Written by J.A Dobado | Last Updated on September 15, 2025
What is Kolbe electrolytic synthesis?
The Kolbe electrolytic synthesis is a process that involves the creation of symmetrical dimers through the electrolysis of carboxylates, commonly referred to as decarboxylative dimerization. If two distinct carboxylates are coupled, unsymmetrical products will result.
The Crum Brown-Walker reaction is a process related to the Kolbe electrolytic synthesis that involves the dimerization of half-esters.
References
- Kolbe, H. (1849), Untersuchungen über die Elektrolyse organischer Verbindungen. [Studies on the electrolysis of organic compounds] Justus Liebigs Ann. Chem., 69: 257-294. https://doi.org/10.1002/jlac.18490690302
Brown, A.C. and Walker, J. (1891), Elektrolytische Synthese zweibasischer Säuren. [Electrolytic synthesis of dibasic acids.] Justus Liebigs Ann. Chem., 261: 107-128. https://doi.org/10.1002/jlac.18912610106
Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Granada, with a long-standing research career in Computational Chemistry and molecular modeling and design.