Synthesis of aliphatic α-hydroxy carboxylic acids via electrocarboxylation of aldehydes.

Herein, we describe electrocarboxylation of aliphatic aldehydes in an undivided cell for the synthesis of aliphatic α-hydroxy acids (AHA). The electrosynthesis utilizes stable carbon-based electrodes providing safe and simple access to AHAs. Yields between 20 to 45% are acheived with seven substrates, some up to three times higher than with previous electrosynthesis protocols.