The Anodic Oxidation of trans-Cinnamic Acid. I. The Formation of Ketone and Aldehyde Derivatives

The electrochemical oxidation of trans-cinnamic acid in a mixed aqueous solution of acetic acid and methanol containing potassium hydroxide was studied. The separation of ketones and aldehydes from the neutral materials using Girard reagent P gave benzaldehyde, tolualdehydes, acetophenone, methylacetophenones, propiophenone, phenacyl acetate, and phenacyl alcohol. The mechanism of the anodic reaction of trans-cinnamic acid has been discussed