Electrosynthesis of adipic acid by undivided cell electrolysis

A preparative method for synthesis of adipic acid in 47% yield was developed. The method is based on cyclohexanol oxidation in an undivided cell on the NiOOH electrode in aqueous alkali. A possibility of the step-by-step process was studied: oxidation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone (75% yield) and subsequent oxidation of cyclohexanone to adipic acid (52% yield). The electrosynthesis of adipic acid is accompanied by the formation of minor amounts (up to 10%) of glutaric and succinic acids.