Electro reduction of aliphatic esters using new paired electrolysis systems

Electroreduction of aliphatic esters to form 2-alkoxytetrahydrofurans was achieved by using a new paired electrolysis system, that consists of the cathodic reduction of aliphatic esters and the anodic oxidation of the solvent (THF). It was also found that the presence of magnesium ion in the electrolyte promoted the electroreduction of aliphatic esters remarkably. In fact, the electroreduction of aliphatic esters was found to proceed toward 2-alkoxytetrahydrofurans by using a platinum cathode and anode in the presence of anodically dissolved magnesium ions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.