Electrochemical carboxylation of aldehydes and ketones with sacrificial aluminum anodes.

The electrocarboxylation of aldehydes to the corresponding α-hydroxyacids was described as impossible with conventional electrochemical systems. It is reported here that it is possible to realize it in diaphragmless cells making of sacrificial aluminum anodes. The method can be used also for the electrocarboxylation of ketones with good yields.