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Electrosynthesis of iminodiacetic acid from nitrilotriacetic acid

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Abstract

The electrosynthesis of iminodiacetic acid by electrooxidation of nitrilotriacetic acid in undivided cells has been studied using Zn, Cu, PbO2, DSA®O2, DSA®Cl2, C, Ni and porous carbon as anodes. Results show that the synthesis is possible in both acid and basic mediums. The best results were obtained in aqueous 40% w/w sulphuric acid with porous carbon RVC-4000 as anode and SUS 316 as cathode, at 60 °C, 400 mA cm-2 and charge 95% of theoretical. Under these conditions, nitrilotriacetic acid conversion was 92%, current efficiency 80% and selectivity 85%. Loss of selectivity was due to chemical side reaction between iminodiacetic acid and HCHO electrogenerated in the electrolysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ercros I&D, Centro de Investigación de Tres Cantos, Departmento de Química Orgánica, Ronda de Valdecarrizo, 23, Tres Cantos, 28760, Madrid, Spain

    J. R. Ochoa

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  1. J. R. Ochoa
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Ochoa, J.R. Electrosynthesis of iminodiacetic acid from nitrilotriacetic acid. J Appl Electrochem 23, 910–914 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00251026

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00251026

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