation and desilylation under non-Kolbe conditions (e.g., at a C anode, in MeOH). The effects of anode material, current density, substrate concentration and base concentration on the two competing reactions have been investigated. The scope of the reaction was extended to other α-silyacetic acids of type R2R′SiCH2COOH, in order to study the influence by the substituents attached to silicon on the nature and distribution of products emerged from electrolysis.

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