The Electrolytic Oxidation of α‐Pinene, Terpinolene and Dipentene

Abstract

It is shown that the electrolytic oxidation of three terpene hydrocarbons, namely, α‐pinene, terpinolene and dipentene, can be carried out efficiently at a lead dioxide anode in dilute aqueous sulfuric acid as electrolyte. The addition of an emulsifying agent is not necessary, provided mechanical emulsification is maintained by agitation. The efficiency of oxidation is increased by raising the temperature, but is markedly decreased by making the electrolyte neutral or alkaline. Inorganic oxygen carriers, e.g., ceric ions, increase the current efficiency for the oxidation of the terpene hydrocarbons.