THE EFFECT OF ELECTROLYSIS CONDITIONS ON THE OXIDATION OF STYRENE IN METHANOL

Anodic oxidation of styrene (1) in methanol and the effect of the anio n of the supporting electrolyte and of the anode material on this proc ess have been studied. The most efficient conversion of 1 into (1,2-di methoxyethyl)benzene (2) occurs when the electrolysis is carried out w ith a platinum anode and with potassium fluoride or tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate as the supporting electrolyte. Cleavage of the C-C sigma bond in 2 to give benzaldehyde dimethylacetal (3) is the most ef ficient at a graphite anode in the presence of sodium tosylate.