Process for the electrochemical oxidation of arylketones

摘要

The present invention provides a process for preparing arylglyoxals which comprise the steps of (a) electrochemically oxidizing an arylketone at a pH of less than about seven and at a temperature of from about -20. degree. C. to about 120° C. in the presence of an electrolyte for a sufficient period of time to form an arylacetal, and (b) subjecting said acetal to hydrolysis for a sufficient period of time and under suitable temperature and pressure conditions to form said arylglyoxal.