Reduction of Maleic Acid to Succinic Acid on Titanium Cathode

Electrochemical reduction of maleic acid to succinic acid has been studied. The effect of (i) temperature, (ii) current density, (iii) concentration of H2SO4, and (iv) hydrodynamic conditions on conversion of maleic acid and current efficiency has been studied. The reaction was best carried out electrochemically at 40 °C at a current density of 625 A m-2. The effect of recycling the electrolyte, on conversion and current efficiency, has been reported. Conversion of maleic acid and current efficiency are affected marginally up to the fifth reuse. A material balance has been presented for these recycle studies.