Method for producing high purity hydroxides and alkoxides

Abstract

Processes are described for preparing organic and inorganic hydroxides or alkoxides and for improving the purity of organic and inorganic hydroxides or alkoxides utilizing an electrolysis cell. For example, a process for improving the purity of an organic or inorganic hydroxide is described, and the process comprises the steps of: (A) providing an electrolysis cell which comprises an anolyte compartment containing an anode, a catholyte compartment containing a cathode and water, and at least one intermediate compartment containing water, an organic liquid, or a mixture of water and an organic liquid, said at least one intermediate compartment being separated from the anolyte and catholyte compartments by at least two dividers selected from nonionic dividers, cation selective membranes, or combinations thereof; (B) charging a mixture comprising the organic or inorganic hydroxide and an oxidizable liquid to the anolyte compartment; (C) passing a current through the electrolysis cell to produce a purified organic or inorganic hydroxide in the catholyte compartment; and (D) recovering the purified organic or inorganic hydroxide from the catholyte compartment. The process of the invention is effective in lowering the content of anions such as halide, nitrite, nitrate, carbonate, etc., some cations such as zinc, calcium, etc., and neutral organic materials such as methanol, amines, etc.