Evonik Operations Gmbh

Evonik Functional Solutions Gmbh

Rüdiger Teufert

Michael Horn

Philip Heinrich Reinsberg

Felix Gärtner

Marc Weiner

Felix GÄRTNER

The invention relates to a method for producing an alkali metal alcoholate solution Lin an electrolysis cell E which comprises at least one cathode chamber K, at least one anode chamber K, and at least one central chamber Klying therebetween. The interior Iof the cathode chamber Kis separated from the interior Iof the central chamber Kby a separating wall W comprising at least one alkali-cation-conductive solid ceramic electrolyte (='AFK') F (e.g. NaSICON). During the electrolysis process for producing the alkali metal alcoholates with F instead of F', an improved conductivity is provided, whereby for a constant current density, a lower voltage can be used.

Method for producing alkali metal alcoholates in an electrolysis cell

A process for electrochemical preparation of sodium alkoxide is performed in an electrolysis cell having three chambers, wherein the middle chamber is separated from the cathode chamber by a solid-state electrolyte permeable to sodium ions, and from the anode chamber by a diffusion barrier. The geometry of the electrolysis cell protects the solid-state electrolyte permeable to sodium ions from acidic destruction by the pH of the anolyte that falls in the course of electrolysis. The anolyte used in the process is a brine also comprising carbonates and/or hydrogencarbonates, as well as NaCl. The process solves the problem that COfrom these carbonates and/or hydrogencarbonates forms in the electrolysis cell during the electrolysis of this brine obtained from pretreatment. The process prevents the formation of a gas bubble in the electrolysis cell that disrupts electrolysis and reduces the contamination of the chlorine with CO.

Process for preparing sodium alkoxides

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Cologne, Germany

Rüdiger Teufert