# Synthesis of aliphatic α-hydroxy carboxylic acids via electrocarboxylation of aldehydes

## TL;DR

This paper presents a new method to make aliphatic α-hydroxy acids using electrocarboxylation of aldehydes with CO2.

## Contribution

A novel electrochemical method for synthesizing aliphatic α-hydroxy acids with improved yields.

## Key findings

- Electrocarboxylation of aldehydes in an undivided cell produces aliphatic α-hydroxy acids.
- Stable carbon-based electrodes enable safe and efficient synthesis of these acids.
- Yields of 20-45% are achieved, some three times higher than previous methods.

## Abstract

Herein, we describe electrocarboxylation of aliphatic aldehydes in an undivided cell for the synthesis of aliphatic α-hydroxy acids (AHA). The electrosynthesis utilizes stable carbon-based electrodes providing safe and simple access to AHAs. Yields between 20 to 45% are acheived with seven substrates, some up to three times higher than with previous electrosynthesis protocols.

A novel method for synthesis of aliphatic α-hydroxy acids is achieved via electrocarboxylation of aldehydes with CO2 in an undivided cell with stable carbon based electrodes.