Indirect Electrooxidation of Halohydrins by a Double Mediatory System of Ru(VIII)/Ru(IV) and [Cl+]/Cl−. Optimization for the Oxidation of 1,3-Dichloro-2-propanol to 1,3-Dichloroacetone

Abstract

Abstract Optimum conditions for the electrooxidation of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1) to 1,3-dichloroacetone (2) by using a double redox system of Ru(VIII)/Ru(IV) and [Cl+]/Cl− are elucidated. The electrolysis of 1 in an AcOEt–aqueous NaCl (2:3 v/v) system buffered at pH 2–4 in a divided cell at 0–5°C gives 2 in 98% selectivity toward 1,1,3-trichloroacetone (3) under the current efficiency of 92%.